This year, we had 17 incredible Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Participants from 13 different schools across 3 states. Below, you can learn about each teacher, read what they gained from this experience, and view the academic poster they designed at the end of the program.

    Lajoya Camp

    Houston, TX
    Tracey Stewart
    BIORETS Participant

    I have been in education for about 20 years including teaching, coaching, leadership/admin, and training various teachers. I am certified in Special Education K-12 and ESL K-12 along with being highly qualified in all subjects. I got my undergraduate degree in General Science from Lubbock Christian University (2005), and I have several graduate degrees. I teach 9th grade Biology and AP Biology as well amongst other responsibilities. 

    I applied because…I visited Iowa State University last summer in 2023 for another teacher workshop/research experience that was for a few days, and it gave me information access about other programs within the science field for teachers.

    My expectations…are that I gain the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience to further my interests within science; especially biology.

    Nicole Cannon

    Waukee, IA
    Dr. Larry Halverson
    BIORETS Participant

    I grew up in a small town in NE Iowa and went to ISU for BS in Ecology and Wildlife Science.  After that, I got my MAT degree in secondary education from Drake University.  I grew up with two family farms in NE Iowa that are still farmed.  I reside in West Des Moines, and I teach 9th grade Physical Science at Timberline in Waukee.  

    I applied because…I wanted to blend research and the classroom experience for my students and colleagues.  My students need to experience how they can conduct small independent research projects.  

    My expectations…are to develop a strong relationship with my mentor, researchers, and their teams. During my time here, I will gain a variety of lab experiences. In addition to those experiences, I’ll have small and large group discussions about research projects that can be incorporated into my classroom.  

    Joe Carey

    West Des Moines, IA
    Dr. Amy Toth
    BIORETS Participant

    I am a high school mathematics educator at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa.  Next fall, I will be teaching AP Statistics and AP PreCalculus.  

    I applied because…I enjoy learning new things and returning to the classroom with a new perspective and fresh ideas.

    My expectations…are to be challenged, change, and grow.

     

    Madi Case

    Johnston, IA
    Dr. Michelle Soupir
    BIORETS Participant

    I have my bachelor’s in elementary education studies and a master’s in secondary science education. I am starting my first year teaching this year at Johnston Middle School. I will be teaching 8th-grade science and weather. 

    I applied because…most of my formal education took place in an online setting, and while I enjoyed the self-paced style of learning, I felt like I was lacking in-person science and research experiences with fellow educators.

    My expectations…are to gain science experience, learn and collaborate with educators, and get to know the education community. 

    tricia Chapela

    Houston, TX
    Dr. Young-Jin Lee
    LEE Participant

    I am a high school teacher at Cy-Fair High School in Cypress, Texas (near Houston). I teach anatomy & physiology and college-level general chemistry and have been teaching in public education for 6 years.  

    I applied because…I want to include relevant laboratory techniques and practices in my curriculum. Often, how we teach science is different than how we actually do science. As I teach my science electives, I want to inspire in my students the curiosity that actually drives the field of science and broaden their perspective

    My expectations…are to participate in (yet not complete) a current, relevant research project. I expect to broaden my way of thinking about education and the way I implement my lessons. I expect to expand my education network to include the instructors and participants. Ultimately, I expect to develop my teaching approach and application to improve outcomes for my students.

    Ren Daemicke

    Johnston, IA
    Dr. Alison Robertson
    BIORETS Participant
    • Growing strong: age-dependent resistance of soybeans to Phytophthora sojae zoospores
    • Written Reflection

    I am from Western Chicagoland, and I am following my lifelong dream of being a master educator, a role that is constantly changing and constantly challenging, and I love a challenge. I currently teach biological sciences at Johnston High School in Johnston, IA, with my degrees in Secondary Science Education (BA) and Education (MS) from Drake University. I am grateful to work within the Johnston Community School District and passionate about teaching today’s youths. 

    I applied because…I have wanted to engage in the research process and learn what new science and engineering practices are incorporated throughout Iowa and around my community. This is essential for my students to learn about in order to prepare for their adult lives.

    My expectations…are to build my own understanding of our academic efforts as well as a nuanced understanding of science knowledge that I can bring to the classroom.  

    Gladys Ebangi

    Landover, MD
    Dr. Thomas Baum
    BIORETS Participant

    I am Gladys Ebangi, holder of a BSc in Biology, BSc in Education, and an MSc. Environmental science.  I did all my Studies in Cameroon, my country. I taught in my country for 26 years. I presently teach at Fairmont Heights High School, PG, Maryland where I have taught for 4 years. I teach Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science, and Biogeochemical Systems. 

    I applied because…I want to gain Research experience and improve my pedagogy.

    My expectations…are to learn more about how research is carried out and how this knowledge can be implemented at the level of my school and classroom. 

    Rowena Frianeza

    Laurel, MD
    Dr. Eric Underbaake
    BIORETS Participant

    I graduated with a BS in Biology, an MA in Science Administration, and an MEd in English Language Learners. I live in Virginia and teach Chemistry and Medical Science at Chesapeake Math and IT Chartered School.

    I applied because…I aim to enhance my laboratory skills and teach my students some of the techniques I have learned.

    My expectations…are to learn more about research and laboratory techniques and develop a good understanding of education in other school districts, particularly in the Midwest.  

    Malissa Jeffrey

    Spencer, IA
    Dr. Jeanne Serb
    BIORETS Participant

    I live and work in Spencer, IA. I have been teaching for seven years and have taught all sciences, but I currently teach Physical Science and Chemistry. 

    I applied because…I value being put back into the role of a learner. After four years in the program, it keeps me fresh on what my students are experiencing and how I can make their learning authentic and relatable.

    My expectations…are to leave with a mindset of humanizing the learning experience for my students and extending that throughout the year with support from the RET coordinators. 

    Amy Jurasek

    West Des Moines, IA
    Dr. Goggi and Dr. Moore
    REGEN Participant

    I teach math at Dowling Catholic High School.

    I applied because…I always enjoy learning new things. The RET program is an opportunity to learn new things with the added benefit of relating it all back to the classroom. 

    My expectations…are to become a better teacher by acquiring new skills to facilitate curiosity in the classroom.  

    Lori Kriz

    Iowa City, IA
    Dr. Nicole Valenzuela
    BIORETS Participant

    I am a 3rd grade teacher at Hoover Elementary in Iowa City, Iowa.  I teach all subjects except social studies, with an emphasis on science.  I have taught for 30 years, and hands-on science has been a passion throughout that entire time.   

    I applied because…I am interested in elevating the presence of science in elementary school and in challenging my students to become more aware of the importance of science and nature in their lives.

    My expectations…are to grow in my own understanding of science, and I hope to continue to push myself to rethink my teaching to meet the needs of children. 

    Meggan Lint

    Des Moines, IA
    Dr. Tom Lubberstedt
    REGEN Participant

    I am a Special Education Teacher at Clive Learning Academy. I am going into my ninth year of teaching and have taught a variety of grade levels. I love learning about the natural world!

    I applied because…it sounded exciting! I am always striving to learn more about how to embolden my students to achieve their goals outside the classroom.

    My expectations…are to learn more about my project and the passions of the people in my community. 

    Jared Martinsen

    Johnston, IA
    Dr. Ikuma and Dr. Rehmann
    BIORETS Participant

    I am a Johnston High School Biology and Zoology teacher here in Iowa. I just completed my 10th year of teaching. This is my 3rd year with RET at ISU. 

    I applied because…I have really benefited from both professional development and research in the past years. I find the work we do in both arenas challenging and meaningful. I have experienced a lot of growth in this program. I also appreciate the opportunity to connect with other teachers, future teachers, researchers, faculty at ISU, etc.

    My expectations…are to build skills that can be used in teaching and learning and gain a deeper understanding of the important topics of the research I am working with through Rehmann and Ikuma labs.  

    Dani Schon

    Ames, IA
    Dr. Olga Zabotina
    BIORETS Participant

    I graduated from Iowa State with a major in Elementary Education in 2021. I am a 7th-grade science teacher at Ames Middle School. I am entering my 4th year of teaching, ranging from elementary to middle school.  

    I applied because…I wanted to gain a new perspective on science teaching and be able to collaborate with other educators to develop solutions to the problems facing education today.

    My expectations…are to obtain a deeper level of knowledge in my content area as well as develop and maintain a cohort of colleagues to use as a resource during the school year. 

    Ashok Sookdeo

    Landover, MD
    Dr. Michelle Soupir
    BIORETS Participant

    I have been a teacher at Fairmont Heights School in Prince George’s County, Maryland, since SY 2013. I am certified to teach Biology and courses in the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) natural resource pathway.  I have been a science curriculum writer in Prince George’s County since 2015. I have a passion for education and teaching via experiential learning. 

    I applied because…I want to increase my content knowledge and improve my teaching practices. I was reliably informed by past participants that this is one of the best teacher trainings in the USA.

    My expectations…are to gain new and innovative instructional strategies to teach my students.

    Josh Vanderweil

    Newton, IA
    Dr. Matthew Panthani
    BIORETS Participant

    I am a high school chemistry teacher in Newton, Iowa entering my 5th year of teaching. I graduated from Iowa State University with an undergraduate degree in chemistry and a master’s in teaching science. My future plans include pursuing my master’s in Chemistry as well.

    I applied because…the RET program allows for a unique experience to get teachers into research opportunities. I identify as a chemist just as much as a teacher and the RET program allows for me to pursue my interests in Chemistry in between the school years.

    My expectations…are to expand my knowledge base on what it looks like to do science in the real world. I think it is important to show students that I am a life-long learner myself and I value the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of scientific research! 

    James Wenman

    Des Moines, IA
    Dr. Shuizhang Fei
    REGEN Participant

    My name is James Wenman. I graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. I teach 4th grade at Holy Trinity School in Beaverdale, Iowa.

    I applied because…I want to expand my knowledge in different scientific areas and have more cool things to take back to my classroom. 

    My expectations…are to gain some more experience in a research field and translate that practical knowledge to shape my classrooms’ hands-on experiences.Â