STEM Research Institute
This program – founded at Columbia University in 1990 and at Questar III BOCES in 2014 – provides an opportunity for secondary school STEM teachers to work side-by-side with researchers to conduct authentic scientific research in an area related to the courses they teach.
The hands-on experience includes paid summer lab work at local research facilities, professional development time to create lessons and a second-year mentor program.
The program was originally founded by Dr. Samuel Silverstein, John C. Dalton Professor of Physiology and cellular Biophysics and Professor of medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. In early 2014, Dr. Silverstein visited Questar III to discuss the program, its impact, and ways it can be expanded into our region. Since being founded in 1990, the program at Columbia University has helped to train New York City science teachers in research techniques and led to improved practice in the classroom and increased scores on Regents Exams in science.
Research shows the program has significantly enhanced the interest and proficiency of students in the classrooms of participating teachers, as well as increased teachers interest and proficiency in science. There are also clear cost savings since fewer students are repeating mandated science courses and assessments needed to graduate.
2019 Participants:
Caitlin Colwell (1st year) English, Schodack CSD
Vicarious Visions
Jason Defrias (1st year) English, East Greenbush CSD
Vicarious Visions
Micaela Ethier (1st year) Math, Shenendehowa CSD
National Grid
Valerie Gordon (1st year) Art, East Greenbush CSD
Vicarious Visions
Christopher McDermith (1st year), Technology, Schodack CSD
Vicarious Visions
Brian McDonnell (1st year) Technology, Catskill CSD
Digifabshop
Mike McGillycuddy (1st year) Construction Technologies, Questar III BOCES
MMC Millworks
Nate Porter (3rd year) Technology, Coding, Physics, Schodack CSD
Vicarious Visions
Karyn Rees (1st year) Physics, Averill Park CSD
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Tim Ryan (2nd year) Math, Computer Science, Schodack CSD
GlobalFoundries
Judith Selig (1st year) Science – Biology, Ballston Spa CSD
Hudson Valley Community College
Erin Sharkey (1st year) Science – Biology, Greenville CSD
Glaxosmithkline
Dawn Wetmore (1st year) Technology, Berlin CSD
Plug Power
Sam Ziebel (2nd year) Science – Chemistry, Troy CSD
Wadsworth Center
Read more about why Questar III has implemented this program here.