For Massachusetts STEM Week, Mao-Lun Weng, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, created an event for Westfield State students to receive feedback on their research project proposals from Westfield High School (WHS) AP biology students.
For Dr. Weng’s “Mock National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Proposal Review,” students enrolled in his BIOL 377 Research Experience: Computational Biology course proposed bioinformatics research projects, recorded oral presentations of their research proposals and posted them online.
WHS AP biology students reviewed the videos with WHS Science Teachers Chrissy Smith and Kate Pawul and decided which among the five projects reviewed would, hypothetically, receive funding. “I am very thankful for the collaboration with Westfield High School and the constructive feedback provided by their students,” said Dr. Weng.
“Writing the presenting research proposals for funding is an important step in STEM research,” Dr. Weng said. “The NSF supports fundamental research and education in all STEM fields.”
The general subject of the five research projects were:
– ABA’s response to drought in Arabidopsis
– Schizophrenia
– Harlequin ichthyosis
– Drought stress in maize, tomato, filed mustard
– Duchenne muscular dystrophy
After the external review, three proposals were recommended for funding. WSU and WHS students benefited from the experience. “This collaboration with Westfield High School was a great way to interact with the local community while sharpening our presentation skills,” said Westfield State senior Grace Brunner. “The students’ comments allowed us to understand whether we adequately considered our audience when compiling our research. Our youth will ultimately shape the future of STEM and I am honored to have celebrated advancements in science in this capacity with Westfield High School students.”
Westfield State senior Agnesa Protsun agreed. “I enjoyed the collaboration with the Westfield High School students,” she said. “Their comments will help with the editing of the proposal to perfect it in our final project.”
“The quality of all my students’ oral presentation recordings exceeded my expectations,” said Dr. Weng. “They were passionate about the project, and the presentations clearly showed that they know their research topics. I am glad to see this event provided a creative way to connect WSU with the local community during this challenging time.”