91ÑÇÉ«´«Ã½

Transforming undergraduate education in the molecular life sciences

July 27–30, 2023
Suffolk University, Boston

Join us for a small interactive education-focused 91ÑÇÉ«´«Ã½ meeting to learn about engaging approaches to supporting students and faculty in biochemistry and molecular biology. Reconnect with peers, meet new colleagues and increase your network of education-minded professionals while exploring Boston.

Conference topics include:

  • Leadership development
  • Supporting mid-career and shifting careers
  • Teaching in a diverse and equitable environment

Panel discussions will include Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) and preparing students for jobs in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Attendees will be able to participate in workshops with several education focused NSF-funded groups (CUREs, assessment, case-based learning, biomolecular visualization) to learn about their innovative projects and join their communities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with program directors from the NIH and NSF.

Anyone interested in education — postdocs, instructors and faculty — is welcome to attend.

Organizers

St. Mary's College of Maryland
Stephen F. Austin State University
Suffolk University
University of San Diego

Sign up for email updates about this conference

Important dates

May 23 Early registration deadline
May 23 Abstract submission deadline (posters and catalyst conversations)
June 27 Regular registration deadline

Registration and abstracts

  • There is no onsite registration, all attendees must be registered prior to arriving at the conference.
  • Registration for the conference is required at the time of abstract submission.
  • Please reach out to meetings@asbmb.org if you have questions.

Visas

All individuals traveling from outside of the United States should apply for a visa as soon as possible and at least four to five months prior to their date of travel.

  • The most up-to-date information about traveling to the U.S. can be found at the .
  • Scientists visiting the U.S. may find helpful information at the .
  • .

Please do not wait until you receive your registration confirmation before applying for a visa. We encourage you to apply for your visa right away if you are considering attending to avoid delays and longer than anticipated wait times.

If you need a letter of invitation for your visa process, please email meetings@asbmb.org.

  • Please include ‘LETTER OF INVITATION’ as the subject line of this email.
  • Body of email must include:
    • Your name as it appears on your passport
    • Your affiliation and mailing address
    • Best contact number and email address

Sponsors


What’s included

The registration rates include:
  • Single lodging at Nathan R. Miller Residence Hall on the campus of Suffolk University, arriving on July 27 and departing on July 30.
    • Double occupancy rooms/guest lodging is available at an additional $250 (for three nights). Please note that children (ages 17 and under) are not permitted in the dorms.
  • All sessions, poster sessions and meeting materials.
  • The following meals are included in your registration fee:
    • Thursday, July 27: Dinner
    • Friday, July 28: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • Saturday, July 29: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • Sunday, July 30: Breakfast
 Note: Lodging is not included in the commuter registration rates.
 

Registration changes

Registration changes will be accepted as space allows until June 28, 2023, and can be made by contacting meetings@asbmb.org.
 

Cancellation policy

Cancellations received in writing on or before June 28, 2023, are subject to a $100 processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after June 28, due to final guarantee commitments. Email meetings@asbmb.org and attach a copy of your meeting registration receipt/paid invoice.
 

Location

Meeting location

Suffolk University
David J. Sargent Hall
120 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108

Lodging

Suffolk University
Nathan R. Miller Residence Hall
10 Somerset Street
Boston, MA 02108

is located in the heart of downtown Boston. The rooms at Miller Hall are suites comprised of two rooms that share an adjoining bathroom. Though rooms in Miller Hall have two twin beds, all accommodations for this meeting will be single. All rooms will have twin beds with linens provided, closet, dresser and desk. Note: Minors (under the age of 18) are not permitted to enter Miller Hall. 

The walking distance between Sargent Hall and Miller Hall is 0.2 miles. .

IMPORTANT INFORMATON REGARDING TRAVEL FROM BOSTON LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Sumner Tunnel/Route 1A South, situated between East Boston and the North End, takes drivers from Logan Airport to I-93/Boston and points north.
 
The Sumner Tunnel will be closed seven days a week from July 5, 2023 to August 31, 2023. During this time, traffic will be diverted through signed .
 
If you are traveling from the airport, expect delays.

Getting to Suffolk University

  • – 2.6 miles away
  • – 2 miles away
All attendees are responsible for their own transportation. Shuttle service is not provided between the university and the airport.

Program schedule

Thursday July 27
Friday July 28
Saturday July 29
Sunday July 30

Thursday agenda

12:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Badge pickup

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Workshop: Using virtual reality for teaching biomolecular visualization

Celeste N. Peterson, Suffolk University
Melanie BerkmenSuffolk University
Kristen Procko, University of Texas at Austin
Josh T. BeckhamUniversity of Texas at Austin

**We have reached maximum capacity for this workshop. Registration is no longer available.**

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Dinner

6:45 PM - 7:45 PM

Keynote address

Introduction: Tayo Odunuga, Stephen F. Austin State University

Well done vs well said: Equity solutions to advance inclusive excellence
Dontarie Stallings, University of California, San Diego
7:45 PM - 8:30 PM

Small group discussion on DEI and student success

Facilitators: Tayo Odunuga, Stephen F. Austin State University & Celeste Peterson, Suffolk University

Discussion group leaders
Rachell Booth, Mary Huff, Debra Martin, Betsy Martinez–Vez, Corina Maeder, Pam Mertz, Joe Provost, Nancy Rice.

Friday agenda

7:45 AM - 8:15 AM

Breakfast

8:20 AM - 9:25 AM

Catalyst conversations

Session A

Facilitator: Debra Martin, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Using pre-lecture video quizzes to help biochemistry students master essential prerequisite concepts
Rachell BoothUniversity of the Incarnate Word

Building anti-racist enrichment modules in biomolecular sciences
Erica Jacobs, St. John's University

Session B

Facilitator: Craig Streu, Albion College

An idea to explore: Introduction to research methods
Urmimala BasuHarvard Medical School

Mentoring modules: Biochemistry 1: A unique approach to teaching biochemistry
Bruce Jacobson, St. Cloud State University

Session C

Facilitator: Melanie Van Stry, Lane College

Virtual labs as an additional tool to study molecular techniques
Alexandra Van Kley, Stephen F. Austin State University

A biochemistry un-exam project
Bonnie Hall, Grand View University

Workshop

Using virtual reality for teaching biomolecular visualization  

Celeste N. Peterson, Suffolk University
Melanie BerkmenSuffolk University
Kristen Procko, University of Texas at Austin
Josh T. BeckhamUniversity of Texas at Austin

**We have reached maximum capacity for the VR workshop. Registration is no longer available.**
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Coffee break

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM

Group photo

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Faculty development

Leadership opportunities with 91ÑÇÉ«´«Ã½: professional development and community
Pam Mertz, St. Mary’s College of Maryland
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

Faculty development

Introduction: Pam Mertz, St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Strategically planning your future in leadership: Considerations when moving into a leadership role as a chair/head or administrator
Ben Caldwell, Radford University
11:20 AM - 12:20 PM

Faculty development breakout sessions

Option A: The leadership of difficult conversations and conflict resolutions
Facilitator: Bill Davis, Washington State University

Option B: Negotiation
Facilitator: Pam Mertz, St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Option C: Engaged leadership using the Four-Frame model: How to view, respect and involve people using their frame of reference
Facilitator: Joe Provost, University of San Diego

12:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Lunch with discussion themes

Theme A: ChatGPT: Dealing with the new reality
Joe Provost, University of San Diego & Craig Streu, Albion College

Theme B: Mentoring undergraduates in research
Betsy MartinezVaz, Hamline University

Theme C: Science identity among BIPOC students in our lab and classrooms
Melanie Van Stry, Lane College

Theme D: Midcareer faculty
Nancy Rice, University of South Alabama & Chris Rohlman, Albion College

Theme E: NSF funding opportunities
Ellen Carpenter, National Science Foundation

Theme F: Student Chapters
Pam Mertz, St. Mary’s College of Maryland

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Preparing our students for careers in the life sciences industries

A panel of biotechnology industry scientists and educators.

Facilitator: Celeste Peterson, Suffolk University

Panelists:
Jared Auclair, Northeastern University
John Brothers, MassBioEd
Katherine O'Toole, New England Biolabs
Flora J. Keumurian, MIT Center for Biomedical Innovation

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Presentations from submitted abstracts

Session A

Facilitator: Joe Provost, University of San Diego

Introduction to programming for genetic data analysis: A shared resource to teach critical programming skills for biological data analysis
Johanna CarrollUniversity of Toronto

Teaching and learning mRNA and gene structural features by interpreting sequence alignments
John ShabbUniversity of North Dakota

CRISPR gene technology in Escherichia coli bacteria and Vanessa cardui painted lady butterflies
H. Lynn Kee, Stetson University

Session B

Facilitator: Pam Mertz, St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Does topic order matter in undergraduate biochemistry instruction?
Sasha MarineVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Where do the undergraduates go? Overcoming less-than-stellar undergraduate GPAs
Maryam SyedUniversity of Mississippi Medical Center

Student perceptions and experiences in a biochemistry and molecular biology department using an embedded writing fellow model to support development of communication skills
Becky MillerUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst

4:00 PM - 5:45 PM

Poster session with refreshments

6:45 PM - 7:45 PM

Dinner

7:45 PM - 9:00 PM

Keynote address

Introduction: Joe Provost, University of San Diego

How to improve student success in academic systems
Bill Davis, Washington State University

Saturday agenda

7:45 AM - 8:15 AM

Breakfast

8:20 AM - 9:25 AM

Catalyst conversations

Session A

Facilitator: Rachell Booth, University of the Incarnate Word

It all fits together! A guided introduction to DNA structure with puzzle pieces
Tamara Mans, North Hennepin Community College

Exploring complexity in the undergraduate classroom: Sharing free curricula to support engagement with social issues in genetics
Marnie Gelbart, Harvard Medical School
 

Session B

Facilitator: Chris Rohlman, Albion College

Using primary literature to promote scientific literacy
Caitlyn BowmanCornelius, Williams College

Live coding as an instructional paradigm
Paul CraigRochester Institute of Technology

Session C

Facilitator: Corina Maeder, Trinity University

From the Team Based Learning (TBL) classroom to the large lecture hall — ideas and activities from TBL that I plan to translate to the large lecture hall classroom
Elizabeth Mearls, University of Massachusetts

At-home experiments in an online asynchonrous course for non-majors
Emily RuffWinona State University
 

Workshop

Using virtual reality for teaching biomolecular visualization  

Celeste N. Peterson, Suffolk University
Melanie BerkmenSuffolk University
Kristen Procko, University of Texas at Austin
Josh T. BeckhamUniversity of Texas at Austin

**We have reached maximum capacity for the VR workshop. Registration is no longer available.**

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

NSF funded network, assessment and teaching programs

Facilitator: Tayo Odunuga, Stephen F. Austin State University

  1. Collaborative interaction to promote student engagement in a CURE: The malate dehydrogenase CUREs community (MCC) faculty network
    Joe Provost, University of San Diego & Amy Springer, University of Massachusetts Amherst
  2. The CRISPR in the classroom network: A support system for instructors to bring gene editing technology to the undergraduate classroom
    Michael Wolyniak, Hampden–Sydney College
  3. BASIL: Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Laboratory
    Rebecca Roberts, Ursinus College
  4. BioMolViz: A community for visual literacy instruction and assessment
    Kristen Procko, University of Texas at Austin
  5. Molecular CaseNet: Using a storytelling approach in exploring biomolecular structure–function relationships
    Shuchismita Dutta, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  6. Transforming the BMB education community by building an inclusive community for the assessment of BMB learning (ICABL)
    Dan Dries, Juniata College
  7. CUREnet: A network of people and programs integrating research into courses
    Erin Dolan, University of Georgia
10:30 AM - 10:40 AM

Coffee break

10:40 AM - 1:05 PM

NSF-funded programs showcase

10:40–11:25 a.m. Visit first session
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Visit second session
12:20–1:05 p.m.  Visit third session

 

  • Collaborative interaction to promote student engagement in a CURE: The malate dehydrogenase CUREs community (MCC) faculty network
    Joe Provost, University of San Diego & Amy Springer, University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • The CRISPR in the classroom network: A support system for instructors to bring gene editing technology to the undergraduate classroom
    Michael Wolyniak, Hampden–Sydney College
  • BASIL: Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Laboratory
    Rebecca Roberts, Ursinus College
  • BioMolViz: A community for visual literacy instruction and assessment
    Kristen Procko, University of Texas at Austin
  • Molecular CaseNet: Using a storytelling approach in exploring biomolecular structure–function relationships
    Shuchismita Dutta, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  • Transforming the BMB education community by building an inclusive community for the assessment of BMB learning (ICABL)
    Dan Dries, Juniata College
  • CUREnet: A network of people and programs integrating research into courses
    Erin Dolan, University of Georgia
1:10 PM - 2:30 PM

Lunch with discussion themes

  • Theme A: Malate dehydrogense CUREs community (MCC)
  • Theme B: CRISPR in the classroom network
  • Theme C: Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Laboratory (BASIL)
  • Theme D: BioMolViz
  • Theme E: Molecular CaseNet
  • Theme F: Transforming the BMB education community by building an inclusive community for the assessment of BMB learning (ICABL)
  • Theme G: CUREnet: A network of people and programs integrating research into courses
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Butts in seats

Introduction: Celeste N. Peterson, Suffolk University

Facilitator: John Tansey, Otterbein University

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM

Small group discussion on key SWOT issues

Discussion group leaders
Rachell Booth, Mary Huff, Debra Martin, Corina Maeder, Pam Mertz, Tayo Odunuga, Celeste Peterson, Joe Provost, Nancy Rice, Chris Rohlman, Melanie Van Stry.

3:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Coffee break

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Presentations from submitted abstracts

Session A

Facilitator: Tayo Odunuga, Stephen F. Austin State University

Alphafold in the classroom: A CURE for investigating protein structure and function
Ryan ArvidsonCase Western Reserve University

Experiential cancer biology class project with local cancer survivors
Melissa RowlandGoldsmithChapman University

Getting stuff done: the DACI(I) model of project management
Ann TaylorWabash College
 

Session B

Facilitator: Celeste Peterson, Suffolk University

Exploring the teaching and assessment of molecular visualisation
Shane AustinUniversity of the West Indies

Assessing technical skills through badging
Jessica Bell, University of San Diego

ChatGPT: A department-level analysis of usage possibilities and actualities
Emily Ruff, Winona State University

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Dinner

Sunday agenda

7:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Workshop: Using virtual reality for teaching biomolecular visualization  

​Celeste N. Peterson, Suffolk University
Melanie BerkmenSuffolk University
Kristen Procko, University of Texas at Austin
Josh T. BeckhamUniversity of Texas at Austin

**We have reached maximum capacity for the VR workshop. Registration is no longer available.**
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Applying education research in your instruction and getting started in education research

Facilitator: Joseph Provost, University of San Diego  

Panel: Erika OfferdahlWashington State UniversityErin DolanUniversity of Georgia

10:20 AM - 12:10 PM

Grant opportunities

Facilitator: Tayo Odunuga, Stephen F. Austin State University

  1. NIH grant proposals
    Rebecca Burgess, National Institutes of Health & Anne GershensonNational Institutes of Health
  2. NSF grant proposals
    Ellen Carpenter, National Science Foundation
  3. Questions
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM

Closing comments

Pam Mertz, St. Mary’s College of Maryland