North Dakota STEM Research Fellows Program
The Society is working to expand access to STEM research experiences in North Dakota by building a network of North Dakota educators passionate about engaging students in STEM research. The Program is a year-long, cohort-based professional learning experience that helps North Dakota middle and high school educators expand student access to authentic STEM research. It focuses especially on educators in rural, tribal, and other communities with limited access to research-focused instruction, supporting them through peer collaboration, professional learning, and practical guidance as they build research-based STEM learning opportunities for their students.
Through regional cohorts and ongoing support from the ND STEM Research Ambassador and Society staff, Fellows strengthen their understanding of experimental design, develop curriculum, and establish sustainable research infrastructure within their schools. By connecting educators across five regions of the state, the Program aims to increase student research opportunities, encourage resource sharing, and contribute to a stronger statewide STEM ecosystem linked to the Society’s national network.
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2026-27 Program
In partnership with North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, the 2026-27 Program launched in July 2026 with a one-day, in-person workshop in five regional locations, where 18 Fellows formed cohorts, set individualized goals, and established a schedule for monthly virtual meetings facilitated by the STEM Research Ambassador. These educators will attend the Society’s Research Teachers Conference with middle and high school educators from October 2–4, 2026, where they will learn about the Society’s STEM Outreach Programs and competitions and share opportunities with cohort Fellows. Their attendance at the national conference will enhance and broaden their ability to support their students in building authentic research projects throughout the year.
Research Fellows
- Annie Beck (Bismarck, ND), STEM Research Ambassador
- Eamon Alido, Mott-Regent High School (Mott, ND)
- Jacelyn Brown, Century High School (Bismarck, ND)
- Erin Essler, Stanley Public School (Stanley, ND)
- Tammy Greff, Fort Yates Middle School (Fort Yates, ND)
- Bjorn Halvorson, Schroeder Middle School (Grand Forks, ND)
- Jennifer Holecek, Bowman High School (Bowman, ND)
- Bridget Jacob, Dickinson HIgh School (DIckinson, ND)
- Elisa Kensinger, Dickinson HIgh School (DIckinson, ND)
- Cierra Kroh, Mandan High School (Mandan, ND)
- Ryan Marshall, Valley Middle School (Grand Forks, ND)
- Ryan Moser, South High School (Fargo, ND)
- Brent Neuman, Valley Middle School (Grand Forks, ND)
- Danielle Riesgraf, Dickinson Middle School (Dickinson, ND)
- Jonathan Sailer, Schroeder Middle School (Grand Forks, ND)
- Kaia Sappington, Horace High School (Horace, ND)
- JoAnn Schapp, Nedrose High School (Minot, ND)
- Marcus Staley, Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck, ND)
- Cathy White, Alexander Public School (Alexander, ND)
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