NSF Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing RET Program

Research Experience for Teachers (RET)

Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Educator Program

2025 Summer
(June 9 - July 18, 2025)

NSF Logo

Deadline to apply: February 10, 2025

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

Summer 2025 Research topics will focus on advanced manufacturing.

June 9-July 18, 2025 (excluding holidays).
Monday - Thursday, 9am-5pm:  Campus at BGSU, Bowling Green, Ohio.
Friday, 9am-4pm: Remote.

Bowling Green State University
College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering
Technology Building
Merry Avenue
Bowling Green, OH

  • On Campus: Monday - Thursday, 9am-5pm.
  • Remote on Friday: 9am-4pm.

Complete the online NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP) form including supporting documents by clicking the link at the top:  by the deadline date of February 10, 2025.

Applicants to be notified by: April 1, 2025.

Participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Currently teaching in a high school or community college STEM subject area.
  • Completed ETAP Application including supporting documents.
  • Available and able to commit to six weeks June 9-July 18, 2025 (excluding holidays).
    • Mon – Fri, 9am-5pm (Mon-Thurs: on campus at BGSU, Fri. Remote).
  • Committed to implementing instruction module in the following academic year.

Program Selection Process:

  • Application materials will be reviewed to determine qualified candidates.
  • The RET team will conduct a phone interview with selected qualified candidate.
  • A set of criteria will be used to evaluate the qualification of potential participants.

Other Considerations

  • Applicants teaching STEM subjects in highschools and community colleges in marginalized communities.
  • Applicants teaching STEM subjects to marginalized students.
  • Marginalized educators teaching STEM subjects.
  • Eligible to work in the US.

Applicants will be notifed by April 1, 2025.

  • $6000.00 stipend for six week program (paid at the end of the program).
  • $200 one-time stipend to defray travel expenses (paid at end of the program).
  • Lunch and snacks during on campus dates.
  • $500.00 stipend upon submission of documentation of curriculum implementation during the next academic year.

Housing is not included. Participants must arrange housing on their own behalf.  

The Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program is funded by the National Science Foundation.

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

Updated: 09/25/2024 09:57AM