Language
English
Publication Date
7-31-2025
Journal
Journal of Biochemical Technology
DOI
10.7171/3fc1f5fe.92716cb3
PMID
41111556
PMCID
PMC12530734
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
5-19-2025
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Introduction: Advanced technologies have transformed diagnostics and therapeutics, improving disease management. Secondary school educators play a vital role in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and inspiring students in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) innovations. Comprehensive teacher training enhances education delivery and ensures long-term advancements in science education, empowering future generations.
Materials and methods: We launched the Biotechnology Research Incubator for Teachers (BRITE) pilot program to train secondary school teachers. This 3-week program immerses teachers in Advanced Technology Core facilities, providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, such as protein array technology, next-generation sequencing, and flow cytometry. It also offers collaborative opportunities with scientists, exposure to primary scientific literature, and support in developing STEMM-based lesson plans.
Results: Over 3 years, the pilot program trained 10 teachers, establishing a framework that secured a 5-year NIH Research Education Program (R25) Science Education Partnership Award to support 12-16 teachers annually. BRITE post-program surveys revealed that participants gained increased confidence and a deeper understanding of integrating STEMM concepts into their classrooms. By the end of summer, each teacher developed a lesson outline based on their experience. By the end of their first year after the training, 43% of the teachers had successfully created specialized teaching units for their classes. These findings highlight the program's success in enhancing teacher development.
Discussion: This program is a practical, scalable, and sustainable model for advancing STEMM education, adaptable for other institutions aiming to create similar teacher-focused programs. We believe this approach can extend to other fields beyond biomedical science.
Keywords
Humans, Pilot Projects, Biotechnology, School Teachers, Schools, Teacher Training, Research, STEMM education, Advanced Technology, Core facilities
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Shi, Zhongcheng; Harris, Katherine A; Newell, Alana D; et al., "Biotechnology Research Incubator for Teachers (BRITE) Pilot Program: Advancing Technology Research Education for Secondary School Teachers" (2025). Faculty and Staff Publications. 3952.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/3952