Growing the entomological community: Engaging introductory biology students in course-based research on insects

Research experiences are known to increase retention in STEM fields, sense of belonging in science, and interest in seeking additional research experiences. Embedding research experiences in biology coursework is especially important for low income, first-generation, and minority undergraduate students unable to dedicate time to research outside their normal course load due to personal and financial barriers. Further, integrating these experiences in introductory courses engages students early in their academic career giving them a wider timeframe to explore research. The Biological Collections in Ecology & Evolution Network (BCEENET) supports the development and implementation of Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) by leveraging the rapidly increasing availability of digitized natural history collections data. Here we detail the implementation of a BCEENET CURE focused on the evolution and ecology of Pieris rapae, the cabbage white butterfly. Students use online open-access tools to georeference specimens and digital images from iDigBio to test hypotheses about the evolution of traits across geographic ranges and environmental gradients. This CURE has been a foundational part of the introductory biology laboratory sequence at Westfield State University since 2021. Beyond growing the entomological community by increasing participation it has also helped develop a more robust entomological research program at our university. Support from BCEENET makes these CUREs a particularly tractable opportunity to engage students in entomological research early. Please visit bceenet.org to learn more about our network.