Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education

The Spread Plate Technique, in conjunction with serial dilutions, is a valuable research tool. In this example, dye is used to accentuate the visible volume of each aliquot and the dispersion pattern on the agar. With the utilization of a second dye, each agar plate can be used twice. The immediate feedback and personal evaluation of these techniques provide an active learning experience that students remember.

We qualitatively investigated ways in which undergraduates unpacked their perceptions of STEM careers after attending a seminar series that introduced them to diverse scientists. Using Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a guiding framework, we explored how culturally-specific realities impacted students’ career choices. Our findings suggest that familial ties and cultural expectations played key roles in determining how students navigated career choice. Our results have implications for how institutions navigate career pursuit discussions with students.