The DeBakey Institute at Texas A&M University offers a unique opportunity for 15 middle and high school teachers of math and science from rural communities in Texas to explore basic cardiovascular bioengineering research in a 8-week summer program-4 weeks onsite, and 4 weeks offsite. This program is designed to act synergistically with a our Michael E DeBakey Institute Summer Research Program, to provide a multi-level, multidisciplinary experience. The activities of this program are designed to achieve a number of objectives: 1) to introduce live-animal cardiovascular bioengineering research to middle and high school students, 2) to familiarize teachers with cross-disciplinary collaborative teams that integrate biology and mathematics, 3) to complete real-world research projects that leverage the unique advantages of the bat wing preparation to advance the science of microvascular mechanobiology, and 4) to integrate teachers and students into a growing community of bioengineers including undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty.

Our laboratory utilizes the computational approaches offered by engineers (including quantitative analysis and mathematical modeling) as well as the experimental approaches offered by life scientists (including functional characterization and mechanistic determination) in an attempt to explain the behavior of microvascular networks. Through the eBat Project, interactive research and teaching experiences will be made available to teachers and their classes throughout the year following the summer experience

Eligibility

• We have positions for 15 middle and high school teachers of math and science.
• This program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Funding Information:

• Stipends and funds for meals and housing: $6000.00
• Travel costs for each student to and from the Texas A&M University campus will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $400.
• Tuition and fees including parking will be covered to enroll the students at Texas A&M University. Enrollment will provide access to the student health center, campus libraries and computer services.
• High School Teacher resources: $989 for STELLA program license for home school.