Taking a Cue from CUE  

Networking, Programming, Technological Innovations, and Outreach, each essential elements for an effective Branch program, were all on display at the recent 16th Annual ASM Conference for Undergraduate Educators (ASMCUE or CUE) organized and sponsored by ASM's Education Board. I had the pleasure of addressing attendees in an open forum where I encouraged direct involvement with ASM Branches. I listened to their concerns and needs and concluded Branches should consider the Undergraduate Educator constituency when they plan upcoming events. If future Branch programming incorporated agenda issues and presentation formats from ASMCUE, I believe that Branches could be well served and expand local outreach, while addressing an existing ongoing need. Undergraduate educators are a group of highly motivated and energetic individuals who are primed, ready, and willing to help Branches excel.  

A summary of this year's CUE can be found on CUE's website (http://www.asmcue.org/page02d.shtml). The meeting organizers used different formats to keep the meeting vital and engaging for attendees.  

The majority of meetings, whether they be at the local or national level, begin with compelling speakers presenting topical lectures. At CUE, Carrie Harwood, Thomas Schmidt, Iam Orme, Kim Lewis, and Jeff Pommerville all exceeded audience expectations. As the organizers described in their summary, the entire conference was marked with "almost unbridled enthusiasm," and this was in large part attributable to the plenary speakers setting a very high standard. All Branch meetings have compelling plenary speakers, a testament to the provocative programming associated with Branch events. Yet, CUE excelled beyond the plenary sessions through the style and approach of their other sessions: Learn Something New, Try Something New, Microbrew, and Reviewing Submissions to Microbe Library.  

Learn Something New was focused on updates from the discipline of microbiology spun from needs and interests of undergraduate educators. We have all witnessed excellence in research presentations, but when faced with the challenge of conveying sophisticated, cutting-edge research to the appropriate classroom level, the excitement of the research can be lost. At CUE, the organizers selected a wide array of topics from phages being used to facilitate the diagnosis of bacterial diseases (Lawrence Goodridge, Colorado State University), to sharing what might evolve from pending legislation with respect to biosafety issues specific to teaching laboratories (Chris Woolverton, Kent State University). Vibrant discussions resulted from each talk, and I am certain that many in the audience will be presenting a new slant to the marriage of classical and contemporary microbial genetics the next time this topic arises in their syllabus (Joel Griffitts, Brigham Young University.)  

Try Something New sessions focused on pedagogical approaches that can be used in microbiology. Pedagogy is becoming increasingly important for those involved in teaching. Excellent speakers and varied topics offered attendees the opportunity to learn how these new educational modalities can be used in microbiology. I believe this topic area could be a winner and attract attendees to your next Branch meeting.  

Microbrew was a series of 15-minute "chalk-talk" presentations where participants presented a variety of ideas for teaching microbiology. Audience members were encouraged to provide feedback. Consider this format at a Branch meeting. Wouldn't this be a great opportunity for both graduate students and faculty alike to learn what the digital natives (our students) might find compelling? The 30 Microbrew presentations at CUE clearly demonstrated that there is no limit to the breadth of these sessions.  

Finally, one of the interesting ways you might wish to spend a lunch period was highlighted by their event entitled MicrobeLibrary Review Sessions. This session gave attendees an opportunity to peer review a number of projects submitted to this valuable ASM resource. Again, in a Branch venue, you might consider how a core group of graduate students or faculty affiliated with the Branch might develop a resource appropriate for MicrobeLibrary and then have it reviewed by the group prior to submission. Not only would this strengthen the submission but it might also provide new and timely content to an important ASM resource.  

As you can see, I was one of many enthusiastic attendees at CUE. I am also convinced that the undergraduate educators will help Branches bring this level and type of excellent programming to your Branch if they are given the opportunity. From all of us involved in Branches, we hope to see you at a Branch meeting soon. To learn of your next opportunity to participate in ASM Branch programming and networking opportunities go to http://www.asm.org/Membership/index.asp?bid _23253.  

Michael G. Schmidt  
Chair, Branch Organization Committee