NSF Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing RET Program

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program, aimed to increase interest in STEM related fields with a focus on robotics and advanced manufacturing. The funding will pay twelve selected high school or community college educators who currently teach STEM subjects to participate in a six-week summer 2025 program and for implementation of developed learning modules during the following academic year.

Twelve Selected Program Participants will:

• Receive a $6,000 stipend (paid at end of program).
  
• Receive a one-time $200 stipend to defray travel expenses (Paid at end of program).
  
• Receive lunch and snacks during on campus dates.
• Engage in a research project with faculty mentors and graduate students.
• Attend research presentations, curriculum development workshops, and industry tours.
• Develop an instructional module to teach a topic related to their research.  
  
• Receive supplies and equipment to implement developed instructional module.   
  
• Receive $500 upon instructional module implementation during the following academic year.
• Receive Ohio Professional Development verification of Participation for LPDC Approval. 
  

Program Participant Eligibility & Requirements

• Educators currently teaching high school or community college STEM subjects.
  
• Available and willing to commit to six weeks from June 9 - July 18, 2025 (excluding holidays):
  • Monday – Friday, 9 am-5 pm on campus at BGSU
  • Friday, 9 am - 5 pm remote
    
• Committed to implementing the instructional module during the following academic year.
• Completed application using the link above (including required supporting documents)
  
  • Personal Statement - Briefly describe how you plan to use this research experience in your professional development and your interests in implementing the instructional module in your course curriculum
    
  • Resume/CV
  • Two letters of reference:
    • One from your school principal, chair, director, or lead administrator
    • One from another professional or colleague

*Transcripts are NOT required.

Other Considerations

• Educators teaching STEM subjects at high schools or community colleges in marginalized communities.
  
• High school or community college Educators teaching STEM subjects to marginalized students.
  
• Marginalized high school or community college educators teaching STEM subjects.
  
• Eligible to work in the U.S.

Program Selection Process:

• The RET team will review application materials to determine the qualified applicants.
• The RET team will conduct a phone interview with selected qualified applicants.
• The applicants will be evaluated based on program requirements and criteria.
• Applicants are to be notified by April 1, 2025

FAQ's

Additional Questions Contact:

MD Sarder, Ph.D.
Director, School of Engineering/Professor of Systems Engineering
College of Technology, Architecture and Applied EngineeringPrincipal Investigator
Phone: 419-372-6085
Email: msarder@bgsu.edu

Melissa Partin-Harding M.Ed.
Associate Director of Cooperative Education/Tech Career Accelerator 
College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering
NSF Marketing, Promotions and Recruiting
Phone: 419-372-6802
Email: mpartin@bgsu.edu