Collaborative Research: Promoting Computational Literacy in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education

NSF Award Search · 04002526DB NSF STEM Education · $318,485 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project aims to serve the national interest by preparing faculty members to teach students the computational skills they need to join the workforce, ready to take on the next generation of scientific challenges. "Big data" fields (where the amount of data is too large to be analyzed with Excel), such as bioinformatics, computational biology, protein design, and drug design, all rely on computational skills. In addition, using computers as research and information tools is recognized by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) as a necessary skill for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) curricula. Thus, developing computational literacy in BMB students is important for the next generation of scientists to fully participate in evolving scientific fields. This project is designed to identify the computational needs of the BMB community and to develop and deliver virtual workshops and coding exercises related to BMB fields. These workshops and videos will be made freely available on sites such as GitHub and YouTube to increase the reach of this project beyond those who are able to attend the live, virtual workshops. There is currently no single source of information or exercises to train BMB faculty to teach computational literacy through coding exercises. Likewise, no tools currently exist to assess the needs and attitudes of the BMB community towards building computational literacy. The project team plans to develop a series of coding exer

Key facts

NSF award ID
2518732
Awardee
Rochester Institute of Tech (NY)
SAM.gov UEI
J6TWTRKC1X14
PI
Paul A Craig
Primary program
04002526DB NSF STEM Education
All programs
AI-Supported Learning, Improv Undergrad STEM Ed(IUSE), EHR CL Opportunities (NSF 14-302), UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Estimated total
$318,485
Funds obligated
$318,485
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2028