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Mutualism in museums: A model for engaging undergraduates in biodiversity science

Author

Listed:
  • Anna E Hiller
  • Carla Cicero
  • Monica J Albe
  • Theresa L W Barclay
  • Carol L Spencer
  • Michelle S Koo
  • Rauri C K Bowie
  • Eileen A Lacey

Abstract

Museums have an untapped potential to engage students in hands-on learning. Here, we describe the development of a tiered museum-based program at the University of California, Berkeley as a model for engaging undergraduates in biodiversity science. This decade-long effort to increase student participation in collections demonstrates the mutual benefits of undergraduate involvement. Museums benefit from critical help in collections care and an increased intellectual vitality, while students simultaneously gain essential research skills and an unparalleled exposure to biodiversity. Five first steps to creating a program are: dedicate a coordinator, offer credit, diversify participation, create a tiered structure, and build community.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna E Hiller & Carla Cicero & Monica J Albe & Theresa L W Barclay & Carol L Spencer & Michelle S Koo & Rauri C K Bowie & Eileen A Lacey, 2017. "Mutualism in museums: A model for engaging undergraduates in biodiversity science," PLOS Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(11), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pbio00:2003318
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2003318
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Whitfield, 2012. "Superstars of botany: Rare specimens," Nature, Nature, vol. 484(7395), pages 436-438, April.
    2. Anna Nowogrodzki, 2016. "Biological specimen troves threatened by funding pause," Nature, Nature, vol. 531(7596), pages 561-561, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sunita Gupta & Parul Kulshreshtha & Divya Aggarwal & Deuvshree Sharma, 2023. "Undergraduate Internship on Yamuna River Exploration: Raising Awareness about SDG6," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-16, June.

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