Invited Letter: Undergraduate research as a means to build a creative, resilient , and highly skilled biomanufacturing workforce

As a principal investigator of an undergraduate research group at Pasadena City College (PCC) for the past ten years, I have witnessed the profound impact that the research experience has had on our students. I have observed students as they develop the ability to carry out authentic research projects from the inception to dissemination, design and carry out thoughtful experiments, write meaningful conclusions in light of relevant literature, and present science to peers and at conferences. Undergraduate research gives students the opportunity to work in a laboratory setting early in their career and collaborate with scientists as they learn how to do science themselves. It lays the foundation for future experiences in research; it informs their decision to pursue science; it excites, motivates, and inspires them; it contextualizes what they learn in courses and applies interdisciplinary scientific concepts to emerging technologies.