BRITE Teacher’s Training Workshop

Empowering STEMM Educators Through Hands-On Research at Baylor College of Medicine

This summer, the BRITE program under Dr. Shixia Huang welcomed 20 middle school STEM teachers for an immersive three-week professional development program designed to strengthen classroom instruction through hands-on research, advanced biotechnology, and emerging AI tools.

Throughout the program, teachers stepped into the world of biomedical research, gaining firsthand experience in Baylor’s Advanced Technology Cores (ATCs) and exploring technologies used in cutting-edge scientific discovery. By connecting these technologies to disease models and the research process, teachers developed a deeper understanding of how biomedical research moves from the laboratory to real-world applications.

Connecting Research to the Classroom

A key component of the program was helping teachers translate their research experiences into meaningful classroom learning. Participants developed lesson plans and explored innovative approaches for bringing authentic scientific practices into their STEMM instruction.

Professional development sessions, led by Dr. Alana D. Newell, Dr. Frederick Alfred Pereira, Katherine A. Harris, and Dr. Sherita Jo Love covered a range of topics, including:

• Introduction to primary scientific literature and APL
• Digital storytelling
• Introduction to AI tools and APL
• Using AI tools in the classroom
• Bridging biomedical research and education
• How Scientists Read a Paper: Science as a Conversation
• Biomedical workforce development
• Data analysis

These sessions equipped teachers with practical strategies for incorporating primary scientific literature, digital tools, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and authentic research experiences into their classrooms.

Learning From Biomedical Research Experts

Teachers also had the opportunity to work directly with researchers and mentors across Baylor College of Medicine’s Advanced Technology Cores. Through these hands-on experiences, they explored state-of-the-art technologies, learned how researchers investigate disease, and gained insight into the diverse career pathways that make up the biomedical workforce.

The program provided teachers with exclusive insight into groundbreaking biomedical research while giving them the knowledge, skills, and resources to bring those experiences back to their students.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Advanced Technology Core directors and mentors who generously shared their expertise, time, and passion for science with our participating teachers. Their commitment helped make this immersive experience possible and will have a lasting impact—not only on the teachers who participated, but also on the students they inspire in their classrooms.