If you’re interested in engaging undergraduate students in research in the classroom, lab or community, then Chem4REAL is for you. Together, we discuss issues around research equity, sustainability, logistics, advocacy, proposal or publication writing, an
CUR representatives Joe Baker (TCNJ), Bridget Gourley (DePauw University), Vanessa McCaffrey (Albion College), and Kari Stone (Lewis University) talk about strategies for effectively managing the undergraduate research enterprise in your laboratory. Tips for coupling your research to your teaching for maximum productivity for faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions and how to articulate the varied types of ways in which you mentor and develop students are discussed.
CUR representatives Joe Baker (TCNJ), Katie Mauck (Kenyon), Vanessa McCaffrey (Albion College) and Kari Stone (Lewis University) talk about their paths to their academic careers at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) and share some advice to other young professionals thinking about a career in academics.
New representatives chat with Prof. Vanessa McCaffrey about how they heard about CUR Chemistry and why they decided to get involved. In this episode, we hear from Dr. John Kirk from Carthage College and learn about his science and goals for his participation in CUR. Dr. Kirk's website: https://www.carthage.edu/live/profiles/747-john-kirk To learn more about CUR Chemistry, visit: https://www.cur.org/membership-community/divisions/chemistry-division/
Often students find that majoring in chemistry limits their ability to have experiences abroad relative to their peers in the humanities and social sciences. Listen and learn about one example of a program designed to give chemistry students both an international and research experience. CUR Representative Dr. Kari Stone (Associate Professor of Chemistry at Lewis University) talks with Dr. Kyle Grice (Associate Professor of Chemistry at DePaul University) about international research experiences for undergraduates. In DePaul University's program, projects are developed by students in concert with chemistry and biology faculty during the semester for academic credit. The capstone experience for these students is to travel to Spain to work on their projects for two and a half weeks. Dr. Grice talks about the scope of student projects and how students are evaluated and assessed at the end of the program. Dr. Grice's website: https://sites.google.com/site/drkyleagrice/
New representatives chat with Prof. Vanessa McCaffrey about how they heard about CUR Chemistry and why they decided to get involved. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Pius Adelani from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX and learn about his science and goals for their participation in CUR. To learn more about Dr. Adelani, please visit: https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/faculty/pius-adelani/ To learn more about CUR Chemistry, visit: https://www.cur.org/membership-community/divisions/chemistry-division/
New representatives chat with Prof. Vanessa McCaffrey about how they heard about CUR Chemistry and why they decided to get involved. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Sarah Shaner from Southeast Missouri State University and learn about her science and goals for her participation in CUR. Dr. Shaner's website: https://semo.edu/people-directory/faculty-staff/shaner-sarah.html To learn more about CUR Chemistry, visit: https://www.cur.org/membership-community/divisions/chemistry-division/
CUR Chemistry Representatives Joe Baker, Sudeep Bhattarcharyay, Bridget Gourley and Kari Stone talk about how they are using AI as a tool to enhance teaching and research. They discuss the metacognitive abilities of AI tools like Google Bard and ChatGPT and how these tools can lead to better outcomes for both professors and students. Resources: Artificial Intelligence in Chemistry: Current Trends and Future Directions, Zachary J. Baum, Xiang Yu, Philippe Y. Ayala, Yanan Zhao, Steven P. Watkins, and Qiongqiong Zhou J. Chem. Inf. Model. 2021, 61, 3197−3212 (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00619)
Dr. Michael Wolyniak and Dr. Nicole Najor from the CUR Biology division joined Dr. Kari Stone from Lewis University to talk about MIRIC - Mentoring the Integration of Research Into the Classroom. The MIRIC Initiative is a way to provide a means for new, mid-career, and future faculty to receive long-term mentorship in Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences, CUREs. Mike and Nicole talk about the structure of MIRIC and how chemistry faculty can get involved.
Members of the Chem4Real podcasting group talk about the evolution of the podcast from the early days of faculty talking about how they navigated teaching during the pandemic to the current slate of episodes dealing with topics ranging from DEI to mentoring.
Undergraduate Research - every student wants it but how do we balance the demands on our time and provide the authentic research experiences that we know are so valuable? Councilors Catherine Chan and Sudeep Bhattacharyay talk with Dr. Cheri Barta, Undergraduate Research Director for the Department of Chemistry at University of Wisconsin-Madison about current challenges that practitioners of undergraduate research face including burnout, maintaining a balance between teaching and research demands and more. As Sudeep shares in this podcast, one way to flip the perspective is to remember research is teaching; in fact, some of our best teaching. An insight Cheri shares is how we enhance the peer mentoring for students by creating structures and leadership opportunities for the undergraduates in programming and funding decisions.
In this episode, CUR Councilor Vanessa McCaffrey talks with Professor Mike Leopold from the University of Richmond about his 2022 CUR Mentor of the Year award from the Chemistry Division. Their conversation ranges from owl attacks, to models of mentoring in the research space to how research with undergraduates evolves and changes over time.
Cavagnero Description: In this episode, CUR Councilor Vanessa McCaffrey talks with Professor Silvia Cavagnero from University of Wisconsin - Madison about her 2022 CUR Mentor of the Year award from the Chemistry Division. Nominated by her former undergraduate research student, Dr. Brian Mounce (currently an Assistant Professor at Loyola University), Silvia joins Vanessa for an interview with two of her current undergraduate research students (Jasmine Machhi and Lucas Bartel). In this discussion, they talk about the importance of talking about diversity in the research lab and how this shapes the face of chemistry.
In this episode we hear from Dr. Kari Stone, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Lewis University, and Dr Sarah Shaner, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Southeast Missouri State University, as they discuss undergraduate research collaborations that support student training while maximizing faculty output.
In this episode, CUR Councilor Vanessa McCaffrey talks with Professor Paul Wagenknecht from Furman College about his 2022 CUR Mentor of the Year award from the Chemistry Division. Professor Wagenknecht talks about the importance of collaboration and how his mentors have shaped his experiences in chemistry.
In this episode, CUR Councilor Vanessa McCaffrey talks with Professor Mark Bussell from Western Washington University about his 2022 CUR Mentor of the Year award from the Chemistry Division. From talking about students to advice on how to best choose a project that fits the students you have, Dr. Bussell shares his experiences on what led to his award. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
Has the resilience of college campuses changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic? In this episode, we have assembled chemistry faculty from a range of institution types and from across our country. Together we explore how COVID has, or hasn't, changed the college experience both for students and for faculty.
There's nothing magical about the laboratory, and yet for many of us undergraduate research is the turning point in our careers. In this episode, Professor Chris Chang reflects on his journey from the bench to Berkeley and how his persistence, tenacity and wonder led to his success. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/ Resources: Chang Group Website: http://www.cchem.berkeley.edu/cjcgrp/
How can students navigate a system that may not be welcoming to them? Moreover, how can we, as academic professionals, support all students? In this episode, two Asian students in STEM share their experiences and provide perspectives that benefit all students, faculty, and staff. Throughout the episode, suggestions are provided to help all think about how individuals from different backgrounds have different constraints to their academic success. Mentors and higher educational professionals attuned to these differences can help students from non-majority backgrounds thrive in their chosen disciplines and college/university system. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
Our students don't study or perform research in a vacuum; current events deeply impact them. In this episode, Professor Venugopal Mukku in the Department of Math, Science, and Technology at the University of Minnesota Crookston speaks with students about the impacts of George Floyd's death and the subsequent murder trial on themselves and their college experiences. To allow the students to explore their thinking without fear of retribution, the students are not named. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
As academics, it is our responsibility to create an open, inclusive learning environment for all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status, and all other dimensions of diversity. In this episode of the Chem4REAL podcast, Drs. Amy Deveau and Toni Barstis interview their LGBTQIA+ former students, now STEM professionals, about their experiences. These two transgender males openly share their experiences of transitioning while pursuing higher education and their challenges seeking professional jobs and advancement. The strength they have gained from overcoming these challenges and advice for gender inclusivity in STEM is clearly discussed in this podcast. Learn from their reflections, and ask yourself: do you create a safe space for all students, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community? Some resources include: glaad.org/transgender/transfaq; Transequality.org; https://www.purdue.edu/lgbtq/resources/faculty_staff.php; and, The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist by Ben Barres (The MIT Press). As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In this episode Dr. Lindsey Davis, Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry, discusses diversity in hiring and the Berry College DEI statement with her Provost Dr. Mary Boyd. Together they explore reasons for broadening faculty diversity, tips on how to bring about a more equitable hiring process, and what exactly to put into a DEI statement. In particular they discuss how some of our standard pedigree-driven criteria discussions can introduce bias and how to make progress on more inclusive practices. This episode will help those that are engaged in a faculty search, seeking a faculty position, or thinking about their own institutional practices. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In this two-part episode, three STEM students/professionals in the LatinX community engage in a frank discussion about their personal journeys in obtaining higher education in STEM. During a conversation moderated by Dr. Hector Palencia, Professor of Chemistry at University of Nebraska, Kearney, these three individuals boldly discuss their challenges as immigrants to the U.S., including experiencing discrimination and bias, navigating the US educational and financial systems, dealing with fears of deportation, and serving as interpreters and advocates for their families and communities. The strength they have gained from overcoming these challenges, their successes in STEM, and their hopes for a brighter future are made evident in this podcast. Learn from their reflections, and ask yourself: do you really know what challenges your students face outside of the classroom? As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In this episode, three experienced faculty in different STEM areas working in a public comprehensive university in the Midwest share their experiences and suggestions on mentoring diverse STEM students through engagement in undergraduate research. We cover our thoughts on ways to support and recruit diverse students, how to establish personal connections and trust, different ways to build networks of support, and finding institutional resources to build these supports. https://curchem.wordpress.com/2020/09/23/chem4real-podcast-episode-2/
In this two-part episode, three STEM students/professionals in the LatinX community engage in a frank discussion about their personal journeys in obtaining higher education in STEM. During a conversation moderated by Dr. Hector Palencia, Professor of Chemistry at University of Nebraska, Kearney, these three individuals boldly discuss their challenges as immigrants to the U.S., including experiencing discrimination and bias, navigating the US educational and financial systems, dealing with fears of deportation, and serving as interpreters and advocates for their families and communities. The strength they have gained from overcoming these challenges, their successes in STEM, and their hopes for a brighter future are made evident in this podcast. Learn from their reflections, and ask yourself: do you really know what challenges your students face outside of the classroom? As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In the final episode of the season Dr Venugopal Mukku, Associate Professor in the Math, Science and Technology Department at the University of Minnesota, Crookston campus, interviews Dr. Karen Almeida, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Rhode Island College. Together they explore the flipped classroom model for general chemistry and discuss differential student responses. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In this episode we hear from three successful female chemistry faculty working primarily with undergraduates. They reflect on their own undergraduate experiences, how they navigated to eventual success, and how it continues to shape their teaching and research today. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In this month's episode, three faculty discuss their strategies and ideas for being more intentionally inclusive in the classroom. From our discussion you'll hear why we think being intentional is important and how we have more explicitly embraced diversity. Learn about concrete ideas that you can implement today. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
WARNING: Please be advised that this content includes topics that some listeners may find triggering. In this installment of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity series, we hear the inspirations and challenges of a recent chemistry graduate from Rhode Island College. In it she describes experiences navigating the academic system, finding her path, thoughts on belonging, and the supports she found valuable along the way. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In this episode, Dr. Bridget Gourley, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Dean of the Faculty at DePauw University in Greencastle Indiana interviews Dr. Joe Reczek, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Denison University in Granville Ohio. Together they explore their classrooms and campuses from the lens of racial equity and provide simple yet concrete strategies to becoming an anti-racist. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In this series of three podcasts we hear from seasoned faculty as they discuss what they have done to maintain chemistry research engagement with our undergraduate students in light of the pandemic. As colleagues reflected on the past 7 months, their responses fell into three themes. Part I focuses on lessons learned, Part II on keeping students engaged, and Part III on issues of inclusivity and equity. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In this series of three podcasts we hear from seasoned faculty as they discuss what they have done to maintain chemistry research engagement with our undergraduate students in light of the pandemic. As colleagues reflected on the past 7 months, their responses fell into three themes. Part I focuses on lessons learned, Part II on keeping students engaged, and Part III on issues of inclusivity and equity. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In this series of three podcasts we hear from seasoned faculty as they discuss what they have done to maintain chemistry research engagement with our undergraduate students in light of the pandemic. As colleagues reflected on 2020, their responses fell into three themes. Part I focuses on lessons learned, Part II on keeping students engaged, and Part III on issues of inclusivity and equity. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Ball, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Pomona College, interviews Dr. Silvia Ronco, Program Director at the Research Corporation for Science Advancement and current Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) President. Silvia outlines her vision of inclusion and transformation as CUR strives to be the premier voice of undergraduate research across the nation and beyond. CUR is a unique community of like-minded faculty who strive to sustain strong mentorship programs for higher education faculty, regardless of rank and experience. Come join the CUR community. As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
You may have heard about “service learning” or “context-based learning” on your campus, but thought…how could chemistry participate? In this episode, a faculty member at a small, rural institution talks about her experience integrating a research-based approach into her General Chemistry Laboratory that served the local community with useful data. The student engagement is worth the effort! As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
In this episode, seven experienced chemistry faculty from different types of institutions share how they pivoted to remote laboratory activities during the initial outbreak of COVID-19 Spring 2020. We reflect on what worked well, sometimes by luck, that can be adapted for future terms as faculty members work to create quality learning experiences for students when we may or may not be allowed to have full classes of students in the laboratory for an entire semester. Learn from their reflections about approaches that provided evidence of significant learning gains and preparation for future research opportunities including ideas they plan to keep in place into the future. https://curchem.wordpress.com/2020/08/17/new-cur-chem-podcast/
This podcast is hosted by the Chemistry Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). We are a group of faculty and administrators nationwide dedicated to promoting and supporting high-quality mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry. The "Chem4REAL Because Research Engages All Learners" podcast will launch its first episode on August 15, 2020. New episodes will be published approximately monthly.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
