Empowering future scientists: Sustainable learning through a no-cost lab bootcamp for life science students
Session Type
Presentation
Room
Physics and Astronomy, room 117
Start Date
17-7-2025 3:30 PM
End Date
17-7-2025 4:00 PM
Keywords
life sciences, undergraduate research, scientific inquiry, experiential learning, research confidence
Primary Threads
Teaching and Learning Science
Abstract
Undergraduate thesis projects provide a foray into research, yet most students cannot experience one due to time and financial constraints. For five years, the Human Biology Program at the University of Toronto has offered a free, two-week 'Lab Bootcamp' for over 250 life science undergraduates. This program, which doesn't require prior research experience or grades assessment, aims to empower students through agency and collaboration. The Bootcamp blends pedagogical theory with research practice where students complete an 80-hour project involving molecular cloning and protein assays, and the analysis of mouse-derived tissues. In groups, students critically address research design and knowledge gaps, fostering confidence and resilience through an inquiry-based approach where student agency is emphasized and ‘failed’ experiments are normalized. The Bootcamp also fosters a collaborative environment, emphasizing community and teamwork to help students build relationships. At the end of Bootcamp each year, we administered a student survey, which was deemed exempt from research ethics review by the University of Toronto Social Sciences, Humanities and Education Research Ethics Board. Our surveys indicated that many participants continued in research roles after Bootcamp, demonstrating the program’s lasting impact on their academic and professional trajectories. Post-Bootcamp survey analyses also demonstrated significant improvements in technical and critical-thinking skills, with the greatest impact on research confidence. Taken together, the Lab Bootcamp offers a no-cost experiential learning opportunity in research that equips students with essential skills for thriving in research and beyond, and fosters a sense of community, confidence, and resilience. Since it is free, short (two-weeks) and takes place between semesters, the Bootcamp aligns with the theme of sustainable learning, ensuring participants are prepared to navigate the challenges of science education while maintaining their personal and professional growth.
Elements of Engagement
The presentation will include an overview of the Lab Bootcamp program, its objectives, and its impact on student engagement and co-inquiry. Data from surveys and follow-up analyses will be presented to highlight improvements in students' technical, communicative, and collaborative skills, as well as their confidence in conducting research. I will use reflective prompts and/or poll questions to facilitate dialogue with participants on the implications of the program and potential applications in other educational contexts, as well as incorporate their experiences on sustainable practices for research training – bring your own device (smartphone, laptop, tablet) so you can participate!
Empowering future scientists: Sustainable learning through a no-cost lab bootcamp for life science students
Physics and Astronomy, room 117
Undergraduate thesis projects provide a foray into research, yet most students cannot experience one due to time and financial constraints. For five years, the Human Biology Program at the University of Toronto has offered a free, two-week 'Lab Bootcamp' for over 250 life science undergraduates. This program, which doesn't require prior research experience or grades assessment, aims to empower students through agency and collaboration. The Bootcamp blends pedagogical theory with research practice where students complete an 80-hour project involving molecular cloning and protein assays, and the analysis of mouse-derived tissues. In groups, students critically address research design and knowledge gaps, fostering confidence and resilience through an inquiry-based approach where student agency is emphasized and ‘failed’ experiments are normalized. The Bootcamp also fosters a collaborative environment, emphasizing community and teamwork to help students build relationships. At the end of Bootcamp each year, we administered a student survey, which was deemed exempt from research ethics review by the University of Toronto Social Sciences, Humanities and Education Research Ethics Board. Our surveys indicated that many participants continued in research roles after Bootcamp, demonstrating the program’s lasting impact on their academic and professional trajectories. Post-Bootcamp survey analyses also demonstrated significant improvements in technical and critical-thinking skills, with the greatest impact on research confidence. Taken together, the Lab Bootcamp offers a no-cost experiential learning opportunity in research that equips students with essential skills for thriving in research and beyond, and fosters a sense of community, confidence, and resilience. Since it is free, short (two-weeks) and takes place between semesters, the Bootcamp aligns with the theme of sustainable learning, ensuring participants are prepared to navigate the challenges of science education while maintaining their personal and professional growth.