Rhonda Lafrance, a grade eight math and science teacher at the Akwesasne Mohawk School has been chosen to participate in the Optics Research Experience for Teachers In Native American Schools (O-RETINAS) this summer.

The Optics Research Experience for Teachers In Native American Schools (O-RETINAS) Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program is designed for educators of Native American students. The program takes place at the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, AZ.

This 8-week summer program runs from June to July and is a hands-on research experience and industry internship opportunity for teachers to experience a lab setting as well as a professional industry setting to pursue their own projects. Teachers will also have the opportunity to participate in a workshop with the Native Nations Institute, create an original STEM lesson plan that is relevant to Native American students, participate in the Optics Research Workshop, and gain three hours of graduate credit by participating in the Teachers in Industry program.

Only full-time teachers in a scientific discipline with an interest in increasing their knowledge of scientific research and industry career opportunities as well as bringing advanced information about optics, electronics, physics, materials science, and engineering into their classrooms were eligible to apply. After receiving full AMBE Board support Lafrance submitted her application and soon found out she was accepted. She hopes to bring back valuable information to include in her math and science lesson plans as well as some cutting edge ideas for their Annual Science Fair competition.