Jennifer Uno receives grant from American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Assistant Professor Jennifer Uno, in collaboration with Western Alamance Middle School teacher Susan Dixon, received a $2,000 grant this summer as part of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s “Hands-on Opportunities to Promote Engagement in Science” program.

The grant supports their project, “Fostering science interest among 6th grade students using engaging, inquiry-based activities at Western Alamance Middle School,” involving a service-learning section of the “Human Physiology” course for Elon University undergraduates and sixth graders from Western Alamance Middle School in Elon, N.C.

In the course, Elon students will develop inquiry-based interactive projects to bring hands-on learning to the sixth grade. The project will encourage students to continue their participation in community outreach after they are done with the class and as they head into their professional careers.

The HOPES program fosters partnerships between colleges, universities and K-12 schools. Grants are awarded to research scientists and K-12 teachers collaborating to bringhands-on science learning methods into the classroom.

With funding from the National Science Foundation, 11 awards were given to scientists across the nation, and each award is used to support the development of K-12 STEM outreach projects.