RESEARCH
Our research focuses on community engaged learning and strategies to improve student engagement, scientific literacy, and the development of research and team science competencies. We currently have multiple research projects outlined below, most of which are funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
USING CITIZEN SCIENCE TO TRANSFORM LEARNING
Citizen science uses participatory science methods to investigate phenomena. Involvement in participatory research has been shown to improve understanding of the scientific method and belief that one can do science, as well as demonstrate the relevance of science to peoples’ homes, communities, and lives. This NSF-funded project (Heather Vance-Chalcraft [ECU], Allen Hurlbert [University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill], and Terry Gates [North Carolina State University], PIs) involves the creation of the Undergraduate Student Experiences with Citizen Science (USE Cit Sci) Network to determine the best practices associated with using participatory science projects in higher education. The USE Cit Sci network strives to create a diverse community of practice invested in using citizen science with undergraduate students to i) engage students in authentic science practices, ii) improve student and instructor learning outcomes, and iii) broaden participation in science.
SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE IN COASTAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH COMMUNITY SCIENCE
This project investigates how the co-production of scientific knowledge between community members, regional stakeholders, and academic researchers contributes to understanding socio-environmental drivers that impact resilience to coastal hazards. Using a transdisciplinary approach to study the region around North Carolina's Pamlico Sound, we aim to understand the role of social capital in building coastal resilience. As lead of the Community Science team, the Vance-Chalcraft lab works with community members and university students to address community priorities, provide youth programming, and support other efforts to build the capacity of communities to use science to solve problems. Other teams on this Coastlines and People (CoPe) project focus on mapping and modeling natural systems, monitoring natural resources, and identifying opportunities for adaptation and mitigation strategies. This work is being funded by NSF with Stephen Moysey (ECU Water Resources Center, PI), Heather Vance-Chalcraft (ECU Biology), Poonam Arora (Quinnipiac University), Michael O'Driscoll (ECU Coastal Studies), and Emily Yeager (ECU, Recreation Sciences), co-PIs. Tara van Niekerk is a postdoctoral associate with this project.
TEAM EXPERIENCES AND MENTORING STRATEGIES FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH (TEaMS-UR)
Solving global challenges and developing advanced technologies requires the preparation of diverse teams of scientists and engineers who can collaborate effectively. TEaMS-UR investigates how factors such as course setting, mentorship, and team training impact student participation and experiences in course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs). The project provides an opportunity for approximately 6,000 students to participate in inquiry-driven courses with comprehensive foundations of research and team science. In addition to the uni-disciplinary CUREs, multi-disciplinary CUREs are being added to allow students in courses from different STEM domains to collaboratively solve research problems as a team using the knowledge, skills, and attitudes afforded through transferable team competencies received throughout the project (e.g., processes for knowledge integration, interdisciplinary communication and interpersonal skills, valuing and understanding of other disciplines). This work is being funded by NSF to Joi Walker (ECU Chemistry), Heather Vance-Chalcraft (ECU Biology), Mary Farwell (ECU REDE), Stephen Moysey (ECU Water Resources Center), and Brian Sylcott (ECU Engineering).
USING A MICROCREDENTIAL MODEL TO PREPARE MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHERS FOR RURAL DISTRICTS
The latest ECU-Noyce Scholars Program recruits individuals currently enrolled in a science or mathematics major to become trained as a highly qualified science or mathematics middle school or high school teacher. The ECU-Noyce Scholar program will advance the field’s knowledge of how to prepare and support STEM teachers via existing programs and mentoring. This work is being funded by NSF to Charity Cayton (ECU Education), Tammy Lee (ECU Education), and Heather Vance-Chalcraft (ECU Biology).
OTHER RESEARCH PROJECTS
Our lab group is also interested in:
- the learning outcomes from summer research experiences for undergraduates
- the impact of graduate student training experiences on their graduate teaching assistant knowledge and practices
- the learning outcomes from summer research experiences for undergraduates
- the impact of graduate student training experiences on their graduate teaching assistant knowledge and practices