Educational outcomes are intimately linked to social networks, comprised of students, peers, educators, administration, etc.- all of which influences academic success. These embedded networks are vital to understand as they influence performance and retention in academic settings. This is particularly important in areas such as STEM, which seek to increase overall enrollment and program retention.
Networks, Education, and Health Interventions
Course Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs)
Partnering with Dr. Veronica Segarra from Goucher College, we are engaged in a study examining how scientific information-sharing networks are formed via the Malate Dehydrogenase (MDH) Classroom-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) Community (MCC). The MCC CURES is a national network of scientist-educators who aim to implement MDH biochemistry research projects in the undergraduate laboratory classroom. We are looking to examine patterns of communication, collaboration, and information sharing within the MCC Slack group using social network analysis methods. This will allow us to understand how knowledge and support move through professional communities, identify important sources of expertise and mentorship, and inform us on how collaborative scientific communities function.
The benefits are many, including a deeper understanding of the MCC, which can impact our members' undergraduate teaching. Additional benefits may include measuring more efficient network structures for the exchange and spread of beneficial information and identifying key members in knowledge transfer. We will use this feedback to inform future community resource offerings.
