2026 Summer PreMiEr Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)

The NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) is pleased to announce and seek applicants for its summer 2026 Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program.

The RET program invites K-12 and community college teachers from North Carolina to spend five weeks working with scientists and researchers on the campus of one of our participating institutions (Duke, N.C. A&T, NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Charlotte). During the program, participants will take part in and learn about research on various aspects of the microbiomes of the built environment and develop age-appropriate lesson plans based on PreMiEr research and their experiences.

Background

The overall mission of PreMiEr is to improve the health of buildings and indoor spaces through characterization and modification of the microbes that inhabit our built environments. We know that the microorganisms that live on and in the human body can significantly impact our health and contribute to the development of diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, IBS/IBD, and even mental health disorders. However, exactly how our bodies acquire these microbes and the interactions between our own microbiomes and the environment is less clear. PreMiEr projects focus on different aspects of this grand challenge including measuring, modifying, and modeling microbiomes. K-12 and community college teachers in proximity to our participants institutions, particularly from STEM fields, are encouraged to apply.

Program Description

After an initial online bootcamp, teachers in the RET program will spend five weeks during the summer of 2026 working in a laboratory on their host campus. Participants will be invited to partake in laboratory research, attend lectures and workshops on curriculum development, and develop lesson plans based on PreMiEr research and activities. Each week, participants will spend four days on campus/in the lab and one day per week on professional development activities. Participants are expected to create a lesson plan/activity during this period.  These will be shared on the PreMieR website and participants will share them at an education-related conference (SciREN, NCSTA, etc.), and lesson plans will be made available to the public at the end of their summer experience. Teachers are encouraged to keep in contact with their mentors for future engagement with their classes.

Applicants must be located in proximity/able to commute to one or more of the following institutions: Duke University (Durham, NC), North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (Greensboro, NC), North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC), The University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC), or The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, NC).

Benefits and Time Commitment

Accepted applicants will receive a stipend of $5000 ($1000 per week) and up to $300 to offset the personal costs of travel to and from the host university. This is a non-residential program; housing and meals are not provided.

Participants will spend four days a week on campus/in the lab and one day per week on professional development activities. Participants are expected to create lesson plans/activities during this period. These will be shared on the PreMiEr website, and participants will present their plans at the end of the summer. Absences must be arranged in advance with PreMiEr RET Program Lead and the individual faculty mentor at their host institution.

The program runs from June 15th to July 24th.

Application Process

Applicants are required to be US citizens or permanent residents who are currently employed as a K-12 or community college teacher. Applicants with a strong STEM background are preferred.

To apply:

• Complete the online form on NSF ETAP, including the following documents:
  • A brief personal statement/letter of interest
  • A (1) letter of recommendation from a principal, department chair, or similar individual
  • A 1-2 page CV
  • (Optional) An example lesson plan

Applications are being accepted now until April 1st, 2026.

Please email questions about the program to: premier_erc@duke.edu or megan.hill@duke.edu.

Interested applicants can apply through the NSF ETAP portal using the link above.