Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the ROSE summer research session?

The session runs for five weeks in summer. The 2024 session will run from Monday June 10 until Friday, July 12.

How are the Scholars selected?

Science teachers are invited to apply early in the Spring, and we have typically received over 50 applications from middle and high school teachers for ~20 positions. Selection criteria include the school’s student body composition and geographic location as well as the applicant’s experience and background.

Should applicants have a science degree? Or research experience?

Neither research experience nor a degree from a science department is expected. Only 10-20% of our Scholars have a degree from a STEM department, and even fewer have prior research experience.

Can someone who has been a Scholar apply for a second (or third) year?

Yes. Scholars may return for a second or third summer session (but not a fourth).

How are the Scholars compensated?

All Scholars receive a stipend of $1200 a week and a UNM parking pass; those from outside metro Albuquerque are provided with a dormitory room on campus for the duration of the summer program.

What are the research expectations for the Scholars?

ROSE is a full-time experience, the great majority of which is devoted to research. Scholars can work directly with a PI (principal investigator) or as part of a group. They can start on a new problem or join an existing effort. Specific requirements for hours in the lab, meetings, etc., are to be determined by the PI- ROSE has no set ‘working hours’. Scholars are expected to present their work to the entire cohort (and the PIs) at the end of the session.

Are there non-research requirements and/or opportunities?

Scholars are expected to participate in safety training (some online before arrival), weekly “cohort events” which may include presentations and discussions, and ROSE assessment surveys (including online after the session). There may be opportunities for Scholars to visit UNM labs, museums and research sites, to develop or contribute to student exercises to take back to their classrooms, and to share their experiences with other Scholars.

Is it possible to participate in ROSE asynchronously?

No, this is a full-time, on-site program at the University of New Mexico. Scholars are matched with a PI (principal investigator) laboratory in which they are 'embedded' for the duration of the Program. .

Is housing provided?

On-campus housing in student dormitories will be provided for those who live outside of the Albuquerque metro area. All participants will receive a UNM parking pass.

Is there a specific schedule?

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) program. An important feature of ROSE is for Scholars to have the experience of conducting research tasks as part of a larger team working on an ongoing project. Each research group will have its own schedule. In certain instances, researchers may work 'off-hours' e.g. nights and weekends, in order to access special equipment; the specific schedule will be discussed and coordinated with the research group PI.