Vanderbilt University Bioengineering Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Site Program

Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN

Investigators

Abstract

This award provides funding for a 3 year continuing award to support a Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering Site program at Vanderbilt University entitled, "Vanderbilt University Bioengineering Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Site Program," under the direction of Dr. Stacy Klein. This Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering Site is a renewal of a previously funded RET Site. With this renewal proposal the Vanderbilt University Bioengineering RET Site program will host a six-week summer program for a total of 42 pre-service teachers, 14 per year for 3 years, 6 community college faculty members, 2 per year for 3 years and 6 REU students, 2 per year for 3 years, to participate in summer research projects and continuing outreach and professional development activities. Partner school districts include Metro Nashville Public Schools, Williamson County, Rutherford County, and Sumner County along with Nashville State Community College and the teacher training programs at Belmont and Vanderbilt Universities. This RET Site program will give participating teachers, community college faculty and undergraduate students a broad overview of biomedical engineeirng, engage them in meaningful research experiences, help the teachers take their research experiences back to their high school science classrooms, disseminate instructional materials created by the RET participants, and create long-lasting relationships between Vanderbilt University and the participants.