IsoTagAAV: an innovative, scalable & non-chromatographic method for streamlined AAV manufacturing.

Demand for gene therapies capable of treating previously inaccessible targets has risen precipitously in the past decade. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are the preferred vector for gene delivery because of their favorable safety profile and tissue tropism, but they have significant manufacturing challenges, with end-to-end yields as low as 10-30%. To combat these low yields, we developed IsoTagAAV, a novel purification technology for AAV that is a departure from the chromatographic paradigm in downstream processing.

Measuring Curricular Impact on Dental Hygiene Students' Transformative Learning.

Previous research has suggested that transformative learning can be fostered in higher education by creating active learning experiences that are directly related to content taught, are personally engaging, and can stimulate reflection. The aim of this qualitative study was to assess changes experienced by students in an e-learning dental hygiene degree completion program beyond attainment of competence-changes that may be described as transformative learning. The data used were transcripts of focus groups that had been conducted with each of the first five cohorts of students to graduate from the program; a total of 30 of the 42 students in the five cohorts (71%) participated.

ePortfolio: developing a catalyst for critical self-assessment and evaluation of learning outcomes.

There is a growing trend among college accreditation bodies, especially in professional schools, to incorporate self-assessment in the curriculum and deliver evidence of students' learning outcomes. Both as product and process, reflective ePortfolios have the potential to promote learning and transfer of knowledge by fostering the ability to make connections between learning outcomes and leaning experiences. This article describes a model for a program-wide integrated reflective ePortfolio developed by the University of Michigan Dental Hygiene Degree Completion E-Learning (online) Program.

Using multiple methods to assess learning and outcomes in an online degree-granting dental hygiene program.

Program evaluation is a necessary component of curricular change and innovation. It ascertains whether an innovation has met benchmarks and contributes to the body of knowledge about educational methodologies and supports the use of evidence-based practice in teaching. Education researchers argue that rigorous program evaluation should utilize a mixed-method approach, triangulating both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand program effectiveness.

Using online program development to foster curricular change and innovation.

Distance education offers an opportunity to catalyze sweeping curricular change. Faculty members of the University of Michigan Dental Hygiene Program spent eighteen months researching best practices, planning outcomes and courses, and implementing an e-learning (online) dental hygiene degree completion program. The result is a collaborative and portfolio-integrated program that focuses on the development of reflective practitioners and leaders in the profession.