Research Experience for Teachers

June 23 - August 15, 2008

Application Deadline: March 17, 2008

The Center provides a Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program each summer. Middle school, high school, and community college teachers are eligible to apply. The participating teachers engage in research, develop a network of scientific colleagues, learn scientific and technological developments, and discover ways to transfer this knowledge to the classroom. Teachers are matched up with a center faculty based on research interests. For an overview of Center research, please view the MRSEC research and highlights websites. A list of some previous projects is available.

At the end of the program, the teachers are asked to develop a short curriculum project that is based on their research and that they can take back to their classrooms. Some summer projects will be mostly research, while others have larger educational components. The 8-week RET program participants receive a $8,500 stipend and have opportunities to earn six graduate level credits through a partnership with National Louis University. Funds are available for travel expenses and housing for teachers who are coming from outside the Chicago-land area.

The participants conduct hands-on cutting-edge research for 8 weeks and write a technical paper at the end. The teachers also give a 15-minute presentation at the closing symposium that is open to the public. Other activities include a field trip to a national lab (Argonne or Fermilab), a beach party, a panel discussion about graduate school as well as seminars by Northwestern faculty. On-campus housing is offered to all participants, so you may be living on the same hallway as your colleagues. Chicago is only a half an hour away with easily accessible public transportation and the Taste of Chicago takes place in early July.

To be eligible for the program, the teacher must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have at least a bachelor's degree in science or engineering and be able to conduct on-site research during the entire 8 weeks of the program: June 23 to August 15 in 2008. The application deadline is Monday, March 17, 2008.

To apply:
1) Fill out the online application form. This includes writing a Personal Statement describing your academic and research goals and any previous research experiences. (200-250 words)
2) Arrange to have 1 letter of recommendation sent to us (e-mail or hard copy).
3) If you have been teaching for less than 10 years, submit a transcript for each college or university from which you have received a degree. Unofficial transcripts and photocopies of official transcripts are acceptable. If you have been teaching for 10 years or more, you do not have to submit a college transcript.

Send all application materials to mrc@northwestern.edu or:

Materials Research Center
Attn: RET
2145 Sheridan Rd. TECH K111
Evanston, IL, 60208

Women and members of under-represented minority groups are encouraged to apply.
For further information, contact Klara Mueggenburg, mrc@northwestern.edu, 847-491-3606.

2007 RET Participants and Program Director at the Closing Symposium