The Houston Genetics BIORETS program provides high school science teachers in the greater Houston area with research experiences that improve genetics and genomics content knowledge; trains teachers in pedagogical practices that improve student success; and assists teachers in developing curricular materials for their own classroom.

The seven-week summer experience involves working on a research project in a UH laboratory, with direct mentorship from faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in evolutionary, molecular, developmental, and behavioral genetics.

Participants will also receive training in inquiry-based teaching and culturally responsive pedagogy from experts in the teachHOUSTON program, who will assist the teachers in developing curricular materials.

To Apply

1. Fill out the application materials, including a resume and 300 word statement of interest.
2. Supply the email address of your school principal to provide a letter of support.
3. Complete pre-tests of genetics content knowledge and pedagogy (you will receive an email after submitting your application).

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025

Who

High School Biology Teachers

When

June 9 – July 18, 2025

Where

University of Houston

Program Description

This program, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides research experiences for Houston-area high school biology teachers.

Selected participants will:

• Contribute to research projects in a Genetics laboratory at the University of Houston.
• Receive training in culturally responsive and inquiry-based pedagogy from UH teachHOUSTON faculty.
• Develop inquiry-based curricular materials for use in their classrooms.

Benefits

$8,000 stipend + 30 CPE hours.

Participation Requirements/Expectations

• Make a full-time (40 hour/week) commitment to the program during the seven-week summer session.

Questions?

Contact Rich Meisel, Associate Professor of Biology (rpmeisel@uh.edu).