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Antibiotic resistance in pathogens is predicted to be a leading cause of death worldwide. Tiny Earth (TE) is an established Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) with an international network of students and faculty who participate in the discovery of antibiotic-producing microbes. CUREs provide opportunities for all students enrolled in a course to develop their research skills, including experimental methodology, critical thinking, and problem solving. I integrated the TE CURE into the microbiology curriculum at Campbell University in January of 2020. My goals for this study are to provide information on how TE can be integrated into a course and to provide data on student perceptions of research following completion of the CURE. An online survey, composed of questions ranked with a Likert scale, during the 2025-2026 academic year in a 300 level and 200 level semester long undergraduate microbiology courses. The survey targeted the following categories: Research Skills and Learning Gains, Engagement and Interest, Attitudes Toward Research, Identity and Belonging, and Value Perceptions of a CURE. In the area of research skills, more than 90% of upper level biology majors reported increased decision-making confidence, a greater level of independence, and improved ability to analyze and interpret data. In contrast, only 73.9% indicated enhanced ability in experimental design. Most students reported improved engagement, increased interest, and more positive attitudes toward research after completing the CURE. A smaller proportion of students felt a sense of belonging to the scientific community. While perceptions of a CURE compared to a traditional laboratory varied, most students agreed that the CURE was enjoyable. These findings highlight the effectiveness of integrating CUREs like Tiny Earth into microbiology curricula for enhancing research skills, engagement, and enjoyment, while identifying opportunities to strengthen students’ sense of belonging within the scientific community.
