The Undergraduate Microbiome Scientist Program (UMSP) is funded by an NSF CAREER award to accomplish the following goals, 1) support student learning during independent research projects, 2) connect research content to course concepts in biology and ecology, and 3) provide both community college and MTSU undergraduates the opportunity to advance scientific knowledge within an active research setting. To accomplish these goals, UMSP students will complete group research projects focused on microbiome and disease ecology.