APR 29, 2026
Blueprints before bricks: The impact of early and intentional molecular modeling on project outcomes in a Medicinal Chemistry CURE
Drawing on nearly a decade of experience facilitating a Medicinal Chemistry CURE, this presentation outlines key pedagogical shifts that have significantly enhanced student’s ability to navigate computer aided drug design techniques to explore research outcomes. At Weber State University, a primarily undergraduate institution, three primary observations are important to Medicinal Chemistry CURE success:improving accessibility,scaffolding technical literacy, andthe necessity of early intervention. By analyzing qualitative student evaluations, quantitative pre- and post-course surveys, and student product output, I will discuss ‘lessons learned’ and a provide a basic framework for educators looking to implement intentional molecular modeling in undergraduate research courses.
Slides
Our Speaker
Tracy Covey
Professor, Assistant Director, Weber State University
Tracy Covey, PhD, serves as a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Assistant Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at Weber State University. After earning her PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Utah and completing a post-doctorate at Duke-NUS in Singapore, she joined the WSU faculty to champion student-centered science. While her expertise covers the breadth of general, medicinal, and biochemistry, Dr. Covey’s passion is the advancement of undergraduate scholarship and opportunities to bring research into the standard chemistry curriculum.