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University of Washington (UW) Partners in Science
This unique program engages secondary science teachers (in-service and pre-service) in authentic and innovative research experiences in University of Washington (UW) research laboratories, enabling them to more effectively guide their students through the processes of science and foster new knowledge. The program enables teachers (partners) and academic scientists (mentors) to collaborate in the advancement of science, with the goal that both will grow professionally in the process.
Teacher Partners will have the opportunity to:
- Gain research skills and experience working on scientific projects connected to our local environment and community
- Attend two all-expenses paid conferences
- Participate in laboratory group meetings
- Apply for a ~$4900 teaching grant to create a research project in your high school class
What: Murdock Foundation Partners in Science program
The UW Partners in Science program pairs local high school science teachers with UW professors to participate in state-of-the-art research that aims to push our science forward and translate the research concepts and skills you learn into engaging research experiences for high school students. Participating high school science teachers will become part of our vibrant and welcoming scientific community, attending and presenting their research at supportive group meetings, and interacting and sharing ideas through informal joint Tacoma & Seattle Partners in Science gatherings and digital sharing platforms.
Where: UW Tacoma OR Seattle
You will have the opportunity to choose from a diverse array of science labs at UW Tacoma (UWS) OR Seattle (UWS). For example, some ongoing research programs at UWT are investigating: (1) how arsenic pollution from the legacy copper smelter has altered the gut microbiome of local wildlife, (2) how microplastics and algal blooms due to a warmer climate are changing our aquatic environments, (3) how specific proteins at synapses in the brain might contribute to autism spectrum disorder and protrusions from neurons may represent a new form of brain communication, (4) how transcription factors with intrinsically disordered regions influence the function of these proteins, with implications for normal and diseased function of cells, and (5) how climate change may be altering sediment erosion and transport in the Puyallup watershed, with implications for flooding, agriculture, and ecosystem health. In addition, there are at least three other research programs occurring at UWS.
When: Summer of 2026 & 2027 (eight-week commitment each summer)
Our second cohort of “Teachers Partners” (TPs) will commit to participating for two consecutive summers (eight weeks per summer), beginning this summer 2026. TPs will do research in one UWT OR UWS laboratory in the summer of 2026 and then again in the summer of 2027.
Schedules during these eight-weeks are often flexible.
Stipend & Benefits: $5,850 per eight-week summer period
TPs will receive a $5,850 stipend for each eight-week summer research period. In addition, TPs will receive funding to travel to two all expenses paid local conferences, held in Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR, and can apply for a ~$4,900 “Classroom Innovation Grant” to fund authentic research experiences for your students.
Applying:
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please fill out this application: UW Partners in Science Teacher Partner Application
Questions? Please email Marc Nahmani (mnahmani@uw.edu), Director of the UW Partners in Science program and/or Karri Russell (karrus15@uw.edu), Program Manager. We’re eager to hear from you and happy to answer any questions!
