Penn State’s Center for Nanoscale Science (a Materials Research Science & Engineering Center (MRSEC)) hosts a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Research Experience for Teachers (RET).
Summer 2024 Program Dates: Monday, June 24th – Friday, August 2nd
The goal of the RET program at Penn State is to provide opportunities for the participating STEM teachers to engage in hands-on research projects with faculty mentors in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, and Nanotechnology. Teachers with expertise in engineering, technology, science and math, as well as pre-service teachers, with broad interests across disciplines are eligible and encouraged to apply.
The selected cohort of educators will engage in six-weeks of research with applications to bio-engineering, chemistry, electronics, materials science, optics, opto-electronics, physics, and/or the life sciences. Additional professional development activities include seminars, demonstrations, and workshops geared towards connecting state-of-the-art research with K-12 education. In 2024, concepts of sustainability will be a core component of the professional development content. Teachers will earn a $7000 stipend ($5000 for pre-service teachers). For non-local participants, housing and reasonable travel expenses will be covered. (Meals are not included.) At the end of the summer, RET Fellows will present their projects at a scientific mini-symposium to their research collaborators, peer teachers, and undergraduates.
To apply:
Click here to access the online application form.
(NOTE: Due to funding constraints, all applicants must be US citizens.)
In addition to the application form, the following must also be submitted:
- Two letters of recommendation (one from your current school principal)
- A current resume
- A sample lesson you have designed and implemented in your classroom
- A student demographic profile (optional)
The application deadline is Monday, April 15, 2024.
Want more information?
What have teachers done in the past? See our Lesson Plans Page or our Prior Projects list.
Or, contact:
Kristin A. Dreyer
Program Director for Education & Outreach
Penn State MRSEC – Center for Nanoscale Science
104 Davey Lab, Box #C91, University Park, PA 16802
E-mail: kad4@psu.edu
Phone: (814) 863-1665
