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The multi-institutional Fly-CURE project is an undergraduate genetics research initiative centered on Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. This study aimed to characterize and map mutations discovered through a Flp/FRT EMS screen to investigate complex interactions among genes associated with cell division, growth, and apoptosis leading to abnormal cell proliferation. The F.1.1 mosaic phenotype resulted in a rough eye phenotype with an overall decrease in representation of mutant tissue. To genetically map the location of the F.1.1 mutation, flies with genotype FRT42D,F.1.1,Dark⁸²/CyO were crossed with the Bloomington 2R Deficiency Kit. The resultant F1 progeny were analyzed to pinpoint mapping deficiencies. The genomic region containing the Patronin gene was identified and sequencing confirmed the novel allele of Patronin^F.1.1. 

The Fly-CURE is a genetics-focused multi-institutional Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) that provides undergraduate students with hands-on research experiences within a course. Through the Fly-CURE, undergraduate students at diverse types of higher education institutions across the United States map and characterize novel mutants isolated from a genetic screen in Drosophila melanogaster . To date, more than 20 mutants have been studied across 20 institutions, and our scientific data have led to eleven publications with more than 500 students as authors. To evaluate the impact of the Fly-CURE experience on students, we developed and validated assessment tools to identify students’ perceived research self-efficacy, sense of belonging in science, and intent to pursue additional research opportunities. Our data, collected over three academic years and involving 14 institutions and 480 students, show gains in these metrics after completion of the Fly-CURE across all student subgroups analyzed, including comparisons of gender, academic status, racial and ethnic groups, and parents’ educational background. Importantly, our data also show differential gains in the areas of self-efficacy and interest in seeking additional research opportunities between Fly-CURE students with and without prior research experience, illustrating the positive impact of research exposure (dosage) on student outcomes. Altogether, our data indicate that the Fly-CURE experience has a significant impact on students’ efficacy with research methods, sense of belonging to the scientific research community, and interest in pursuing additional research experiences.