RMSREE Frequently Asked Questions

RMSREE Frequently Asked Questions

Below you'll find short answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Rocky Mountain Summer Research Education Experience. If you've got additional questions that aren't answered here or elsewhere on the RMSREE website, please feel free to contact us!

What is expected of a Fellow?

RMSREE Fellows are expected to:

  • Work collaboratively in a research laboratory to contribute to bioengieering, biomedical imaging, or health informatics research already on-going with CU Denver faculty
  • Develop and implement a living document called a Professional Development Plan with specific goals and action items to enhance the STEM education experience of their classroom
  • Present talks (one mid-summer, one end of summer) describing the research you have accomplished and your plans for how you will change your teaching based on what you have learned to other cohort members, program personnel, and prior RMSREE participants
  • Support other RMSREE Fellows through participation in weekly events during the summer (e.g. Seminars and Forums) and by returning to campus the following January and the following summer to share successes and challenges of STEM content implementation
  • Commit to increasing their STEM classroom content for at least five years following their summer experience
What dates will the 2024 program run?

ON CAMPUS dates: Monday, June 10 through Friday, August 2

Orientation:  Monday, June 10

Laboratory research experience Monday, June 10 through Friday, August 2

Seminars and forums, full group lab mini-experiences, cohort collab time: Thursdays each week, from June 13 through August 2

Independent relfection period: completion of professional development plan and final program presentation: August 3 through August 16

Final presentations and program "graduation": Saturday, August 17

 

We realize that school district calendars are widely varied. Please do not let a need to shift research dates slightly to accommodate your school district keep you from applying! If you're an engaged teacher, excited about scientific research, and are ready to meet other Rocky Mountain Region teachers, we want to hear from you.

Depending on the composition of the cohort, slight adjustments made to the start and end dates may be made. Please reach out to us with any questions.

Program dates will be finalized once the 2024 Team is confirmed.

 

How much is the stipend?

Each Fellow will receive a total stipend of $8,000 for their participation in summer and academic year activities. 

The stipend will be paid in three installments, the first of which is $5500 and occurs upon completion of the first summer research experience in August. The second installment of $500 occurs at the time Fellows return to campus for a retreat in January. The third installment of $2000 will be paid after the second summer when Fellows return to campus to present results from incorporating what they learned into their classroom.

How will I be paired with a research mentor?

The most successful research experiences happen when the researcher is interested in both their day-to-day activities and the bigger picture. Likewise, transfer of passion for research to a classroom experience relies on excitement. Extreme care will be taken to pair Fellows with research mentors based on research interests and curricular goals. Information provided in the application (e.g. personal statements) and during the candidate interview will guide the assignment of a Fellow to a research mentor.

Is there any housing close to campus available for Fellows?

NEW in 2024!  We will be able to offer some support for on-campus housing to our RMSREE cohort!

Not excited by a long commute to Denver? Spend more time on your research and classroom content development by taking advantage of on-campus housing.

https://www.ucdenver.edu/housing-and-dining/summer/summer-intern-housing

Does the RMSREE value applicant diversity?

YES! Increasing diversity in industrial and academic STEM professions begins with today's high school students identifying with and being engaged by the individuals they see every day in their classrooms. RMSREE is committed to supporting Fellows of all backgrounds. The Downtown Campus of the University of Colorado Denver has a long tradition of teaching excellence and a demonstrated committment to serving undergraduate students from underrepresented minority and other underrepresented populations. 

Will I need additional commitment from my district (e.g. monetary, time) in order to participate in RMSREE?

Participation in RMSREE doesn't require any commitment from your school district beyond being supportive of your participation and the ability for you to introduce new course content into your classroom as a result of your summer research experience.

Is there going to be any teacher or student data collected throughout the experience?

The only teacher data we expect to collect will be in the form of survey questions about the RMSREE experience, to ensure that the program is delivering on our goals, as well as some aggregate data about the populations of students teachers serve, for NIH reporting purposes.

RMSREE has no expectation of collecting student data. We anticipate only observing changes to instruction, not direct student impact.

I'm neither a US citizen nor a permanent resident. Am I eligible for RMSREE?

Unfortunately, the RMSREE funding mechanism is only able to support US citizens or permanent residents. Thank you for your dedication to HS STEM education.

What qualities make an ideal RMSREE candidate?

Are you creative? Are you curious? Does the idea of spending your summer talking with students and faculty about research sound exciting?

Then RMSREE may be right for you!

The RMSREE selection committee seeks Rocky Mountain Region high school and community college teachers with at least 2 years of STEM teaching experience who are creative, independent, driven, and have a strong dedication to mentoring students. Being situated at an urban research university, the RMSREE strives to echo the diversity of our environment by attracting a diverse group of Fellows who educate and inspire diverse student populations.

How do I apply?

The RMSREE application can be completed online.

Be prepared to answer some informational questions about yourself and your teaching training and experience, as well as two brief personal statements. The personal statement responses will be uploaded as a single pdf file. You'll also need to have a copy of your college transcript(s) (unofficial is fine) to upload as a single pdf and provide the names of 2 professional references who will be submitting a letter on your behalf.

The application window for RMSREE 2024 is Now Open! For full consideration, please complete your application by December 1, 2023.