# Biotechnology Incubator for Teachers (BRITE)

> **NIH NIH R25** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2024 · $270,000

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The proposed Biotechnology Research Incubator for Teachers (BRITE) program aims to address the scarcity
of summer Research Experiences for Teachers (RETs) opportunities specifically for middle school teachers in
the Houston area and the challenges they face in translating their experiences into the classroom. The BRITE
aims to bridge the gap between authentic science research and technology and standards-based science
instruction using Adapted Primary Literature. Recognizing the influence of teachers on student’s success
in science, technology, engineering, math, and biomedicine (STEMM) education, the BRITE seeks to equip
middle school teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to educate the next generation of thinkers and
problem solvers effectively. The BRITE highlights the need for teachers to have a solid understanding of
current bioscience research and biotechnology practices, and career paths in STEMM fields. Many U.S.
science teachers need to gain this up-to-date knowledge, emphasizing the importance of providing
opportunities for advanced scientific training, hands-on research experiences, and support for integrating
these experiences into the classroom. With its expertise in biomedical research and strong affiliations with
clinical locations, Baylor College of Medicine is well-positioned to offer teachers an immersive
biotechnology research experience. The BRITE program comprises a three-week intensive summer
component and year-round activities. To increase opportunities and reduce income inequality and promote
inclusion, the program aligns compensation with summer school rates and strategically schedule the
summer portion to allow teachers time to relax and recharge before the new academic year. The BRITE
program has three aims: recruit teachers to engage in research laboratories, provide professional
development to align research practices with standards and investigate the impact of authentic research
experiences on teacher and classroom outcomes. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-guided Adapted Primary
Literature and guidance from mentors, middle school teachers will learn to integrate real-world research and
literature into their instruction, exposing students to STEMM research careers and practices. We will
evaluate the effects of research experiences and primary literature adaptation on teaching and learning.
The BRITE Scholars will consist of a cohort of 12 teachers in the first year and 16 teachers in each of the
following grant years, a total of 76 teachers in four years. The BRITE program is estimated to impact ~7000
middle school students through instruction from the participating teachers, which will extend to more students
through trained teachers influencing their colleagues, and fellow teachers, amplifying the reach and
influence of the BRITE program.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10888825
- **Project number:** 1R25GM154361-01
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Shixia Huang
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $270,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2029-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10888825

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10888825, Biotechnology Incubator for Teachers (BRITE) (1R25GM154361-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10888825. Licensed CC0.

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