Los Alamos Reporter

New Mexico Science Educators Invited To Participate In Hands-On Summer Research Program

 

PED NEWS RELEASE

The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Research Opportunities for Science Educators (ROSE) Program Summer 2024, a collaborative initiative with the University of New Mexico (UNM).

“This is one of the innovative ways we can promote science education in New Mexico,” said Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero.  “By encouraging our science teachers to follow their passion, we are helping them expand their knowledge and skills, which strengthens their teaching in the classroom. We are fortunate to have a partner like UNM with amazing research facilities available for our educators.”

The ROSE program, established in 2021, is designed to invigorate and enrich the teaching of high school science in New Mexico by providing science educators with a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on, cutting-edge research at UNM. In partnership with the PED, UNM opens its doors to middle and high school science teachers, known as ROSE Scholars, allowing them to contribute actively to ongoing research projects and bring their newfound knowledge, tools and enthusiasm back to their classrooms.

Key details about the ROSE Summer 2024 Program:

  • Dates: Monday, June 10 to Friday, July 12, 2024.
  • Stipend: $1200.00 per week for five weeks.
  • Housing: On-campus accommodations provided for non-local participants.
  • Additional Benefits: UNM parking pass for all participants.

“The ROSE Program is a prime example of higher education and K-12 education working hand-in hand to provide the best professional development opportunities for teachers. Research opportunities from universities like the University of New Mexico inspire science teachers, fueling their passion for learning and teaching. By bridging academia with K-12 education, these experiences enrich STEM education and cultivate a love for discovery in classrooms, shaping a brighter future,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez.

“ROSE was established to bring New Mexico science teachers into ongoing UNM research projects, rekindle their enthusiasm for science, and let them experience first-hand ‘what scientists do.’ ROSE ran as a pilot program in summer 2021 and has now brought about 40 teachers from across New Mexico into our research groups, three quarters of whom teach outside the Albuquerque metro area,” said Steve Cabaniss, UNM science professor and ROSE Program organizer.

The application process is user-friendly and accessible online, requiring basic information such as name, school, email address and a few questions about the applicant’s experience and teaching background. The online application can be found at ROSE Application Summer 2024.

To explore specific research opportunities, interested individuals can review the list of project descriptions available on the ROSE Program website.

For inquiries and additional information, please contact unmrose@unm.edu.

The deadline for full consideration of applications is March 1, 2024, with accepted scholars to be notified by March 8, 2024.

Benefits of the ROSE Program include:

  • Refreshing educators’ knowledge and developing new skills through participation in cutting-edge research.
  • Assisting UNM in attracting well-prepared STEM students by familiarizing teachers with UNM faculty, laboratories and research opportunities.
  • Supporting and promoting funded, state-of-the-art research projects at the University of New Mexico.

The New Mexico Public Education Department and the University of New Mexico look forward to another successful year of the ROSE Program, fostering collaboration and innovation in science education.