Biotechnology Research Incubator for Teachers (BRITE)

Posted on September 1, 2024, updated on October 3, 2024

Project Website(s)

  • Project Description

    The Biotechnology Research Incubator for Teachers (BRITE) program provides middle school teachers in the Houston area with summer research opportunities, aligning with Next Generation Science Standards and bridging the gap between research experiences, AI guided literature adaptation, and classroom instruction. With a cohort of 12 teachers in the first year and 16 teachers annually in subsequent years, BRITE aims to enhance science education, empower teachers, and inspire students to pursue STEMM fields, impacting approximately 7,000 middle school students over five years. The program’s influence will extend further as trained teachers disseminate knowledge and influence their colleagues, amplifying its reach.

  • Abstract

    The 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 five 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.

  • Dissemination Strategies

    The BRITE program’s dissemination strategies prioritize presenting at scientific and technology conferences such as ABRF and HUPO to share program strategies and encourage other scientists to provide educational opportunities, as well as at education-focused conferences to share outcomes and best practices with the education community. The program also includes creating a website and a Blackboard platform or an online repository with lesson plans, Adapted Primary Literature examples, and instructional videos to facilitate engagement and access.

Project Audience

The audience for the Biotechnology Research Incubator for Teachers (BRITE) program includes middle school science teachers who will directly participate in research experiences and professional development, as well as school administrators and district leaders who support and facilitate these efforts. Education policymakers and funders are also key, as they are invested in initiatives that enhance teacher development and STEMM education. Additionally, STEM education researchers and academics including mentors, are vital for supporting the integration of research-based practices and reducing inequalities in access to quality science education.

Subjects Addressed

The Biotechnology Research Incubator for Teachers (BRITE) program addresses key subjects such as biotechnology and biomedical research by providing middle school teachers with hands-on experiences and current knowledge in these fields. It focuses on enhancing STEMM education by equipping teachers with strategies to integrate authentic research and Adapted Primary Literature into their teaching. The program also emphasizes professional development to align research practices with educational standards and aims to promote equity and inclusion by increasing opportunities for teachers and students, reducing income inequality, and fostering inclusive access to STEMM careers.