Young people who are exposed to science through active inquiry-based learning are more likely to pursue STEM careers. And one of the most effective ways to engage students in this type of learning is to give them the opportunity to conduct authentic scientific research with a professional scientist!
The Scientist-in-Residence program matches scientists with New York City public school teachers to bring scientific inquiry to life in the classroom. Scientists from all disciplines are welcome to apply. We highly encourage scientists and STEM professionals with expertise in computer science, software engineering, and information technology to apply. These fields have increasing application to K-12 classrooms and to the real-world, and can benefit the work teachers are doing in the classroom in meaningful ways. The scientist and teacher collaborate to scope out and lead a long-term project that prepares them to engage in their own independent research. The program builds the teacher and school's capacity to support long-term science investigations in the future, while also giving the scientist the opportunity to develop his/her pedagogical and leadership skills and to explore science teaching as a potential career.
This program is made possible by generous contributions from BNY Mellon and the New York City Department of Education.
For more information about Scientist-in-Residence, contact Rowena Kuo at rkuo@nyas.org.
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WHAT IS THE SCIENTIST-IN-RESIDENCE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM?
Created in cooperation with the New York City Department of Education in 2012, the Scientist-in-Residence Fellowship Program matches a STEM undergrad, graduate student, postdoc, or professional with a successful and motivated science teacher to conduct authentic, hands-on research in the classroom. The scientist and teacher collaborate on a long-term investigation that prepares students to engage in their own independent research, while also exposing them to computer science techniques. Regardless of their disciplinary area, Fellows serve as experts on the scientific method, project design, and literature review.
Scientists-in-Residence have a budget of $300 to use for their project and will receive a $500 stipend upon completion of their term.
WHY SHOULD I BECOME A SCIENTIST IN RESIDENCE?
- To make a difference! By serving as a positive role model of a real-world scientist, you can inspire curiosity and excitement about STEM topics, and positively influence the career aspirations of students from underserved communities.
- To enhance your mentoring and teaching skills: Fellows receive training and hands-on experience in pedagogical methods and strategies
- To broaden your professional network and resume. Fellows earn a yearlong membership to the Academy.
HOW MUCH TIME IS INVOLVED?
- Once accepted and matched with a teacher, each Scientist-in-Residence is required to attend two evening convening, one full day planning session at the New York Academy of Sciences.
- After orientation and training, Fellows dedicate 8–10 hours of classroom time per month (not including travel) from December through May. Specific responsibilities will differ depending on the circumstances of each teacher and classroom. At a minimum, participating scientists will collaborate with the teacher(s) to implement the project, supervise experiments, and support classroom instruction on project design and implementation.
- The majority of time dedicated to the project will occur during the school day (8:00 AM - 3:00 PM), but some afterschool time may also be scheduled.
WHAT IS EXPECTED/REQUIRED OF PARTICIPATING FELLOWS?
- Applicants must submit a letter of support from their PI or supervising scientist acknowledging the time commitment to this volunteer program from October through May. Letters should be emailed to rkuo@nyas.org with the subject line Scientist-in-Residence Letter of Acknowledgment and Support in conjunction with the submission of the Scientist-in-Residence's online application. Please contact us if you have questions about this requirement.
- All Scientists-in-Residence must complete a background check through the JCBOE (at no cost to the scientist).
- Working as a Scientist-in-Residence entails such tasks as supervising experiments, administering lessons to students on the concepts needed to understand the project, assisting students in data collection and analysis, and preparing a final presentation at the end of the semester.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Qualified Scientists-in-Residence are:
- STEM Undergrads, graduate students, postdocs or professionals from STEM disciplines who are interested in expanding their teaching experience and skills
- Located within commuting distance of New York City
- Able to provide a letter of support from their supervising scientist
- Individuals with a passion for serving their communities and inspiring the next generation of scientists and thinkers
HOW DO I APPLY?
Applications for Scientist-in-Residence 2018–19 are now closed. If you are interested in becoming a mentor for the Scientist-in-Residence program, please contact the program manager, Rowena Kuo at rkuo@nyas.org. Applications for 2019–20 school year will open in late July.
Meet a few of our Scientists in Residence
Kenny Shatzkes
Julian Rondon Rivera
Patricia Pena Carty
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