Markers of Excellence: Professional Development Opportunities in an Organic Chemistry CURE

The American Chemical Society has developed professional development competencies to guide the integration of professional skills into chemistry curricula. This study examines how these competencies were demonstrated in an organic chemistry course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) with a unique emphasis on team science. This CURE exhibited each of the five professional development competencies at the highest level, providing a model for how instructors can enhance the professional development impact of their courses. By embedding explicit team science training within a CURE, students gained stronger preparation for collaborative, real-world scientific work than traditional laboratory courses typically provide.