Overview

The Research Experiences for Teachers Program fosters meaningful connections between Mayo researchers and teachers, bringing advanced science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts and real-world research into local classrooms.

The program is an 8-week summer intensive, on-campus experience. Those selected to participate in the program are called fellows. They are matched with a mentor — a Mayo Clinic scientist with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI).

Based on their experience with their mentors' research, participants will meet weekly with Mayo Clinic education experts to create classroom curricula for the grades they instruct. Throughout the following academic year, the Research Experiences for Teachers team has touchpoints with teachers to gauge progress and provide support.

During the first year, the Research Experiences for Teachers program established strong connections between local K-12 educators and Mayo Clinic researchers. The "train-the-trainer" model was emphasized, and educators have begun integrating healthcare AI concepts into their classrooms.

Time commitment

Research Experiences for Teachers fellows are expected to commit to being on campus in Rochester 30 hours-40 hours per week for seven weeks in the summer. Each week, fellows take part in eight hours of in-person professional development and curriculum-building activities with their education mentors. The remainder of the time each week is dedicated to AI lectures, workshops and research with the research mentor team.