Dr. Kimberly (Linenberger) Cortes
Chemistry Education Researcher
PREVIOUS PROJECTS
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Representation Use in Biochemistry Instruction and Assessment​​
This project investigates the role representations play in the instruction and assessment of biochemistry courses. In addition, the emerging capabilities of on-line testing may allow for enhanced methods to represent molecules on examinations and this study addresses how these improvements might impact biochemistry assessment.
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Development and Facilitation of a Graduate Teaching Assistant Learning Community​
As part of the the Precollege and Undergraduate Science Education Howard Hughes Medical Institute grant, multiple science departments at Iowa State University are beginning to incorporate research-like experiences into sophomore level laboratories. Because this requires additional training for graduate teaching assistants an interdisciplinary team of postdoctoral researchers came together to develop and facilitate a 2 semester graduate teaching assistant learning community. The purpose of this community is to develop pedagogical content knowledge and ultimately improve the undergraduates experience in these laboratories.
From Chemistry and the Living Organism 6th Ed. (p.461), by M.M. Bloomfield and L.J. Stephens, 1996, United States: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Biochemistry Students Understanding of Enzyme-Substrate Interactions​
This project focused on using multiple representations to elicit biochemistry students' understanding of enzyme-substrate interactions. The data collected from the interview technique developed in this study was used to create the Enzyme-Substrate Interactions Concept Inventory (ESICI). We established that the ESICI produced valid and reliable data from a sample of N=707 biochemistry students from across the country. It was determined that students held a range of misconceptions.
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Development of a Biophysical Experiment Integrating Multiple Spectroscopic Techniques
The purpose of this project was to develop an integrated upper-level laboratory experiment that incorporates concepts from inorganic, biological, and physical chemistry. Being set in the context of understanding why meat is packaged under and atmosphere of CO gives students a connection as to how what they are learning in the laboratory connects to their everyday lives. The experiment investigates the effects of ligand strength on the spectroscopic properties of the heme center in myoglobin (shown in the figure to the right) using UV-vis, 1H NMR, and EPR spectroscopies and can be completed in two 3-4 hour laboratory periods.
​Impact of Computer Visualization Activities on Chemistry Students' Cognitive and Spatial Abilities
This study looked at the use of hands-on activities in the further development of spatial and cognitive ability and scientific success. We looked at the initial scores for and attitudes toward spatial and cognitive abilities and then compared them to scores on chapter tests that contained high ability material, finals and recent scores for the students. After implementation of these activities into the curriculum the students developed better spatial and visualization skills and better understanding of how molecular structure influences properties.
