Apply on-Line Now (Application available starting December 1st)

The Center for Mid-Infrared Technologies for Health and the Environment (MIRTHE) at Princeton University conducts a Research Experience for Teachers and Trainers (RETT) program. Funding for the RETT program known as Mid-InfraRed Technologies for Mid-Career Transitions is provided by the US Department of Labor.

The RETT is for prospective and active alternative track high school science and math teachers, especially in Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Technology, or related subjects, and who wish to enrich their curriculum by experiencing state-of-the-art research in technologies and engineering systems based on mid-infrared (Mid-IR) spectroscopy that will provide unprecedented optical and chemical sensing capabilities for environmental monitoring, homeland security and medical diagnostics. The program also provides summer research fellowship and internship opportunities for Community College Faculty and Trainers working with alternative track teachers to develop and enhance interdisciplinary skills and deliver training services to high school science teachers in the RETT program.

Both teachers and community college faculty in the RETT conduct research in the lab of a MIRTHE faculty member. The RETT is operated in partnership with alternative track high school science and math teacher initiatives led by the Liberty Science Gateway Program and several Community College and other NJ university initiatives. The RETT program is funded by the US Department of Labor.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:
The teachers attend 3-4 lectures that introduce general subjects in mid-infrared laser spectroscopy. The teachers participate in lab tours given by the MIRTHE faculty, work with Community College Fellows, and in a joint RETT/RET/REU ethics component dealing with issues in science and engineering. There are also interactions and joint activities with other teacher programs in progress on the campus.

INCORPORATING THE EXPERIENCE INTO THE CLASSROOM:
Community College Fellows will work with teachers to jointly prepare a plan for one or both of the following:

(a) Incorporating their research into their school curriculum. This might include adding or modifying a curriculum unit; adding a laboratory exercise; and having the mentor visit the classroom.

(b) Turning their experience into web pages useful to other teachers.

In either case, the teacher will work with the faculty mentors/fellow and the MIRTHE Outreach Director. The latter will visit each teacher's classroom at least once during the following academic year to track implementation of the plan.

The dates of the summer program for 2009 are to be determined by the teacher and the faculty mentor. The community college faculty fellows selected for the program will receive a stipend of $1000 per week. This salary is taxable income. Teachers receiving training will not be provided a salary, but are eligible for partial tuition payment toward certification programs, as well as related reimbursement of books and travel, and may be compensated for the development of training modules and web-based training aids (up to $5000), if applicable.

Applications-Apply On-Line (Available starting December 1st)

Click here to view the 2008 MIRTHE REU/RET/HS Students & Their Research Presentations

We encourage applications for all science and engineering disciplines. Those interested in applying to the program on line (RETT On-Line Application available December 1st). Applications should include a resume, a short essay on how the RETT program will contribute to their career objectives as teachers, a copy of their college transcript, and at least one letter of recommendation. In your essay it is important to be explicit about the research areas that interest you. We make an effort to find the best match between potential research projects and your research interests. The deadline for applications is May 15th. Selection of participants will be made on a rolling basis. Those selected for the program will be notified by email, with information about a potential research topic and research mentor. You may contact the Outreach Director if you need to know the status of your application.

Inquiries may be addressed to:

Roxanne Zellin
Director, Education Outreach
rzellin@Princeton.edu
Phone: 609-258-7922