Work in Progress: Transformation Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (T-CURE)

Abstract Undergraduate research experiences are well-established as a high impact practice for students. Transitions, including those from community colleges, are often challenging for students to navigate and may lead to retention issues. In this project, we designed a summer course to leverage undergraduate research as a mechanism for supporting students during programmatic and campus transitions. We recruited from dual credit (e.g., "Running Start") programs, incoming transfer students from local two-year institutions, and undeclared STEM students. In the course, we included transformational experiences and personal artifacts as a way to enhance research identity and build community. The personal artifacts were used as a tool to allow students to share an aspect of themselves with the research class. Student worksheets and reflective essays were collected to assess identity related tasks and reflections in the course. Students completed a survey about the class experience, with 100% of students reporting agreement that the class had a positive sense of community and collaboration.