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. Mehaffy is also the director for and works closely with the MIP CURE Program. 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
Fostering Metacognition in the Microbiology Classroom
This study aims to investigate if exam corrections and reflections increases students metacognitive skills and exam performance. We are also investigating the potential use of AI as a tool for student feedback and investigating students perceptions to this type of feedback.
research project
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 scientists in the Microbiology classroom
The Mehaffy lab, with graduate student Gaby Ramirez, is curating a database of 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 scientists in the classroom impacts student’s views of their science identity and of who can be a scientist.
Publications
Science across generations: establishing best practices for intergenerational learning in course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs).
Mehaffy C, Simpson E, Phan K, Nelson NA, Birmingham DJ, Borlee GI. J Microbiol Biol Educ. 2025 Dec 23:e0021525. doi: 10.1128/jmbe.00215-25. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41432657.
Qualitative analysis of students’ perceptions of active learning practices in a highly structured microbiology course provides support for implementation of flipped and interactive classroom activities.
Moran M, Jean K, Graham B, Suchman E, Popichak K, McLean J, Mehaffy C. J Microbiol Biol Educ. 2025 Oct 9:e0015025. doi: 10.1128/jmbe.00150-25. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41065366.
Disruption of riboflavin biosynthesis in mycobacteria establishes riboflavin pathway intermediates as key precursors of MAIT cell agonists.
Chengalroyen MD, Oketade N, Worley A, Lucas M, Ramirez LMN, Raphela ML, Swarbrick GM, Soma PS, Zuma M, Warner DF, Lewinsohn DA, Mehaffy C, Adams EJ, Hildebrand W, Dobos KM, Mizrahi V, Lewinsohn DM.
PLoS Pathog. 2025 Jul 1;21(7):e1012632. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012632. Online ahead of print. PMID: 40591719
Plasmid and chromosomal sequences of Pantoea agglomerans isolated from air in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Freedman A, Malmstrom K, Gruber P, Borlee BR, Mehaffy C. Microbiol Resour Announc. 2025 Jun 9:e0034125. doi: 10.1128/mra.00341-25. Online ahead of print. PMID: 40488507
Complete genome sequence of Planococcus koreensis isolated from soil in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Gruber P, Freedman A, Malmstrom K, Borlee BR, Mehaffy C.
Microbiol Resour Announc. 2025 May 8;14(5):e0019325. doi: 10.1128/mra.00193-25. Epub 2025 Apr 17. PMID: 40243307
more publications
news and updates
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April 1, 2025
Winners from annual MURALS symposium announced
Student Pavneet Kaur, mentored by Carolina Mehaffy in the First Year Scholars Academy, wins first place in Social Sciences & Humanities at MURALS 2025.
March 12, 2025
MIP faculty mentor almost half of CSU’s 2024 research distinction recipients
The four students who earned this distinction were involved in an array of activities, including outreach, volunteer work, and presenting their research.
November 22, 2024
Microbiology students earn recognition at national biomedical research conference
Ashley Freedman, a Biomedical Sciences undergraduate student concentrating in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, was honored with a poster presentation award at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) in Pittsburg, PA.
contact information
Office: Microbiology room B107
Lab: Microbiology rooms B228 and C212
[email protected]
