Month/Year of Graduation

5-2026

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Biomedical Biology (BTCHBS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Kristen Johnson

Abstract

Current undergraduate students received much of their education following the events of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these students experienced pandemic events before receiving any or most of their science-based higher education. Exploring their progress through higher education, and how it retroactively influenced their perception of pandemic events, serves as an informative research area. This study explores how undergraduate education in the sciences influences student engagement with complex recent events in science. In addition, this study asked how higher education builds confidence in interpreting this information. Additionally, students were surveyed to understand their scientific literacy baseline at the beginning of their college education and to investigate if their college courses are filling gaps in those skills. For the purposes of this study, “scientific literacy” is defined as a measure of ability to locate quality scientific sources, demonstrate reading comprehension of primary literature, and to engage critically with scientific information. Instead of this research focusing on a lack of higher education, something unfortunately not accessible to all, this project focused on how science-based higher education can contribute to personal growth and extend preexisting skills, especially with a focus on pre-health students. This study also aimed to hopefully spark discussion among students regarding their individual learning goals and the overall value of their educational opportunities. This research was conducted among undergraduate students at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Results indicate that college plays a positive role in developing scientific literacy at a level beyond high school skills, while areas of improvement are suggested. Students provided insight on common misinformation and confusion present in pandemic news and reflected on the value of college towards their long-term plans. Students innovated ideas to improve undergraduate science paths and to reduce barriers that hinder growth of scientific literacy skills.

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