About SWITCH
The Summer Web-Based Institute for Technologies in CompSci and Healthcare (SWITCH) is the PATHS-UP and Expeditions in Computing funded RET summer internship. SWITCH is a free 6-week, paid virtual summer research internship program for computer science, technology, and programming teachers. The program includes up to $6,000 in stipends, virtual networking, participation in university research, presentations based on the research done at Rice University, and lesson development.
Teachers will delve into computer science and engineering topics such as hardware and software issues, applications, and instructional considerations. These fundamentals and programming concepts will allow participants to explore and develop models of healthcare devices that have practical uses in society.
About PATHS-UP
Precise Advanced Technologies and Health Systems for Underserved Populations (PATHS-UP) is an NSF-sponsored research center that aims to change the paradigm for the health of underserved communities by developing revolutionary, cost-effective technologies and systems at the point-of-care. PATHS-UP brings outstanding expertise to overcome four barriers endemic to POC devices: the need to be field deployable, have high accuracy, have low complexity, and be affordable.
About Expeditions in Computing
Expeditions in Computing See Below the Skin is an NSF-sponsored research center that has the goal of designing computational imaging systems that effectively use light to traverse deep into the body beneath the skin at cellular-level resolutions without making an incision or drawing blood. The project has the potential to fundamentally transform medicine and healthcare delivery by enabling live 3D cross sections of human anatomy simply by pointing a camera at any part of the body. These wearable microscopes and sensors could aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of nearly 100 health conditions that today require a biopsy or blood test.
SWITCH Benefits
SWITCH is designed to increase student achievement in computer science by improving teachers' computer science content knowledge as it relates to coding fluency. SWITCH focuses on enhancing the use of best practices in computer science instruction, including instructional practices, quality questioning strategies, and analyzing student work and strengthening inquiry-based teaching. Participants explore new developments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as well as develop teacher-leaders to act as catalysts for computer science instruction. Teacher will receive professional development hours and can earn up to $6,000 for completing all program requirements.
Summer 2024 SWITCH Program*
Program dates and other program expectations are listed below.
The deadline is May 1, 2024. All forms are due by this date.
- Dates and Times
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June 10 - July 19, 2024
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Application
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In addition to the online application, applicants are required to submit a signed Participant Agreement Letter (PAL). If you are unable to upload these documents to your application, you can email them to stem@rice.edu.
Applicants will be notified of their status on or before May 10, 2024. Space is very limited and subject to funding availability, therefore, completing the application process does NOT guarantee placement in the program.
Please make sure these dates work for you!
Due to funding restrictions, all applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or permanent resident to apply.
- Benefits & Expectations
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The expectations of SWITCH interns include, but are not limited to:
- Working full-time (40 hours a week) in a virtual setting or on research each week of the summer internship;
- Documenting summer hours and submitting time sheets on time;
- Working with assigned graduate student/postdoctoral researcher mentors in online setting;
- Completing a presentation on summer research;
- Timely completion and submission of all course assignments and homework;
- Weekly meetings to discuss research experience and lesson planning; and
- Lesson development and submission to peer-reviewed website.
For completing all program requirements, interns will receive;
- 6-weeks' worth of sustained and supported professional development at Rice University;
- $6,000 in stipends for completion of program requirements;
- Networking opportunities with fellow teachers; and
- Training and guidance in presenting and creating original lesson plans.
- Program Flyer
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To view and download the SWITCH program flyer click here.
SWITCH Administration
If you have any questions about SWITCH, you can contact the Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM).
Brittany Templeton
Assistant Director for Computer Science and Mathematics
713-348-8218 | bt36@rice.edu
*Program times, dates, locations, and compensation subject to change before the first day of the program.
**Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply.
