Adam Keinschmit and Andrea Bixler created a case study as part of ImmunoReach: an NSF-supported Research Coordination Network. Their ASMCUE 2022 recorded session is entitled “ImmunoReach: Bacteria to Brains in Backyard Coyotes Interdisciplinary Pedagogical Case Study.” The case study is written as a conversation between two graduate students. One studies urban coyotes and is taking fecal samples. This is the expertise of the second graduate student and the case study highlights the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research is based on a Scientific Reports article. The case study Bixler and Kleinschmit created is based on the “bacteria to brains” connection. The presenters implemented the case study in two courses at their institutions. Students were assigned a summative assessment after the class. They presented Likert scale data from the case study. Students reported perceived increases in learning objectives, and the open-ended responses mentioned place-based learning. The cases were also aligned with multiple choice questions on final exams. Item analysis (point by serial correlation) suggested improvements in questions may be necessary. Adam and Andy will also disseminate the case study on QUBES. I am so impressed with what they have done! The case includes clever connections to local coyotes and careful assessment.
