CREST: Creating Research Experiences for Science Teachers

Science Research Experiences for Teachers

CREST aims to engage future science teachers in year-long research experiences paired with seminars on scientific research and evidence-based teaching practices. Research experiences enhance teacher preparation by developing future teachers’ understanding of scientific inquiry and increasing their confidence in conducting scientific research and teaching through inquiry. CREST will better prepare teachers to engage their 6-12th grade students in science practices, increasing their future students’ success in science.

Some of the benefits of participating in CREST include:

• A $9,000 stipend
• Course credits for participating in research and CREST seminars
• Access to travel funds to present their research
• Travel funding to attend Noyce teacher conferences
• $2,500 in supplies for the research project
• Access to funds to adapt research into 6-12th grade classroom activities
• Experiences that contribute to a competitive job application to science teaching positions

Program Details

CREST participants will engage in paid science research experiences from summer through spring. Students will complete an independent research project under the direction of a research mentor. A list of CREST research mentors and their research topic(s) are listed here. After students are admitted into CREST they will identify the research mentors they are most interested in working with, and CREST leaders will pair students with mentors. Mentors will support students throughout the project, including data collection, data analyses, and a poster presentation at the EWU symposium in spring.

CREST will host monthly seminars on scientific research and teaching. CREST will also have activities that are designed to build community among future science teachers and enhance the research experience. In total, CREST program activities will take ~12 hours/week on average. Schedules will be flexible to accommodate students’ schedules and research projects, and participants can work with their research mentors to adjust weekly hours as needed. For example, students may spend 8 hours one week and additional hours other weeks to balance their personal, academic, and research schedules. Summer experiences will have a flexible schedule, with the potential for remote work and equate to 12 hours/week for 8 weeks. Students can elect to conduct more of their project during the summer with fewer hours per week during the academic year or vice versa if they would like.

To apply, complete the online application form: https://inside.ewu.edu/crest/application/

Submit your application for 2025-2026 today! Applications will be reviewed as they are received until spots are filled.

Who is Eligible?

1. Enrolled at EWU during the program. Students transferring to EWU are eligible to apply.
2. Majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Geosciences (BA or BS).
3. Completing a science education program (bachelor’s or master’s degree).
4. Have a 2.8 GPA.

Everyone who is eligible is encouraged to apply! If you’re not sure you meet the criteria and/or have any questions, please email Dr. Idsardi at ridsardi@ewu.edu.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2344854. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.