The Nanotechnology RET (Research Experience for Teachers) program is a year-long professional development program designed to bring cutting-edge nanoengineering research into K-12 classrooms. Teachers work alongside Rice University faculty and researchers to explore innovations in sustainable energy, clean water, and diagnostics while developing classroom-ready engineering design lessons.
Program Highlights
- 6-week immersive summer research experience in Rice University laboratories
- Collaboration with Rice nanoengineering faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral mentors
- Inquiry-based and engineering design-focused professional development
- Development and publication of classroom-ready STEM lesson plans
- Poster presentation at the Engineering Research Symposium for Teachers
- Opportunity to teach a research-based lesson at a spring R-STEM Academy
- Up to $8,000 in stipends (contingent upon funding)
Program Dates (2026–2027)
- Summer Orientation: June 8–9, 2026
- Summer Research: June 10 – July 20, 2026
- Research Symposium: July 21, 2026
- Fall Workshops: September 5 & November 7, 2026
- Spring R-STEM Academy: February 2027
- Portfolio Closing Ceremony: April 2027
Eligibility
- Houston-area teachers of all grade levels and subjects
- STEM teachers receive priority consideration
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
- Participation requires commitment to both summer and school-year activities
Application:
Apply here: Nano RET at Rice
Application closes: April 12, 2026
Applicants will be notified by May 2026
Questions?
Isaias Cerda, Director of Curriculum and Instruction — ic...@rice.edu
Mariana Quinn, Assistant Director for Science Education — mq...@rice.edu
