Faculty Spotlight | Dr. Glen Borchert
Not Three-Leaf Clovers: Bridging Education and Discovery
In Dr. Glen Borchert鈥檚 BLY445/IDL590 Computational Genetics course, students don鈥檛 just learn about research, they actively participate in it. Dr. Borchert鈥檚 course design mirrors the collaborative nature of professional research. 杏吧原创 engage in every stage of the scientific process, from designing experiments and collecting data to writing and publishing research papers. This emphasis on active participation in research has led to remarkable achievements. Undergraduates in the course have co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals such as Nucleic Acids Research. In total, the course has resulted in 73 unique undergraduate and 14 graduate authorships across 12 peer-reviewed publications, evidence of Dr. Borchert鈥檚 commitment to integrating real scientific research into undergraduate education.
Beyond the lab and classroom, Dr. Borchert鈥檚 approach to discovery is reflected in an unusual talent: finding four-leaf clovers. He explains, 鈥淚 approach identifying novel genes, noncoding RNAs, or pretty much anything, the same way that I search for four-leaf clovers. I don鈥檛 look for four leaves. I look for 鈥榥ot three.鈥� When I analyze a next-generation sequencing transcriptomic dataset, the first thing I do is remove everything known. I find what鈥檚 left is always more interesting and where real discovery lies.鈥� This mindset of seeking what stands out rather than what is expected defines both his research philosophy and his teaching style.
Dr. Borchert encourages his students to think critically, question assumptions, and approach research with curiosity. His guiding principle aligns with a well-known quote attributed to Buddha: 鈥淏elieve nothing, no matter where you read it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and common sense.鈥� This emphasis on independent thought and scientific skepticism prepares students not only for careers in research but also for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and discovery.
Through his innovative teaching, dedication to student success, and unique perspective on research, Glen Borchert continues to inspire the next generation of scientists, one experiment, one paper, and perhaps even one four-leaf clover at a time.
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