The College of Science and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Oregon State University have received a $450K award from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to establish the Partners in Science program on the Corvallis campus.
Led by Jessica Siegel, associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics and associate dean for academic and student affairs in the College of Science, in partnership with the College of Education, the program will support multi-year research experiences for secondary science teachers. Participants will work alongside College of Science on active research projects over two consecutive summers, gaining direct experience with how scientific knowledge is developed, tested and refined.
Each summer includes eight weeks of full-time, lab-based research, where teachers contribute to ongoing projects in fields ranging from environmental science to human health. Rather than observing, participants take part in the day-to-day work of research — designing experiments, analyzing data and engaging with the uncertainties that shape scientific discovery.
That experience is designed to carry back into the classroom.
Teachers who participate in meaningful research are better equipped to create inquiry-driven learning environments, helping students engage more deeply with scientific concepts and practices. At Oregon State, that translation is supported throughout the academic year with mentorship, coaching and structured opportunities to integrate research into classroom instruction.
Participants also attend and present at Murdock Partners in Science conferences, connecting with a broader community of educators and researchers focused on strengthening STEM education. The program provides stipends for both in-service and pre-service teachers, along with travel support, research supplies and opportunities to apply for grants to purchase equipment for the classroom.
Hosted jointly by the College of Science and College of Education, the program creates a direct connection between university research and K-12 classrooms across Oregon. Participating schools span communities including Corvallis, Albany, Salem, Lebanon, Eugene and others, extending the reach of Oregon State science into classrooms throughout the region.
College of Science faculty mentors for the program include David Kikuchi (avian behavioral research), Alison Bain (surfactants and atmospheric chemistry), Marilyn Mackiewicz (nanomaterials for human health), Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer (protein aggregates and aging), Elisar Barbar ( dynamic protein complexes) and Juan Vanegas (computational and data-driven science).
The first cohort will begin in summer 2026, with applications for future cohorts opening in January 2027.
