The Mehaffy lab focuses on the intersection of undergraduate research and student success, inclusive pedagogy practices, and student engagement and affective response in the classroom. Dr. Mehaffey is also the director for and works closely with MIP CURE Labs. In addition, the Mehaffy lab contributes to collaborative projects in biomedical research related to non-tuberculous mycobacteria and tuberculosis as part of the CSU Mycobacteria Research Labs.
research project
Studying the impact of Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) in students
In collaboration with CURE instructors Traci Kinkel, Grace Borlee, and past CURE instructors, the Mehaffy lab studies how students that engage in CUREs shift their science identity, self-efficacy and community values as part of the experience. The Mehaffy lab is also interested in assessing how CUREs can contribute to students confidence in research and laboratory skills.
Evaluating Students’ perceptions towards active learning practices in the Microbiology and Infectious Disease program
The Mehaffy lab is evaluating how students perceive different types of instructional strategies including active learning practices. This collaborative project expects to provide evidence of how students engage with activities in the classroom and how faculty can implement these strategies to aid student learning. This project is funded by the College Research Council (CRC).
research project
Studying the impact of highlighting scientist diversity in the Microbiology classroom
The Mehaffy lab, with graduate student Gaby Ramirez, is curating a database of diverse Microbiology scientists that can be highlighted in the Microbiology classroom. In addition, the team, which includes Assistant Professor Grace Borlee, will be studying how showcasing diverse scientist in the classroom impacts student’s views of their science identity and of who can be a scientist.
Modulation of riboflavin biosynthesis and utilization in mycobacteria. Chengalroyen MD, Mehaffy C, Lucas M, Bauer N, Raphela ML, Oketade N, Warner DF, Lewinsohn DA, Lewinsohn DM, Dobos KM, Mizrahi V. bioRxiv. 2023 Sep 10:2023.08.30.555301. doi: 10.1101/2023.08.30.555301. Preprint. PMID: 37693561