Feb 02, 2007 - Claremont, Calif. - Professor of Chemistry Kerry Karukstis will be part of a team of scientists and academics who will brief policymakers on successful practices in undergraduate research, innovation and competitiveness at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Feb. 21, from 9 to 10 a.m.

The briefing will be held under the aegis of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) and introduce the council's new publication, Developing and Sustaining a Research-Supportive Curriculum: A Compendium of Successful Practices. Karukstis co-edited the book with Timothy E. Elgren, professor of chemistry at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY. Joining them at the briefing will be: Lori Bettison-Varga, associate dean, The College of Wooster (moderator); Chris Hollinsed, director, American Chemical Society, Petroleum Research Fund; and Kateri Whitebean, neuroscience student, Hamilton College.

Karukstis is president-elect of CUR and an outspoken advocate for undergraduate research. She is currently doing research on its impact through two National Science Foundation (NSF) grants totaling nearly $1 million. The new book focuses on three broad areas: curriculum and teaching and learning strategies that develop critical research skills; curricular infrastructure that enhances a research-supportive curriculum; and administrative contributions that initiate and sustain a research-supportive curriculum. Authors across disciplines and from a variety of types of institutions contributed more than 30 chapters and 50 highlights describing curricular approaches, methods and techniques developed to enhance the research experience of students and the culture of innovation in their institutions.

One of the great pedagogical success stories of recent years has been the widespread adoption of undergraduate research experiences. Among the lessons learned has been that a successful senior capstone research experience is unlikely to be realized unless students have opportunities to develop research skills beginning in the first year of college and continuing through the senior year. Many of the innovative classroom and laboratory activities included were made possible by support from federal programs, particularly the National Science Foundation. Widespread adoption of these curricular practices speaks directly to several of the important recommendations articulated in the National Academies report "Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future" and other reports.

Developing and Sustaining a Research-Supportive Curriculum emphasizes the importance of the collective efforts of the undergraduate community to integrate research and education. By collecting and disseminating multiple examples of effective research-supportive undergraduate programs, the Council on Undergraduate Research aims to encourage faculty and institutions to continue to seek creative, useful and significant ways to promote learning through research.

To attend, contact nancy@cur.org, or call (202) 783-4810, by Feb. 14.

National Press Club
529 14th St., 13th Floor
Washington, DC 20045