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An Undergraduate Learning Assistant Perspective on Career Development

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Title: An Undergraduate Learning Assistant Perspective on Career Development
Language: English
Authors: Paige Gruber, Jennifer McLean, Katriana Popichak (ORCID 0000-0001-5797-893X)
Source: Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education. 2025 26(2).
Availability: American Society for Microbiology. 1752 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-737-3600; e-mail: journals@asmusa.org; Web site: https://journals.asm.org/journal/jmbe
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 5
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Teaching Assistants, Undergraduate Students, Professional Development, Microbiology, Science Instruction, Student Development, STEM Education
Geographic Terms: Colorado
ISSN: 1935-7877
1935-7885
Abstract: Undergraduate learning assistant (ULA) programs are widely recognized for their positive impact on student engagement, academic performance, and classroom inclusion in large-enrollment STEM courses. However, far less attention has been given to the professional development of the ULAs themselves. This perspective paper accompanies the article "Implementing an undergraduate learning assistant model to foster engagement and professional development in microbiology courses" (K. A. Popichak, P. E. Gruber, E. L. Suchman, and J. L. McLean, J Microbiol Biol Educ:e00042-25, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.00042-25), which details a structured and replicable ULA program implemented at Colorado State University. Drawing from my personal experience as a ULA in this program, I explore how pedagogical training, structured mentorship, and active teaching responsibilities supported my development in science communication, leadership, and career exploration. Unlike many peer-led teaching models, this program centers the dual benefit of ULAs both as instructional aides and as developing professionals. This paper expands the conversation around ULA programs by emphasizing the need to treat undergraduate teaching roles not only as service to peers but also as high-impact opportunities for skill-building and identity formation. Through reflective analysis, I argue that programs like the one described by Popichak et al. fill a critical gap in STEM education by preparing undergraduates for future roles in research, education, and public outreach. Broader adoption of such models could enhance both student success and the career readiness of those facilitating it. Together, this perspective and the accompanying curriculum paper offer a roadmap for universities to reimagine ULA programs as a mutually beneficial strategy for teaching, mentorship, and professional development.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1481756
Database: ERIC
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  Data: An Undergraduate Learning Assistant Perspective on Career Development
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Paige+Gruber%22">Paige Gruber</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Jennifer+McLean%22">Jennifer McLean</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Katriana+Popichak%22">Katriana Popichak</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5797-893X">0000-0001-5797-893X</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Microbiology+%26+Biology+Education%22"><i>Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education</i></searchLink>. 2025 26(2).
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  Data: American Society for Microbiology. 1752 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-737-3600; e-mail: journals@asmusa.org; Web site: https://journals.asm.org/journal/jmbe
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Teaching+Assistants%22">Teaching Assistants</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Undergraduate+Students%22">Undergraduate Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Professional+Development%22">Professional Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Microbiology%22">Microbiology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Science+Instruction%22">Science Instruction</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Development%22">Student Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22STEM+Education%22">STEM Education</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Colorado%22">Colorado</searchLink>
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  Data: Undergraduate learning assistant (ULA) programs are widely recognized for their positive impact on student engagement, academic performance, and classroom inclusion in large-enrollment STEM courses. However, far less attention has been given to the professional development of the ULAs themselves. This perspective paper accompanies the article "Implementing an undergraduate learning assistant model to foster engagement and professional development in microbiology courses" (K. A. Popichak, P. E. Gruber, E. L. Suchman, and J. L. McLean, J Microbiol Biol Educ:e00042-25, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.00042-25), which details a structured and replicable ULA program implemented at Colorado State University. Drawing from my personal experience as a ULA in this program, I explore how pedagogical training, structured mentorship, and active teaching responsibilities supported my development in science communication, leadership, and career exploration. Unlike many peer-led teaching models, this program centers the dual benefit of ULAs both as instructional aides and as developing professionals. This paper expands the conversation around ULA programs by emphasizing the need to treat undergraduate teaching roles not only as service to peers but also as high-impact opportunities for skill-building and identity formation. Through reflective analysis, I argue that programs like the one described by Popichak et al. fill a critical gap in STEM education by preparing undergraduates for future roles in research, education, and public outreach. Broader adoption of such models could enhance both student success and the career readiness of those facilitating it. Together, this perspective and the accompanying curriculum paper offer a roadmap for universities to reimagine ULA programs as a mutually beneficial strategy for teaching, mentorship, and professional development.
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      – Text: English
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      Pagination:
        PageCount: 5
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Teaching Assistants
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Undergraduate Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Professional Development
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Microbiology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Science Instruction
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Development
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: STEM Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Colorado
        Type: general
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      – TitleFull: An Undergraduate Learning Assistant Perspective on Career Development
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            NameFull: Paige Gruber
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            NameFull: Katriana Popichak
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              Type: published
              Y: 2025
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