Project Grant 2538682

The National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awarded the University of Northern Colorado $605,815 on October 1, 2026, under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to integrate Python programming into undergraduate biology courses and provide professional development for faculty and graduate teaching assistants.

The project will embed computing across the biology curriculum—introductory, intermediate, and upper-level courses—allowing students to engage with computational skills multiple times throughout their academic trajectory. The recipient will develop computing modules aligned with commonly taught biology courses, designed for adaptation and adoption at other institutions. Professional development activities will equip faculty members and graduate TAs to support effective instruction in this interdisciplinary area. The project employs a design and development research approach with iterative refinement of computing materials and instructor support resources.

The award targets preparation of biology majors for careers that integrate biology and computing, an increasingly critical intersection in the STEM workforce. The project emphasizes building student confidence in computational skills, particularly for students without prior computing exposure, and supports broader participation in STEM by connecting students to emerging fields that require data-driven competencies.

Performance occurs at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. The period of performance extends from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029.