Scientist-in-Residence

WHAT IS THE SCIENTIST-IN-RESIDENCE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM?

Created in cooperation with the New York City Department of Education, the Scientist-in-Residence Fellowship Program matches a STEM graduate student, postdoc, or professional with a successful and motivated New York City public school 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.

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 $500 stipend, and have the opportunity to explore science teaching as a potential career.

HOW MUCH TIME IS INVOLVED?

• Once accepted and matched with a classroom, each Scientist-in-Residence must attend a 2-hour orientation session covering pedagogical methods and strategies, then a full day (6 hour) planning session on a Saturday in October.
• 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. See the NYC DOE calendar to determine when school will be in session.

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 November through May. Letters should be emailed to STEMMattersNYC@schools.nyc.gov 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 NYC Department of Education (at no cost to the scientist).
• Scientists-in-Residence must meet with the teacher(s) and principal from the school to which they are matched and attend four (4) Scientists-in-Residence convenings to share project activities, successes, and challenges.
• 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:

• Graduate students, postdocs or professionals from STEM disciplines who are interested in expanding their teaching experience and skills
• Located within commuting distance of the New York City metropolitan area
• Eligible for a $500 stipend for their work
• 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?

The application for the 2017-2018 academic year is currently open. Visit this link to apply.