BLAST (Basic Laboratory Skills Testing): Evolution of a Practical Laboratory Skills Foundation to Support Undergraduate Research Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences Tarleton State University Dale Telgenhoff Sally Lewis

Rational for Development of BLAST Mission of MLS History of research in MLS Past UG research experiences Goals – Prepare UG for research prior to experience – Preparation for graduate school

Creation Phase Identify medium for project Define outcomes Identify Faculty/Project Coordinator Communicate desired project goals and outcomes to Project Coordinator and MLS faculty Departmental support

You want me to do what??????

Defining Outcomes Students Faculty

Defining Outcomes

Calming the Beast

Initiation Phase: Boot Camp I Identification of Basic Skills Separation of “Basic” and “Advanced” Review of Skills Previously Learned Assessment of Mastery

What is a “Basic Skill”?

Skill Selection Basic Skills Hand washing Disinfecting countertops Cleaning up biohazard spill Removal of contaminated gloves, clothing Selection of proper waste receptacle Microscopy Koehler Illumination Pipetting Monitoring temperatures Dilutions Lab Math Gravimetric analysis Centrifugation Advanced Skills Phlebotomy Specimen collection Cell counting Instrument operation pH adjustment Spectrophotometry Osmometry Molecular techniques

Skill Categories Biosafety Handwashing PPE Biohazard clean-up Waste management Pipetting Procedure Selection Micropipettes Troubleshooting Microscopy Components Optimal imaging Koehler Modifications Dilutions and Solutions Glassware selection Concentration mathematics Gravimetric analysis Centrifugation

Instructional Phase: Boot Camp I

Format Four 2-hour sessions Hands-on laboratory instruction Time dedicated for practice Facilities available for additional practice

Instructional Session Example Handwashing – GloGerm Handwash Spill clean-up Segregation of waste

Assessment: Boot Camp I

Assessment Stations One-on-one performance of skill in front of faculty Four stations, rotation of students Pass/fail system – three attempts

Remediation Six fails – all in pipetting skills One-on-one instruction/ troubleshooting Improved technique, passed skills test

Here we Go Again: Boot Camp II Increased emphasis on pipetting skills Incorporated BLAST into grade for Introductory Course Reviewed feedback from faculty, students

Undergraduate Research Basic lab skills required for advanced molecular techniques Overall improvement of skills – little need for remedial teaching More time spent on research development and implementation

Clinical Outreach Discuss basic lab skills with clinical instructors Review of techniques currently used Skills improved – still need emphasis on pipetting skills Information provided by Virginia Reyes, M.Ed., MT(ASCP)SBB

Boot Camps III +: What we have Learned…. Some skills replaced, substituted Continued strong emphasis on pipetting skills, assessment Graded component of Introductory course Fear – spread by word of mouth – increased practice!

Questions?