STEM Research Institute

Apply now for the 2019-2020 program!

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.

2018 Participants:

Janice Balogh (2nd year) Mathematics, Schodack CSD
Tech Valley Center of Gravity

Kyle Crawford (2nd year) Technology, Coxsackie-Athens CSD
LoDolce Manufacturing

Edward Bryden (2nd year) Technology, Rensselaer CSD
Monolith Solar

Ryan Debrosky (2nd year) Mathematics, Lansingburgh CSD
National Grid

Kristopher Navratil (2nd year) Technology, Schodack CSD
Tech Valley Center of Gravity (Utilization of tools/systems in makerspace)

Leonard Bacon (2nd year) Science, Schodack CSD
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Climate Change Research)

Nicole Freeman (2nd year) Mathematics, Averill Park CSD
NYSDOH Wadsworth Labs

Tom Guile (4th year) Engineering, Coxsackie-Athens CSD
SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Deb Mabey (2nd year) Science, Hoosick Falls CSD
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Fauna and flora research in terms of environmental containments)

Sam Ziebel (1st year) Science, Troy CSD
SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Tim Ryan (1st year) Math/Computer Science, Schodack CSD
Global Foundries

Read more about why Questar III has implemented this program here.