We will discuss how to build up a successful research program at a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI). We will cover topics like teaching and research expectations at small liberal arts colleges (SLACs) and other PUIs, how to strike a balance between research and teaching at PUIs, how to design projects that fit the undergraduate student timeline, how to recruit and retain students in a diverse and equitable lab environment, avenues of research funding, and publishing with undergraduate co-authors.


Terry McGlynn, California State University Dominguez Hills
How to develop an undergraduate research lab with long-term sustainability

I will describe the great variety of PUIs, including the ranges of expectations and resources in small liberal arts colleges and regional public universities. I will discuss what what it’s like to operate an undergraduate-centered research program, and describe a variety of strategic approaches to maintaining an active undergraduate research laboratory over the duration of your career.


Connection Info

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About the C-DEBI Virtual Meeting Series

Building on the enthusiasm of our first virtual annual meeting in 2020, we continue to bring the C-DEBI community together through a virtual meeting series. These virtual events will be held monthly during the first week of each month, with a regular rotation of science workshops and professional development workshops. Each workshop will contain about 90 minutes of programming, including invited speakers to give plenary tutorials and presentations, breakout sessions, and plenary Q&A sessions. To foster an open environment for discussion, these talks will not be recorded.

C-DEBI is committed to providing a virtual meeting space where all participants feel welcome, safe, and included. By registering for and attending the meeting, you agree to review and abide by our non-discriminatory code of conduct.

The layout of the 90-minute meetings (all 10:30AM - 12:00PM Pacific Time) is anticipated to be:

• Welcome (10 minutes)
• Community building ice breaker (10 minutes; in breakout rooms if the group is large)
• Plenary talk(s) (30 minutes)
• Open Q&A (30 minutes)
• Wrap up (10 minutes)