Microbial-based Solutions for Uranium Contamination in New Mexico Soils: Implementing a New CURE Course at New Mexico Tech

Summary:

The project will develop and implement a rigorous Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) that expands the Biology curriculum focusing on uranium contamination in soils. The course will train students to take ownership of their work, meld microbiological lab techniques, genomic and geochemical analysis, and provide clear expectations for deliverables. Students enrolled in the course will evaluate microbial function and community assembly from soil samples from a decommissioned depleted uranium munitions range in the Socorro Mountains.