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Application

Program Snapshot

• Conduct research for two consecutive summers alongside a University of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ faculty mentor
• Earn a $6,500 stipend each summer ($13,000 total)
• Receive dedicated mentorship from both a University of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ researcher and an experienced ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ educator through the Murdock Partners in Science Program
• Attend two fully funded professional conferences
  • Teaching Practices Conference, Vancouver, WA (July 28–31, 2026)
  • Research Symposium, Portland, OR (January 15–16, 2027)
• Access additional classroom funding through the Classroom Innovation Grant to bring your research experience back to your students

Build experience conducting research in a university lab and bring new ideas to your middle and high school science classrooms. Teacher Partners are matched with a faculty mentor from the University of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ Anchorage or the ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ to develop a two-year research plan and contribute to an active project. Partners meet regularly with their research team, participate in professional development, and collaborate with a cohort of other teachers while turning their research experiences into fresh approaches to scientific inquiry in their classrooms.

What You’ll Do

• Join an active energy research project with a natural science focus
• Work with a university research mentor to develop a two-year research plan
• Meet regularly with your mentor and research team
• Participate in biweekly research professional development
• Collaborate with a cohort of teachers
• Translate your work to classroom experiences

Mentorship & Support

• Faculty Research Mentor: Guides your research learning
• Teacher Coach: Supports translating research into classroom practice
• Cohort Model: Peer learning and idea-sharing across experience levels

Energy research in ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥ provides a powerful context for science learning. From remote microgrids and extreme climates to emerging technologies and energy equity challenges, ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥â€™s energy systems are complex and deeply connected to everyday life. This program helps teachers build research skills and bring place-based energy and climate science into their classrooms.

Professional Development

• Strengthen your teaching portfolio with research experience and curriculum products
• Build connections with university faculty and programs
• Access opportunities and resources for your students
• Potential to earn university credit toward continuing education requirements

Questions: Annalise Gerlach, Site Coordinator, asklein@alaska.edu