College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Coast to Classroom: Partners in Science at PSU

Marine organisms in deep ocean

Coast to Classroom

Partners in Science at PSU

Empowering Teacher-Scholars

The Portland State University Partners in Science (PIS) 2.0 program is a three-year initiative funded by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. This partnership aims to improve science education by providing secondary school teachers with opportunities to work at the cutting edge of scientific research. By engaging in authentic inquiry, teachers develop their identities as teacher-scholars, bringing the rigor and excitement of "real-world" science back to their classrooms and communities.

We are looking for motivated educators from the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area who are ready to develop their research skills and integrate inquiry-based, natural science research into their teaching practice. The program supports two distinct applicant tracks:

  • In-Service Teachers: For full-time middle or high school educators at accredited schools in Oregon or Washington with at least three years of science teaching experience. Stipend: $6,500 per summer.
  • Pre-Service Teachers: For students currently enrolled in PSU’s Graduate Teacher Education or Added Secondary Endorsement Programs with a STEM specialization. Stipend: $5,000 per summer.
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PSU professor and students at Boiler Bay
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Our theme leverages Portland State University’s research excellence in marine and environmental science. By anchoring projects in the regional ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest, we help you make complex scientific processes—from the microscopic to the global—compelling and accessible to your students.

We believe that teachers are the foremost experts on student learning. In this program, you are not just a trainee; you are an authentic collaborator. Your role is to work alongside PSU faculty to translate sophisticated research into hands-on inquiry for your classroom.

Teacher and professor looking at laptop in research lab

THE TWO-YEAR JOURNEY

This initiative is a multi-year commitment designed to support your long-term professional development:

  • Summer Research (8 Weeks): Spend two intensive summers (2026 and 2027) embedded in a PSU research lab.
  • Layered Mentorship: Work within a "mentorship ecosystem" consisting of primary faculty mentors, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students.
  • Professional Workshops: Attend weekly sessions on "Developing Your Research Identity," covering topics like primary literature review, data analysis, and science writing.
  • Community Engagement: Join facility tours, monthly social events, and participate in collaborative meetings with scientists within and beyond PSU.

CLASSROOM IMPACT & SUPPORT

The program provides the financial and professional resources to ensure your research reaches your students:

  • Stipends: Generous summer stipends are provided for both In-Service ($6,500) and Pre-Service ($5,000) tracks.
  • Classroom Innovation Grants (CIG): In-Service teachers can apply for up to $7,500 to purchase equipment or supplies to implement new research-based curricula into their classrooms.
  • Professional Network: Develop a lasting network of scientists and peers to maintain your connection to the research community for years to come.

Our Site Team & Mentorship Ecosystem

Our program is led by a dedicated team of scientists and educators committed to your professional growth. You will be supported by a mentorship ecosystem designed to provide scientific, technical, and pedagogical guidance throughout your two-year journey.

Program Leadership

Anne Thompson

Dr. Anne Thompson
Lead PI

"Teachers are a crucial link to the public domain."

An assistant professor in PSU's Department of Biology and microbial oceanographer with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Thompson has a proven record of collaborating with K-12 educators to translate complex research into classroom curriculum.

Paola López-Duarte

Dr. Paola López-Duarte
Co-PI

"Science is alive when teachers lead with curiosity."

An associate professor of environmental science & management in PSU's School of Earth, Environment & Society and a marine ecologist, Dr. López-Duarte is a recipient of the national 2023 SACNAS Distinguished Mentor Award and a trained facilitator for PSU’s Mentoring Academy.

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To Be Named
Program Coordinator

Provides essential support to our teacher-partners by managing stipends, travel arrangements, and the application process.

Our Partners

To ensure your success, PSU-PIS 2.0 leverages resources from across the region, including:

  • PSU College of Education (COE): Supporting our pre-service teacher recruitment and training.
  • Portland Metro STEM Partnership & Oregon Coast STEM Hub: Connecting our research to regional school districts.
  • Northwest Science Expo: Providing avenues for student-led research dissemination.
  • PSU Office of Academic Innovation (OAI): Assisting with program evaluation and professional development workshops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about program eligibility and tracks, commitment and logistics, financial support, and the application process.

No. Applicants must be graduate students currently enrolled in PSU’s Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP) or an Added Secondary Endorsement program . Applicants must also hold (or be recently finishing) a BS/BA in a natural science field.

For this program, eligible specializations include natural science fields such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Earth and Environmental Science.

The program requires a minimum of 3 years of science teaching experience for the In-Service track. Please apply during the next cycle (2027-2028)!

The program requires an intensive eight-week, full-time commitment for two consecutive summers (2026 and 2027).

Most research takes place at PSU’s downtown Portland campus, though some projects include weekly field sampling at coastal or estuarine sites.

No. In fact, participants receive a stipend for their work.

  • In-Service Teachers: $6,500 per summer ($13,000 total over two years).
  • Pre-Service Teachers: $5,000 per summer ($10,000 total over two years).
     

In-service teachers who complete both summers are eligible to apply for up to $7,500 to purchase equipment, supplies, or services to bring their research-based curriculum to life in their own classrooms.

The Google Form does not support saving progress. We strongly recommend drafting your essays in a separate document and gathering your PDFs before beginning the submission.

Please email us at partners-in-science@pdx.edu for assistance with stipends, travel, or the application portal.