Biological Sciences (61). The ComGen: Community College Genomics Research Initiative is bringing hands-on, real-world research experiences in genomics to community college science students. The goal is to introduce genomics into existing curricula as a way of addressing the need to increase student interest and achievement in STEM disciplines. The project is designed primarily for the community college student. Building on several successful models of high school, community college and university programs that incorporate genomics into curricula, ComGen is 1) creating new curricula that brings genomics research activities to classrooms at all levels of biology instruction at the community college level; 2) developing faculty expertise in using real research as a teaching tool in the classroom; 3) implementing the pilot community college program; and 4) evaluating its potential for replication at community colleges nationwide. A strong ComGen partnership is helping connect and strengthen the STEM education community through a team approach involving secondary, community college, and university faculty who are collaborating with scientists and researchers.
