MESA, Arizona — Nov. 18, 2019 — Asmita Kane, Ph.D., a professor of chemistry at Mesa Community College, recently highlighted her work with students in an article, Research as an alternative path through General Chemistry, on the website for the Division of Chemistry for the Council on Undergraduate Research.

Dr. Kane, who has mentored students for the past 11 years, explains how she has used undergraduate research as an inclusive, student-centered, alternative approach to learning general chemistry.

“The spectrum of students attending our community college is vast with students with varying high school preparation levels, ethnic, social and economic backgrounds ,” Kane said. “Bringing them all into one classroom, retaining them there and mentoring them towards successful completion is a significant challenge. That’s why I believe undergraduate research can be an inclusive style of teaching.”

Kane said as the students analyze the chemistry of soils and plants and engage in undergraduate research experiences. They learn essential skills like how to plan and progress their project, the methodology of analysis, data collection, as well as processing and presenting data.

“I have seen UGR as not only an activity that created interest in students about chemistry, it also improved their grades,” Kane said. “It has enormous potential for student retention and course completion.”

The article may be found on the CurChem Website.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, MCC, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, at its two campuses, the Mesa Downtown Center and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

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