Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity

Revolutionizing Robot Dexterity and Empowering Human Work

Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program 

 

The Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program offers funded research opportunities to Community College & High School Teachers in the research areas funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The U.S. NSF HAND ERC is on a mission to revolutionize the future of work through robotic dexterity. Our RET program invites motivated teachers to join us in tackling one of today’s most pressing challenges: augmenting human labor with advanced robotic technologies to enhance productivity, job quality, and workplace safety. Participants will be trained to develop experimental research skills while gaining knowledge of advanced science and technology concepts and career paths for their students. 

 

Program Objectives 

The objectives of the NSF HAND RET program are to provide comprehensive mentorship in cutting-edge research and curriculum development supported by extensive training and professional development in the field of dexterous robotics to advance human-robot collaboration. Participants will explore the interdisciplinary field of dexterous robotics in real-world applications across industries and its impact on STEM education. The ultimate goal is to prepare the teachers to train and inspire the students to pursue career paths and further education in the field of dexterous robotics. 

 

Benefits to Participants 

  • Collaborative Research: Work with faculty mentors and industry professionals on projects tied to HAND’s core research areas: advanced robotic hands, intelligent dexterity, and human-robot interfaces. 
  • Hands-On Learning: Engage in real-world testbeds like manufacturing, food handling, and caregiving robotics to co-develop solutions with industry and community partners. 
  • Curriculum Development: Work closely with faculty mentors in robotics to develop courses and curricula for community college students. 
  • Professional Development: Participate in workshops on communication, technical writing, participatory research methods, and career planning. 
  • Competitive Stipend: Each Participant will receive a competitive stipend. Participants will also receive an office and software necessary for research projects. 

    Program Highlights 

    • Duration: June 18 – July 30
    • Host Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL  
    • Stipend: Competitive stipend 
       

      Research Projects and Activities 

      The participants will participate in research projects mentored by one of HAND’s faculty as well as graduate students and researchers. The projects will relate to the HAND mission of revolutionizing robot dexterity and empowering human work.  Projects will cover topics such as robot hand design, fabrication, and testing; touch perception for robots; control policies for dexterous manipulation; and human interface via demonstration and teleoperation. In addition, the participants will experiment and prepare the curriculum for DexKit, an open-source educational robotics platform that introduces students to machine learning and dexterity. 

       

      Who Should Apply? 

      • Educators who are currently teaching High School or Community College STEM subjects in Chicagoland 
      • U.S. Citizens, Nationals, & Permanent Residents 

         
        Program Participant Eligibility & Requirements 

        • Commitment to the 6-week program (excluding holidays); 
        • Develop an instructional module on the DexKit educational platform or a robotics platform of the participant’s choice; 
        • Committed to implementing the instructional module during the following academic year; 
        • Eligible to work in the U.S. 

            Application Process 

            To apply for this program, participants will need to: 

            1. Submit the application form. 
            2. Submit a personal statement(s) and resume (transcripts are NOT required). 
            3. Provide a letter of support from your school principal, chair, director, or lead administrator. 

             

            2025 RET Timeline  

            Application Open:      February 24, 2025 
            Application Closed:    March 21, 2025 
            Notification Letters:   March 31, 2025 
            Program Start Date:   June 18, 2025 
            Program End Date:     July 30, 2025 

             

            The selection committee will review the applications and finalists will be contacted for a Zoom interview. For questions or more information, please contact HAND Workforce Development Team at ewd.hand@tamu.edu  


            Apply Now!