Sunday, June 1, 2025
6/1/2025
Biotechnology Incubator for Teachers (BRITE) - Project Summary/Abstract The proposed Biotechnology Research Incubator for Teachers (BRITE) program aims to address the scarcity of summer Research Experiences for Teachers (RETs) opportunities specifically for middle school teachers in the Houston area and the challenges they face in translating their experiences into the classroom. The BRITE aims to bridge the gap between authentic science research and technology and standards-based science instruction using Adapted Primary Literature. Recognizing the influence of teachers on student’s success in science, technology, engineering, math, and biomedicine (STEMM) education, the BRITE seeks to equip middle school teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to educate the next generation of thinkers and problem solvers effectively. The BRITE highlights the need for teachers to have a solid understanding of current bioscience research and biotechnology practices, and career paths in STEMM fields. Many U.S. science teachers need to gain this up-to-date knowledge, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for advanced scientific training, hands-on research experiences, and support for integrating these experiences into the classroom. With its expertise in biomedical research and strong affiliations with clinical locations, Baylor College of Medicine is well-positioned to offer teachers an immersive biotechnology research experience. The BRITE program comprises a three-week intensive summer component and year-round activities. To increase opportunities and reduce income inequality and promote inclusion, the program aligns compensation with summer school rates and strategically schedule the summer portion to allow teachers time to relax and recharge before the new academic year. The BRITE program has three aims: recruit teachers to engage in research laboratories, provide professional development to align research practices with standards and investigate the impact of authentic research experiences on teacher and classroom outcomes. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-guided Adapted Primary Literature and guidance from mentors, middle school teachers will learn to integrate real-world research and literature into their instruction, exposing students to STEMM research careers and practices. We will evaluate the effects of research experiences and primary literature adaptation on teaching and learning. The BRITE Scholars will consist of a cohort of 12 teachers in the first year and 16 teachers in each of the following grant years, a total of 76 teachers in four years. The BRITE program is estimated to impact ~7000 middle school students through instruction from the participating teachers, which will extend to more students through trained teachers influencing their colleagues, and fellow teachers, amplifying the reach and influence of the BRITE program.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).