Grade Level(s): Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Date(s): Summer 2026

Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC

Cost: Stipend: $3,600 ($600 per week)

Description:

Program Description

We are witnessing a renaissance in manufacturing and technology. As industries worldwide shift toward sustainable solutions, there is a surging demand for new materials that balance high performance with positive environmental impact.

This shift is transforming the job market. From replacing single-use plastics to engineering smart, antimicrobial surfaces, the innovations of today are creating the careers of tomorrow. To be ready, the next generation needs to understand how to leverage local resources, like wood, plants, and waste, to solve global challenges.

Our research group at NC State University exploits the potential of natural and renewable materials to develop high-value products that outperform their synthetic counterparts. But we cannot build this future alone.

We invite you to partner with us to educate the future workforce. We want to help you bring these cutting-edge concepts into your classroom so students can:

• Understand impact: See how science creates tangible value, economically and environmentally.
• Explore opportunities: Discover how traditional industries are evolving and where new high-tech jobs are being created.
• Innovate: Learn that they don't need to wait until college to think like engineers; they can start exploring the potential of nature now.

Program Overview

This is a 6-week paid fellowship designed to immerse you in a top-tier research environment and support you in creating impactful classroom materials.

Phase 1: Lab Immersion (Weeks 1–4; June 15 to July 10, 2026)

• Location: Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources, NC State University, Raleigh, NC
• Schedule: Monday – Thursday (Flexible hours)
• Examples of activities:
  • Work alongside researchers to transform waste and biomass into functional nanomaterials.
  • Experiment with our processes: turning wood into transparent films, creating structural colors, or developing bio-foams.
  • Engage in discussions about the lifecycle of materials—from raw local resources to global environmental solutions.

Phase 2: Teaching Materials Development (Weeks 5–6; July 13-24, 2026)

• Location: Flexible - Home or Office
• Schedule: Flexible
• Examples of activities:
  • Translate your lab experience into a standards-aligned curriculum unit.
  • Design "shoestring" prototypes: adaptations of our research using low-cost materials to mimic high-tech results.
  • Develop narratives that connect these science lessons to future career paths.
  • Consult with the group to validate the science in your lesson plans.

Deliverables & Outcomes

By the end of the summer, you will have created materials that you can use immediately in your classroom:

1. A core curriculum: A complete lesson plan focusing on the structure and properties of biomass, engineering mindset and design, and sustainability practices, using sustainable materials as the context – and aligned with NC education standards.
2. A collection of samples: Prototypes & resources to show students how using renewable (nano)materials has a global environmental & social impact.
3. Hands-on demo kit(s): A developed plan for classroom experiment(s) that requires no lab equipment.
4. Opportunity to co-author papers on science education (e.g., Journal of Chemical Education) and present your work.
5. Continuous support & partnership after the summer experience (with for instance, biannual follow-ups to help you implement the activities)

Participant Support

• Stipend: $3,600 ($600 per week).
• Fellowships available: 2 positions for summer 2026.

Who Should Apply?

Middle school science teachers who are passionate about sustainability, chemistry, or engineering and want to bring real-world research contexts to their students. No prior experience in nanomaterials is required, just curiosity and a desire to bridge the gap between the lab and the classroom.

How to Apply?

Please submit the following materials as a single PDF to nmlavoin@ncsu.edu by April 15, 2026.

1. Resume (1–2 Pages): A summary of your education, teaching experience, and any prior leadership or professional development activities.
2. Statement of Interest (Max 500 words): In a short essay, please address:
   1. Why us? Why are you interested in this specific opportunity with our research group?
   2. Your goals: What do you hope to gain from this fellowship (e.g., specific skills, industry knowledge, career connections for students)?
   3. Impact: How do you envision using this experience to inspire your students or change your classroom practice?
3. Course context summary: Please provide a brief overview of the courses you currently teach (or will teach next year). For each course, include:
   1. Course title & Grade level
   2. Approximate number of students
   3. Key learning objectives: A bulleted list of the main topics/standards covered. You do not need to send full syllabi; a 1-page summary table or list is sufficient.
4. Letter of Support (Optional/Recommended): A brief note from your school administrator (Principal or Department Head) acknowledging your participation and supporting the implementation of new curriculum materials in your classroom.

Contact Information:

Nathalie Lavoine, PhD, MS (she/her) Email: nmlavoin@ncsu.edu

Research Group Webpage: https://faculty.cnr.ncsu.edu/nathalielavoine/

Contact(s): Nathalie Lavoine, PhD, MS (she/her) Email: nmlavoin@ncsu.edu

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026