Summer Energy Research for Alaska Science Teachers

Do real energy research. Bring it back to your classroom.

We are now recruiting teachers for our inaugural cohort!

Cohort 1 will run in Summer 2026 and 2027, with opportunities for middle and high school science teachers in Anchorage and Unalaska.

Program Snapshot

• Conduct research for two consecutive summers alongside a University of Alaska faculty mentor
• Earn a $6,500 stipend each summer ($13,000 total)
• Receive dedicated mentorship from both a University of Alaska researcher and an experienced Alaska 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 Alaska Anchorage or the University of Alaska Fairbanks 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 Alaska provides a powerful context for science learning. From remote microgrids and extreme climates to emerging technologies and energy equity challenges, Alaska’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