Near Peer Mentor
With support from the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP), the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) hosts the Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program. WRAIR GEMS invites college-aged interns to mentor middle and high school students in a professional laboratory environment. During nine single-week sessions, GEMS students participate in a hands-on learning experience and gain exposure to the diversity of STEM fields and careers.
The mission of GEMS is to:
- increase interest, engagement, and performance in STEM for student participants.
- support undergraduates and recent graduates in a STEM education internship.
- bring experiential learning and mentorship to middle and high school students from underrepresented populations in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
WRAIR GEMS is seeking STEM undergraduates to participate in our 2022 summer program as “near-peer mentors.” We are currently planning on programming being primarily in-person with a few virtual weeks. If health and safety conditions change, the program will be altered accordingly. Mentors will have access to our teaching lab facility and technology to develop, prepare, and implement learning materials. We provide competitive monthly stipends commensurate with education and experience.
As a near-peer mentor, you will:
- Serve as a lab instructor, subject matter expert, role model for academic success, curriculum developer, and lab safety officer.
- Design, facilitate, and evaluate original STEM modules, which draw from topics in your area(s) of interest.
- Collaborate with a team of fellow near-peer mentors to implement additional modules throughout the summer.
- Prepare and submit formally written lesson plan(s) for all implemented modules.
- Prepare a poster to present at an in-house symposium for peers, guests, and WRAIR scientists.
The ideal near-peer mentor is/has:
- Currently majoring in, and passionate about a STEM field.
- Interested in teaching, mentoring, and communicating science to the community.
- Previous experience in a research laboratory (preferred).
- Previous experience as a teaching assistant, mentor, and/or volunteer (preferred).
- Positive attitude, willingness to work in a fast-paced environment, and a sense of humor.
- Flexible and able to work well within a team.
Former near-peer mentors have developed modules challenging students to engineer balloon catheters, design water purification systems, examine insects involved in decomposition and forensic science, model brain tumor diagnosis and surgery, etc. Our mentors have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in STEM, medical school, and have accepted positions as teaching and research assistants in their fields, in addition to other STEM-focused careers.
Requirements:
- Available 31 May through mid-August 2022 (dates tentative and negotiable to accommodate school schedules).
- United States citizen or permanent resident.
- Able to complete military background checks (Public Trust security clearance and a Child-Youth Services security clearance).
- Able to work in-person (at WRAIR, Montgomery College-Takoma Park Campus, or Bowie State University) or virtually.
- Able to arrange housing and transportation for the duration of the internship if working in person.
How to Apply:
Official application will be made available in December at https://cvent.me/gRwvWw . If you are interested in being provided this information once it becomes available, please send an email including your resume to the primary contacts listed below. They are also available to discuss any inquiries regarding the application or to provide guidance during the application process.
Dr. Holly Brown: holly.k.brown7.ctr@mail.mil | (301) 319-9986
Dr. Brittany Swift: brittany.c.swift.ctr@mail.mil | (810) 599-0358
Dr. Nico Ekanem: nicole.b.ekanem.ctr@mail.mil | (703) 819-5670
We will begin reviewing application materials beginning December 2021. Applications will officially close in February and positions will be filled on a rolling basis.
Interviews will be held virtually over Zoom.
Additional Information:
NPM applications: https://cvent.me/gRwvWw
*dates subject to change