Exploring the Nanoworld > Programs > RET

Research Experience for Teachers

What is the RET program?

The Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program is funded by the a National Science Foundation. It provides a professional development opportunity to K-12 science teachers by placing them in a research laboratory during the summer. The program that has been established at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) focuses on materials science and science at the nanoscale, the scale of atoms.

Learn more about the MRSEC Mission and Goals

In recent years the RET program has worked with three Madison, WI middle and high school teachers to create modules relating to advanced and nanoscale materials including shape memory alloys and light emitting diodes. The modules also contain information about how scientist know where atoms are located in a material using the methods of x-ray diffraction and scanning probe microscopy.

Click here for a full list of educational activities about nanotechnology and materials science, including those developed by past RET fellows.

How to apply to the RET program

To apply to the RET program please download and fill out application from the link below. Preference will be given to applicants local to Wisconsin. In the event that all available positions can not be filled with qualified applicants from within the state, applicants from outside Wisconsin will be considered.

RET Application

The application can be mailed to the following address:

Ben Taylor
RET Program Applications
University of Wisconsin College of Engineering
Materials Research Science and Engineering Center
Engineering Centers Building
1550 Engineering Drive
Madison, WI 53706

Questions about the application process can be emailed to Ben Taylor (bltaylor2@wisc.edu).

Related Links

For RET participants

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