# Engineering Solutions for Better Health: Genetic Technology and Biomedical Engineering for Secondary Classrooms

> **NIH NIH R25** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2024 · $270,000

## Abstract

The Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) include
engineering, technology and applications of science as an important part of students’ learning how science is
utilized. However, very few K-12 life science curriculum materials address this important component. As a
result, students are not introduced to the full range of biomedical workforce careers, leading to missed
opportunities to spark their interest in bioscience and health-related occupations.
 To address this need, the Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC) at the University of Utah will utilize the
experience it has gained over the past 8 years in developing NGSS-aligned curricula to produce, test and
disseminate two innovative curriculum supplement modules that focus on new and emerging technologies that
are not yet included in biology textbooks. The biomedical engineering module for middle school (grades 7-8)
will focus on computational thinking and engineering design applications that connect to the organ and sensory
system units taught at that level. The genetic technologies module for high school (grades 9-10) will focus on
ways that new and emerging technologies can be used together to diagnose and treat complex human health
conditions. The goals for the Engineering Solutions for Better Health: Genetic Technology and Biomedical
Engineering for Secondary Science project are to:
 GOAL 1: Promote biomedical workforce development by engaging secondary-level students with
engineering and technology applications in healthcare via new curriculum replacement modules so
they can make informed choices related to careers. Approach: Involve teachers at schools with a majority
of students who are underrepresented in biomedical research (UBR) in drafting each module, testing activities
with their students, and refining it. Produce curriculum-embedded videos of UBR students interacting with UBR
individuals in the biomedical workplace who are developing or using the featured technologies. Conduct a RCT
with UBR students to evaluate each module’s efficacy for student learning and increased career interest.
 GOAL 2: Support biomedical workforce development through professional development courses
and workshops that educate teachers about genetic technologies and biomedical engineering and
prepare them to implement the curriculum supplement modules with their students. Approach: Offer 4
online courses, recruiting at least 120 teachers from across the US, focusing those at schools with a majority of
UBR students. Present at least 5 workshops at state, regional and national science teacher conferences.
 The project will take advantage of the GSLC’s award-winning expertise in developing effective, interactive,
multimedia learning experiences; its published methods for involving teachers in curriculum development; and
its extensive experience in teacher professional development. The modules will be broadly disseminated via
our Learn.Genetics and Teach.Genet...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10896131
- **Project number:** 5R25GM142087-04
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** LOUISA A STARK
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $270,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-05-01 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10896131

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10896131, Engineering Solutions for Better Health: Genetic Technology and Biomedical Engineering for Secondary Classrooms (5R25GM142087-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10896131. Licensed CC0.

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