ICE-TI: Master of Science in Biology

Dine College, Tsaile AZ

Investigators

Abstract

A goal of the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP) is to increase the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instructional and research capacities of specific institutions of higher education that serve the Nation's students. Expanding the STEM curricular offerings at these institutions increases the opportunities for their students to pursue challenging, rewarding careers in STEM fields, provides for research studies in areas that may be locally significant, and encourages a community and generational appreciation for science and mathematics education. This project, submitted by Diné College and titled “Master of Science in Biology” directly aligns with that goal. Through a collaborative effort, the project establishes a thesis-based Master of Science in Biology built on the solid foundation of the college’s multiple STEM BS degrees, including Biology, its faculty members’ expertise, the knowledge of local community experts, and the college’s substantive STEM infrastructure. The degree includes a rigorous slate of courses, including field and laboratory courses, focused on STEM content knowledge and research skills, as well as a strong community grounding to support student success. The project advances the degree offerings at Diné College to include graduate study, enabling the matriculation of researchers prepared to work in STEM professions in a wide range of settings. The Master of Science in Biology degree at Diné College is designed to prepare students with an advanced understanding of biology concepts, research techniques, and sub-discipline-specific expertise. Students will engage in the graduate education process to expand their knowledge vertically and horizontally through both intellectual understanding and practical experience, enabling graduates to advance to higher levels of employment and educational opportunities. By also integrating local knowledge and developing their understanding of the significance of that knowledge in scientific and social realms, the program will have transformative effects, catalyzing graduates’ abilities to apply their learning and interpret their work in locally sensitive ways. The project advances the degree offerings at Diné College to include graduate study, enabling the matriculation of researchers prepared to work in STEM professions. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.