Workshops

Workshop and networking for inclusive practices and inclusive course content

Strategically incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) topics and practices into the curriculum and research is challenging to many scientists. What to include, how and where to incorporate it, and how to practice it can be worrying. This session will include a panel followed by networking sessions to provide guidance to those hesitant to incorporate DEI. A faculty panel will share experiences and resources, assist members in creating DEI goals with the support to achieve them. Attendees will then work in virtual roundtables with facilitators to share concerns, incorporate ideas and develop action plans. The workshop's goal is to promote networking and opportunities for collaboration for those interested in DEI issues. In support of this goal, attendees will have access a folder to share DEI resources and contact information both during and after the workshop.

Speakers

• Marilee Benore, University of Michigan Dearborn
• Sonia Flores, University of Colorado School of Medicine
• Neena Grover, Colorado College
• Jennifer Roecklein-Canfield, Simmons College
• Takita Sumter, Winthrop University

National Science Foundation: Molecular and cellular bioscience opportunities

This event is an outreach webinar about NSF funding priorities and opportunities of interest to the ASBMB community. Attendees will gain detailed and customized knowledge of how NSF, particularly the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Division (MCB), supports the scholarly and educational mission of the ASBMB community.

Target audience: Active researchers and educators in all STEM disciplines.

Presenters

• Matthew Buechner, Cellular Dynamics and Function Program, MCB/NSF
• Manju Hingorani, Genetic Mechanisms Program, MCB/NSF
• Marcia Newcomer, Molecular Biophysics Program, MCB/NSF
• David Rockcliffe, Systems and Synthetic Biology Program, MCB/NSF

Mentoring from both sides: How to find, be and utilize a great mentor

Presenter: Joanne Kamens

Mentoring should not be a scary or imposing concept — it's really just about getting and giving advice, support and encouragement for ongoing learning. This workshop is intended for everyone: trainees and faculty ready to learn practical tactics in identifying mentors, making the "ask" for mentoring support and how to take the best advantage of mentoring relationships — from both sides.

Improving visual literacy using augmented reality and LEGO® bricks in biology classrooms

Presenters: Shane Austin and Swati Agrawal

Interactive workshop: short presentations by facilitators (15 mins.) followed by interactive sessions where participants get hands on experience with the use of both augmented reality and LEGO® bricks to explain course content. 

We have developed a series of lessons focused on DNA and protein structure, function and interaction where AR and LEGO® bricks are used to provide three-dimensional interactive models that help students better visualize these intricate structures and processes in our classes. During this workshop we will present some of these lessons and the way we execute it on our classes. These lessons will cover concepts like levels of organization in protein structure, domains in protein involved in metabolic pathways and protein–DNA interaction during processes involved in transcription.

After the brief presentation, participants will model as students and use these lessons to experience and assess the learning gains of this activity. Workshop participants will learn how to develop content for AR using free and easily available platforms so they are able to generate content suited for their courses. Finally, ideas about possible classroom assessments will be presented. 

Target audience: Instructors or student from two-year or four-year college. Emphasis will be placed on examples relevant to biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology, however, techniques could be applied to wider biology educator audiences.

Using 3D-printed models to teach structure–function relationships and network models and simulations to teach metabolic systems in biochemistry courses

Presenter: Rebecca Roston

Interactive experience where the problem is presented (difficulty learning systems and structure–function relationships from static images) and a quick example “lesson” is done with the group. Instructors will be introduced to six structure–function and six biochemical systems instruction methods.

All materials are provided, including: a set of 3D printed models, 3D printer files for all (>20) models, access to more than 10 interactive computer metabolic models, paper and electronic in-class activity appropriate for lecture halls to small classes, accompanying powerpoint slides with clicker questions, and assessment questions. We will briefly show the data from our three publications (JMBE, BAMBED) showing the strong effectiveness of the techniques.

Target audience: Instructors teaching the major content-heavy undergraduate biochemistry classes either for majors or non-majors, we have piloted these in both.

Emerging technologies in the glyosciences

Presenters: Natasha Zachara and Catherine Grimes

In this workshop, our goal is to promote the study of glycans, enabling participants to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the roles that glycans play in physiology and disease. Join us to learn about innovative solutions to glycoscience problems and participate in roundtable discussions focused on addressing glycoscience challenges. This workshop is ideal for both experts, researchers new to the field and trainees.

The workshop will include six short presentations describing new innovations in the field, followed by a roundtable discussion in which attendees are encouraged to ask questions about the presented material or their own glycoscience challenge. Presenters include Richard Drake, Catherine Grimes, Ajit Varki, Michael Tiemeyer, Nicola Pohl and Natasha Zachara. Topics covered include approaches for carbohydrate synthesis, glycomic and glycoproteomic approaches, the detection and analysis of sialic acids, modulation and detection of O-GlcNAc, tools for studying the bacterial cell wall, and computational/database resources for studying glycans.

Inclusive teaching: Supporting undergrads and grads in in-person and remote classrooms and labs

Presenters: Khadijah Mitchell and Tracie Addy, Lafayette College

Issues of diversity, equity and inclusion are more visible on campuses across the country than in the recent past. In line with the ASBMB's mission to advance the science of biochemistry and molecular biology through support of science education at all levels and by promoting the diversity of individuals entering the scientific workforce, this workshop focuses on inclusive teaching of undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and laboratory settings, whether in person or online. Based on our forthcoming book, What Inclusive Instructors Do, we will provide evidence-based principles and practices from a national inclusive teaching study that can be used in various learning contexts. This workshop is designed to build your confidence in using inclusive teaching strategies in classroom and laboratory communities through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to: 

1. Identify DEI challenges facing teaching and learning in biochemistry and molecular biology classrooms.
2. Identify DEI challenges facing teaching and learning in biochemistry and molecular biology research laboratories.
3. Devise possible solutions suitable for in-person and remote contexts.

Advocacy Town Hall

Join the ASBMB Public Affairs Advisory Committee to hear about the intersection of policy and science. What policies has the Biden administration enacted to support the nation’s biomedical research enterprise? And how can federal agencies support researchers still struggling with the impacts of COVID-19 and related university and laboratory shutdowns. ASBMB Public Affairs Director Ben Corb will be joined by the PAAC chair, Terri Kinzy, and the incoming chair, Rick Page, who will field your questions on politics, science policy and getting involved in advocacy.

Science policy and advocacy for early-career researchers

Chairs: Adriana Bankston, University of California, Office of the President, and Adrianne Lee, University of Illinois at Chicago

This session will provide an introduction to science policy and advocacy for early-career researchers, strategies for communicating with policy makers and the public, and opportunities to practice and receive feedback on giving an elevator pitch and policy writing.