Five local science teachers are participating in the first-ever Summer Science Research Program in the Capital Region – modeled after a pioneering program operated by Columbia University for the past 25 years.
The Summer Research Program is a unique professional development opportunity offered by Questar III BOCES, in collaboration with Dr. Samuel Silverstein, the John C. Dalton Professor of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics and Professor of Medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The program is giving these science teachers – who applied for entry – the chance to work side-by-side with professional researchers to conduct authentic scientific research in an area related to the courses they teach. The hands-on experience includes summer lab work at local facilities, peer reviewed research presentations and a second-year mentor program.
The facilities where fellows were placed include: SUNY Albany RNA Institute, Wadsworth Labs, Albany College of Pharmacy, CNSE and Momentive Chemical.
Rebecca Tennyson, a teacher at Tamarac Middle School said the program is providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience to conduct research in a lab setting. Tennyson plans on bringing her research experience back to the classroom, and developing lesson plans that will help the students comfort level in state testing.
Dr. Laura Kramer of Wadsworth Labs, who is working with Tennyson, jumped at the opportunity to participate in this program because she feels strongly that the United States needs to attract more young students to science.
“One approach is to instill an appreciation for the excitement of research in the teachers of students. Study of science by the book is important, but the thrill of hands-on research can’t be matched. I hope this can be conveyed to the students through the teachers upon return to the classroom,” said Dr. Kramer.
Nicole Mantas, a biology teacher at Lansingburgh High School enjoyed working with so many different science backgrounds and was looking forward to sharing with her students how many job fields are available in science.
Dr. Maksim Royzen, an Assistant Professor in the Chemistry Department at SUNY Albany said, “Our department is very serious about community outreach programs which consist of public presentations, as well as participation of high school students and teachers in research. That’s why we utilize every opportunity to recruit local volunteers who are interested in being exposed to the cutting-edge science.”
Greenville CSD Superintendent Cheryl Dudley, chair of the Questar III Leadership and Professional Development Committee chair that helped to organize the program, said it provides an extraordinary opportunity for teachers to participate in research-based professional development.
“It’s like Olympic training for science teachers,” said Dudley. “And any time an educator has that much love for learning, it will carry over into the classroom. That excitement and interest can’t help but result in improved classroom practice and student achievement rates.”
Since being founded in 1990, the program at Columbia University has translated to improved practice in the classroom and increased student achievement rates on Regents Exams in science.
