Rapid Adaptation and Remote Delivery of Undergraduate Research Training during the COVID-19 Pandemic

  1. Joanna Yang Yowler
  2. Kit Knier
  3. Zachary WareJoncas
  4. Shawna L. Ehlers
  5. Stephen C. Ekker
  6. Fabiola Guasp Reyes
  7. Bruce F. Horazdovsky
  8. Glenda Mueller
  9. Adriana Morales Gomez
  10. Amit Sood
  11. Caroline R. Sussman
  12. Linda M. Scholl
  13. Karen M. Weavers
  14. Chris Pierret

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Abstract

When COVID-19 caused worldwide cancellations of summer research immersion programs in 2020, Mayo Clinic rallied to create an alternate virtual experience called Summer Foundations in Research (SFIR). SFIR was designed not only to ensure the continuance of science pathways training for undergraduate scientists but also to support undergraduate mental wellbeing, given the known pandemic stressors. A total of 170 participants took part in the program and were surveyed pre-post for outcomes in biomedical research career knowledge, biomedical research career interest, research skills confidence, and three dimensions of mental wellbeing. Knowledge of and interest in careers involving biomedical research rose significantly following participation in SFIR. The participants’ mean research skills confidence also rose between 0.08 and 1.32 points on a 7-point scale across 12 items from the Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory. Success in science pathways support was accompanied by positive shifts in participant mental wellbeing. Measurable decreases in stress (Perceived Stress Scale, p < 0.0001) accompanied gains in resilience (Brief Resilience Scale, p < 0.0001) and life satisfaction (Satisfaction with Life Scale, p = 0.0005). Collectively, the data suggest that core objectives of traditional in-person summer research programming can be accomplished virtually and that these programs can simultaneously impact student wellbeing. This theoretical framework is particularly salient during COVID-19, but the increased accessibility of virtual programs such as SFIR can continue to bolster science education pathways long after the pandemic is gone.

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  1. Version published to 10.3390/su13116133
  2. ScreenIT

    SciScore for 10.1101/2021.02.24.432694: (What is this?)

    Please note, not all rigor criteria are appropriate for all manuscripts.

    Table 1: Rigor

    Institutional Review Board Statementnot detected.
    Randomizationnot detected.
    Blindingnot detected.
    Power Analysisnot detected.
    Sex as a biological variablenot detected.

    Table 2: Resources

    No key resources detected.

    Results from OddPub: We did not detect open data. We also did not detect open code. Researchers are encouraged to share open data when possible (see Nature blog).

    Results from LimitationRecognizer: We detected the following sentences addressing limitations in the study:
    Limitations surrounding length of follow-up and while preliminary data over a three-month period has shown positive outcomes, the sustained impact will be addressed in ongoing longitudinal analyses. This will help elucidate whether there is a need for organizational level maintenance efforts following programs like SFIR. Such data will also provide key insights into equity and inclusion in distance learning for undergraduate students. Due to the benefits shown in this digital format, SFIR will see continual implementation at Mayo Clinic. The program is being adapted to act as an onboarding experience prior to undergraduate researchers’ arrival for face-to-face mentorship and as a stand-alone offering to increase the reach of Mayo Clinic’s science programming. An abbreviated version preceding summer or school year research aims to enhance the confidence and preparedness of undergraduates for their first experience at a research-focused institution. Furthermore, the program will provide a peer group for support across laboratories, while simultaneously enhancing opportunities for near-peer mentoring by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. COVID-19 has challenged learners and educators across the world with its accelerated demand for digital learning. The path of least resistance over the pandemic year has often resulted in cancellation of important educational and professional development programs. While such measures are sometimes unavoidable, a more sustainable approac...

    Results from TrialIdentifier: No clinical trial numbers were referenced.

    Results from Barzooka: We did not find any issues relating to the usage of bar graphs.

    Results from JetFighter: We did not find any issues relating to colormaps.

    Results from rtransparent:
    • Thank you for including a conflict of interest statement. Authors are encouraged to include this statement when submitting to a journal.
    • No funding statement was detected.
    • No protocol registration statement was detected.

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  3. Version published to 10.1101/2021.02.24.432694v1 on bioRxiv