A Biomathematical Learning Enhancement Network for Diversity (BLEND)

多样性生物数学学习增强网络（BLEND）

• 批准号: 0634598
• 负责人: Gregory Goins
• 金额: $ 24万
• 依托单位: North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2006
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2006-09-15 至 2009-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0634598&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Biomathematical; Learning; Enhancement; Network; Diversity

Although biology and mathematics programs at Historically Minority Universities (HMUs) have consistently produced high numbers of STEM baccalaureate degrees, more innovative programs are needed to increase the number of undergraduates who go on to earn the Ph.D. The challenge is to bring together a critical mass of interdisciplinary research collaborations and partnerships that address basic root origins of achievement gaps for underrepresented minorities in mathematics and biology. The Biomathematics Learning Enhancement Network for Diversity (BLEND) project at North Carolina A&T State University was conceptualized by an interdepartmental alliance of faculty who are early adopters of transformational change required to prepare students for graduate study at the interface of biology and mathematics. The BLEND project will supply both a physical and virtual intellectual setting where students may find a sense of identification, belonging, responsibility, and most importantly, achievement that prepares them for roles of leadership and service in biomathematical research careers. The overall goal of the BLEND project is to produce undergraduate students outstandingly prepared for the interdisciplinary nature of biomathematical research. To accomplish this goal, the BLEND project will (1) link research and classroom experiences, (2) provide joint-mentoring at the interface of mathematics and biology, and (3) broaden the appeal to biomathematics training and research. Our Core Genomics Research Cluster will provide a natural opportunity for students to explore, learn, and engage problems in biology from a mathematical and computational perspective while gaining deeper insight into genomics research. The central theme of the research projects is high-throughput data collection methods in genome sequencing and protein structure prediction. Research activities will focus on abiotic plant stress tolerance strategies and identification of stress-relevant genes and pathways. Students will emerge from these research activities with a coherent picture of links between molecular, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms that enable higher plants to cope with abiotic stress conditions such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes. These research activities are context-driven and purposed to provide an innovative learning culture that connects undergraduates with insightful interactions between biology and mathematics. This project will advance a forward-thinking model for motivating underrepresented minorities to pursue professions at the interface of mathematics and biology.

尽管历史上少数族裔大学（HMU）的生物学和数学计划一直始终产生了大量的STEM学士学位，但需要更多的创新计划来增加继续获得博士学位的本科生的数量。 面临的挑战是将大量的跨学科研究合作和伙伴关系汇集在一起​​，以解决成就差距的基本根源，这是数学和生物学中人数不足的少数群体的基本根源。 北卡罗来纳州A＆T州立大学的生物学学习增强网络（Blend）项目是由教师的跨部门联盟概念化的，他们是早期采用的变革性变革，以准备学生在生物学和数学的界面上为研究生学习做好准备。 混合项目将提供一个物理和虚拟的智力环境，学生可能会找到一种认同感，归属，责任感，最重要的是成就，使他们为在生物心理研究职业中的领导和服务作用做好准备。 混合项目的总体目标是为生物学研究的跨学科性质做出实心准备。 为了实现这一目标，混合项目将（1）链接研究和课堂体验，（2）在数学和生物学的界面上提供联合注册，以及（3）扩大对生物护理培训和研究的吸引力。 我们的核心基因组学研究集群将为学生提供自然的机会，从数学和计算的角度探索，学习和参与生物学问题，同时更深入地了解基因组学研究。 研究项目的中心主题是基因组测序和蛋白质结构预测中的高通量数据收集方法。 研究活动将集中于非生物植物胁迫耐受性策略以及与压力相关的基因和途径的鉴定。 学生将从这些研究活动中出现，并具有一致的分子，生化和生理机制之间的联系，使较高的植物能够应对诸如干旱，盐度和极端温度的非生物应力状况。 这些研究活动是由上下文驱动的，目的是提供一种创新的学习文化，该文化将大学生与生物学与数学之间的有见地的相互作用联系起来。 该项目将推进一种前瞻性模型，以激励代表性不足的少数民族在数学和生物学界面上从事专业。