Developing scientific instrument operation, data analysis, and data visualization skills in plant ecology and plant biology

The National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awarded San Diego State University Foundation $500,000 on October 1, 2026, under the STEM Education program to develop course-based undergraduate research experiences integrating research-grade ecophysiological instrumentation into undergraduate biology courses.

Students will use scientific instruments employed in ecological research to investigate photosynthesis and carbon cycling from chloroplasts to ecosystems. The project embeds authentic research experiences into existing undergraduate courses rather than limiting hands-on work to traditional laboratory settings, expanding access to research participation. Students will collect and analyze physiological and ecosystem data, gaining experience in experimental design, R programming, data analysis, and scientific communication. The project will assess student learning, engagement, and research self-efficacy using evidence-based evaluation methods and disseminate findings through publications, professional meetings, and university outreach.

Work is performed in San Diego, California. The period of performance runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029. The assistance type is a Project Grant.

Abstract

This project aims to serve the national interest by providing access to authentic undergraduate research experiences through the integration of research-grade ecophysiological instrumentation into biology courses. Undergraduate research experiences enhance student engagement, persistence, and preparation for stem careers, yet the availability of these experiences remains limited because traditional laboratory research can accommodate only a small number of students. This level 1, engaged student learning project plans to embed course-based undergraduate research experiences (cures) into undergraduate biology courses at SAN diego state university. Students will use the same instruments employed in ecological research to investigate photosynthesis and carbon cycling across biological scales, from chloroplasts to ecosystems. By integrating scientific practices with core biological concepts, the project intends to strengthen student learning, increase participation in stem, and develop workforce-relevant research skills. The significance of the project lies in expanding access to authentic research experiences while strengthening connections between teaching and contemporary ecological research. The goals of this project are to improve student understanding of plant physiology and ecosystem ecology while investigating the effectiveness of integrating research-grade instrumentation into undergraduate instruction. Students will collect and analyze physiological and ecosystem data, gaining experience in experimental design, r programming, data analysis, and scientific communication. The project plans to assess student learning, engagement, and research self-efficacy using evidence-based evaluation methods and disseminate results through publications, professional meetings, and university outreach. The project is expected to advance understanding of how course-based research experiences supported by modern scientific instrumentation promote student learning and persistence in stem. The NSF iuse: EDU program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of stem education for all students. Through the engaged student learning track, the program supports the creation, exploration, and implementation of practices and tools. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.