PathMaker Bridge
PathMaker Bridge Cancer Research Program for Educators
The PathMaker Bridge Summer Research Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute offers a two-year research and curriculum development experience for middle and high school science teachers from Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.
Selected educators work in a Huntsman Cancer Institute laboratory for six weeks during each of two consecutive summers. Participants use their experience to develop and test science curriculum materials relevant to their research and classrooms. Before and after the summer sessions, teachers complete online professional development courses led by science education experts from the University of Utah’s Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC).
Participants receive financial compensation and earn 10 graduate credit hours per year, for a total of 20 credits over the course of the program.
Program Benefits
- Financial compensation: $10,800 per year for participation in the six-week lab experience and associated professional development courses
- Graduate credit: 10 credit hours per year (20 total across two years)
- Housing: On-campus housing for participants who live more than one hour from Huntsman Cancer Institute (limited availability)
- Child care support: $400 supplement for eligible participants (limited availability)
- Travel assistance: Financial support for teachers staying in on-campus housing who need help traveling to and from Salt Lake City
- Conference opportunity: Participants may apply to attend a regional or national conference to present their work; all travel and registration costs are covered
- Mentorship and training: Participants gain experience in research methods, science communication, and biomedical career exploration
- Curriculum development: Teachers create innovative science lessons aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a current middle or high school science teacher
- Work in Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, or Idaho (teachers from these states are given priority consideration)
- Commit to two consecutive years of participation, including:
- A six-week, full-time lab experience each summer
- Pre- and post-summer professional development sessions
- Be interested in cancer research and in developing classroom lessons based on scientific experiences
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for engaging all students in science learning, including exploring biomedical careers
- Be able to commit 40 hours per week during the six-week summer session
Additional consideration is given to applicants who:
- Apply as a pair from the same school district
- Are early in their teaching careers
- Work with students who may have limited access to STEM opportunities
Program Expectations
- Commit 40 hours per week during the six-week summer experience
- Attend all online meetings and workshops before and after each summer session
- Complete the full professional development course provided by the Genetic Science Learning Center
- Create and present a research poster summarizing their lab work
- Collaborate with education professionals to develop and test new curriculum materials based on their research
Program Manager
Liz Morales
liz.morales@hci.utah.edu
801-581-3088
Principal Investigators
Donald E. Ayer, PhD
Gita Suneja, MD, MS
