Written by Amelia Cook and Lindsay Naumann

This past spring semester, professors of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University taught a virtual course, Principios de Redacción y Presentación de Investigación Científica, or Principles of Writing and Presenting Scientific Research, entirely in Spanish to a class of 13 students from the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina. This course was designed to support research work leading to the bachelor’s degrees of the students.

Throughout the semester, professors from a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise helped lead the class through a myriad of research topics including the principles of literature review, technical writing of the results of scientific research, preparing a scientific article for publication, and how to effectively present results of scientific research. Students were equipped with the knowledge of the different stages of the research process; the class was designed in such a way to coincide with their own research to use their results as work materials during the class. Dr. Ramón León, Dr. Andrea Villanes, and Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis, and professors José Cisneros and Manuel Camacho, all helped to instruct the group of students.

Each module of topics was delivered through live Zoom instruction as well as online resources such as videos, readings, and individual assignments. Along with each module, students conducted their own research, wrote a report, and prepared a final presentation. At the end of the course, students were awarded certificates for completion of the virtual workshop. 

Built from a partnership beginning in 2018, La Molina and CALS have participated in a variety of workshops, presentations, and projects. NC State is looking forward to continuing this partnership and continuing to support the academic paths of students.