Rice Research & Exploration
Symposium

The Rice Research & Exploration Symposium is an annual symposium open to K-12 teachers, educators, administrators, and undergraduate students. The symposium seeks to bridge ongoing research with the K-12 classroom, making STEM research accessible. Current interns taking part in Research Experience for Teachers (RET), NSF Microelectronics Using Project-Based Learning (REM: EMProject), and The Cancer Health Advancement through Networks, Guidance and Education (CHANGE) Project present their findings and how their specific projects can be incorporated into the classroom.

The symposium also includes notable guest speakers and workshop sessions to give attendees opportunities to experience K-12 level lessons based on research conducted by RETs during their fellowship.

2026 Rice Research & Exploration Symposium

The 2026 Rice Research & Exploration Symposium is open to K-12 teachers, educators, administrators, and undergraduate students interested in bringing engineering research concepts into their schools. Participants will hear from guest speakers and learn about current RET research projects. There will also be engineering workshop breakout sessions during the symposium. Participants will be asked to select which workshops they plan to attend at the time of registration.

This event has a $30 registration fee; tickets are non-refundable.
* A $3.00 processing fee will apply at checkout.

Ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, and one parking validation.

Register Here

Dates and Time

July 21, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Rice University
6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005

This event will take place in person at Rice University.

*Ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, and one parking validation.

*Tickets are non-refundable

Tentative Schedule

Guest Speakers

Workshops

Clean the Dirty Water!! – Nichole DePaul
Channelview ISD
Audience: Grades 6–12
Subject Focus: STEM, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering

In this hands-on engineering workshop, participants will design and test functional water filtration systems using affordable, everyday materials. The session introduces the science of water purification through collaborative problem-solving and inquiry-driven learning experiences. Participants will gain classroom-ready ideas for teaching environmental science, engineering design, and resource sustainability in engaging and accessible ways.

Engineering Self-Cleaning Hydrophobic Surfaces – Krystle Dunn
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Audience: Grades 6–12
Subject Focus: Engineering Design, Biology, Nanotechnology

In this interactive engineering workshop, participants will design and test self-cleaning hydrophobic surfaces inspired by concepts in nanotechnology and biomimicry. Through hands-on experimentation and the engineering design process, attendees will explore how water-repellent materials function and how these principles can be applied to real-world challenges. Participants will collaborate in teams to build, test, and refine their designs while gaining classroom-ready strategies for integrating engineering and life science concepts into STEM learning experiences.

Fast and Furious Reactions – Margaret Hankins
Aldine ISD
Audience: Grades 9–12
Subject Focus: Chemistry, Critical Thinking

This interactive workshop challenges participants to transform ordinary chemical reactions into fast-paced, visually engaging experiments while exploring the science behind reaction rates. Through guided self-discovery and collaborative experimentation, participants will investigate how changing reaction conditions impacts chemical behavior and energy release. Attendees will leave with a stronger intuitive understanding of reaction kinetics and practical strategies for bringing engaging chemistry demonstrations into their classrooms.

Charged for Change: How Electrostatics Shape Proteins and Medicine – Jeremy Rosado
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Audience: Grades 9–12
Subject Focus: Physics, Electricity, Biophysics

This interdisciplinary workshop explores how electrostatic potential mapping can model biological interactions and modern medical applications. Participants will use conductive materials to visualize electric potential landscapes while connecting core physics concepts to authentic scientific research. Attendees will gain a classroom-ready lesson framework, experimental design strategies, and innovative ways to bridge physics with biophysics and materials science.

Pathways to Success – Panel
Audience: Grade 5 to Early College
Subject Focus: Successful Transfer Journeys

Discover the inspiring journeys of Take Flight alumni who have successfully transferred to four-year universities and thrived academically. This breakout session features a panel of former students and an education career expert who will share their real-world experiences, challenges, and insights on building confidence in community college, navigating the transfer process, and beyond.

Symposium Administration

If you have any questions about the Rice Research & Exploration Symposium, you may contact the program leads.

Isaias Cerda
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
713-348-3197 | ic19@rice.edu

Mariana Quinn
Assistant Director for Science Education
713-348-8266 | mq10@rice.edu

Brittany Templeton
Assistant Director for Computer Science and Mathematics
713-348-8218 | bt36@rice.edu

Brandi West
Assistant Director for Secondary STEM Education
713-348-7926 | bw76@rice.edu

^{This work was supported by NSF Awards EEC -2302127, NSF EEC -2427938, and NIH # 5R25GM150177-02. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.}