Journal Club
Research groups around the world stay informed and formulate new questions by reading and discussing published scientific literature. From two scientists having a debate by the watercooler to an international conference of thousands, collaboratively analyzing and questioning the published work of other scientists is one of the most fundamental steps in the process of science.
Massasoit’s public Journal Club is where our community of future and current scientists come together to explore and discuss peer-reviewed scientific literature. Our student researchers seek out published scientific work that relates to our research goals and try to present it clearly and in a way the elicits academic discussion and sometimes debate.
Participation in Journal Club sharpens the scientific minds of anyone from the beginning science student, to the informed citizen, to the seasoned researcher. We critically discuss whether the authors’ study design appropriately addresses their questions, and whether their conclusions are supported by their results. We think creatively to develop our own questions based on their findings. These are just some of the challenges posed to everyone in the ‘Club.’
Students who have moved on to four-year degrees, graduate programs, or even into entry-level science positions consistently report back that Journal Club was among the most important aspects of their science education at Massasoit. Being able to simultaneously apply concepts from English, math, physics, chemistry, and biology coursework to understanding and interpreting scientific work is a practice from which any STEM student can benefit.
Join us as we unravel the relationships of humanity with nature, one scientific debate at a time.
Journal Club Article for December 3, 2021
This Friday, December 3rd, 2021, from 12–1pm, we will discuss the linked article at our next weekly Journal Club meeting. The article is titled “The effects of urbanization on bee communities depends on floral resource availability and bee functional traits”, and will be presented by STEM Research intern Nathanaelle Brignol. Abstract: Wild bees are important …
10/29 Journal Club Rescheduled to 11/3!
Please note we have rescheduled our October 29 Journal Club to November 3 due to impacts from the recent storm. On Wednesday, November 3, from 12–1pm, we will discuss the linked article at our next weekly Journal Club meeting. The article is titled “More than 75 percent decline over 27 years in total flying insect …
Journal Club Article for October 29, 2021
This Friday, October 29th, from 12–1pm, we will discuss the linked article at our next weekly Journal Club meeting. The article is titled “More than 75 percent decline over 27 years in total flying insect biomass in protected areas”, and will be presented by STEM Research intern Wes Walsh. Abstract: Global declines in insects have sparked …
Journal Club for October 22, 2021
Join us for our final #STEMWeek event! On Friday, October 22nd , 2021, from 12–1pm, STEM Mentor Belunda Moise will present her Stonehill College senior thesis, “Analysis of native bee nesting guild richness and abundance in an urban ecosystem in Southeastern Massachusetts” in lieu of our weekly Journal Club meeting. Abstract: Native bees are essential …
#STEMWeek 2021
Next week is #STEMWeek! Here at Massasoit STEM we have some great events planned to celebrate and educate: All events at https://massasoit.zoom.us/my/stemresearch Monday, 10/18 @ 4PM – STEM Alumni PanelFive former Massasoit STEM Research Interns will discuss how their experiences at Massasoit led them to success at four-year schools—and beyond. Hear their perspectives on “doing …
Journal Club Article for October 15, 2021
On Friday, October 15th , 2021, from 12–1pm, we will discuss the linked article at our next weekly Journal Club meeting. The article is titled “Translocation of pharmaceuticals from wastewater into beehives”, and will be presented by STEM Research Mentor Jordan Palmer. Abstract: To investigate the distances at which honey bee foragers collect nectar and …
Journal Club Article for August 27, 2021
This Friday, August 27th , 2021, from 12–1pm, we will discuss the linked article at our next weekly Journal Club meeting. The article is titled “Honey bee foraging distance depends on month and forage type”, and will be presented by STEM Research intern Kehinde Agbeleye. Abstract: To investigate the distances at which honey bee foragers …
Journal Club Article for August 20, 2021
This Friday, August 20, 2021, from 12–1pm, we will discuss the linked article at our next weekly Journal Club meeting. The article is titled “Applying pollen DNA metabarcoding to the study of plant–pollinator interactions”, and will be presented by STEM Research intern Isabelle Staco. Abstract: Premise of the study:To study pollination networks in a changing …
Journal Club Article for August 6, 2021
This Friday, August 6, 2021, from 12–1pm, we will discuss the linked article at our next weekly Journal Club meeting. The article is titled “Projected climate change threatens pollinators and crop production in Brazil”, and will be presented by STEM Research intern Nathanaelle Brignol. Abstract: Animal pollination can impact food security since many crops depend on …
Journal Club Article for July 9, 2021
This Friday, July 9, 2021, from 12–1pm, we will discuss the linked article at our next weekly Journal Club meeting. The article is titled “Assessment of risk to hoary squash bees (Peponapis pruinosa) and other ground-nesting bees from systemic insecticides in agricultural soil”, and will be presented by STEM Research Emilie Oberg. Abstract: Using the hoary squash …