Residency Program

“Thoughtful researchers give serious attention first to identifying interesting and worthwhile research questions and subsequently, selecting the research methods and techniques that best fit the nature of those questions.”  Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education editor

The Year in "Virtual" Residency

Each Residency begins with an intensive, face-to-face, multiday training institute and concludes with a session in which Scholars present their results. Scholars accepted into the Residency must meet certain requirements and expectations. Once accepted, Scholars immediately begin working on preparatory assignments and readings intended to help them move through the Residency thoughtfully and effectively. Biology Scholars will complete the majority of their Transitions Residency at their home institutions.

Requirements and Expectations

In their applications, Scholars must confirm their availability for all aspects of the year-long Transitions Residency, including:

• Participation in the Science Education Research to Publishing Institute held June 14 to 16, 2010 Washington, DC
• Completion of all pre- and post-Institute assignments and readings
• Participation in the Biology Scholars e-community, including follow-up virtual meetings for two years after the Institute
• Submission of a manuscript to a life science education journal or multidisciplinary journal on the scholarship of teaching and learning for example, within two to three years of completing the initial training
• Presentation of your research at a professional scientific meeting and/or education meeting within two years after the Institute
• Participation in up to five years of tracking of your professional development by ASM

Biology Scholars are also expected to participate in the 3-day training and:

• Validate or refine their research question
• Reevaluate the research design; ensure coherence between the research question and research design
• Use various approaches and databases to identify other relevant studies, and incorporate new references and studies into their work
• Prepare an outline for a manuscript
• Identify an audience and voice for the proposed manuscript
• Present findings; organize evidence logically and thoughtfully
• Prepare an abstract
• Outline anticipated challenges of writing the manuscript and develop a plan to overcome or circumvent these challenges
• Identify venues for publishing the work

Timelines, Assignments, and Projects

Scholars are expected to complete all assignments in a timely manner and lend their expertise and experience to the cohort. Assignments begin upon acceptance into the program. The assignments and projects are meant to help Scholars move through the Residency thoughtfully, making continuous progress toward meeting Residency goals and aims. The pre-Institute assignments help Scholars think about their research and whether it is ready for publication and, if not, why not.  Scholars also identify venues for publishing and differences among publications (e.g., discipline-based publications vs publications targeted for broader audiences).

Upon successful completion of the program, each Scholar will receive a certificate of completion and a letter from the facilitators detailing their participation in the program., A press release will be distributed for dissemination to administrators and colleagues at the Scholar’s home institution. Successful completion is achieved after completing all assignments in a timely fashion, contributing to the e-community, and demonstrating overall commitment to the program. Scholars document their progress electronically; initial work is posted electronically and updated periodically throughout the residency. Works in progress and manuscripts will be shared among the cohort and discussed periodically.

Online Community

A major goal for the Biology Scholars Program is to foster peer-to-peer mentoring. This aspect is achieved by developing the virtual community via a wiki, listserve, and blogs. Faculty and staff post new resources and programs, remind Scholars about deadlines, and respond to queries from Scholars. Scholars post questions, respond to questions, mentor peers, share achievements, and recommend resources.

Mentors and Critical Friends

Throughout the Residency, Scholars are asked to support one another and keep in contact with a critical friend, team members, and team leader. These contacts provide valuable expertise throughout the residency. The critical friend serves as a sounding board, provider of feedback, and an anchor and coach. Frequently, program assignments require sharing and reviewing each other’s work.

ASM Conference for Undergraduate Educators

Scholars have opportunities to reunite with their cohort and meet participants from other cohorts at the ASM Conference for Undergraduate Educators (ASMCUE) held each spring. Although not required for Scholars participating in the Transitions Residency, it is highly encouraged.  The annual conference brings together 300+ biologists from a diversity of institutions (e.g., community colleges, undergraduate, and doctoral institutions) from the United States and abroad.  About 70% of the participants teach general biology to science majors and non-science majors.  All Scholars are encouraged to submit abstracts for poster presentations and, when appropriate, to apply for ASMCUE travel grants. In addition, Scholars are encouraged to develop and lead education sessions at their society meetings. Visit www.asmcue.org or your professional society’s website for more information about upcoming meetings and conferences.

Post-Residency

It is hoped that a participant's experience as a Biology Scholar will never be “over.” Two goals of the program are to promote ongoing collaborations among the Scholars and develop Scholars into leaders in undergraduate biology education reform. Reform efforts are most successful when advanced by a community of practice. Thus, your participation in the Residency is expected to be a lifelong, professional experience.

Upon completion of the Residency, Scholars will be encouraged to continue participating in the e-community and in faculty development programs. Many Scholars are likely to be leaders in their organizations and professional networks. The program’s success is based on Scholars’ diligence about staying in touch regardless of where and how they advance in academia.  ASM will continue to be in touch with Scholars about the ways in which the Residency contributed to their leadership in science education research The Biology Scholars Program is a national model for other professional societies in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

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