Polyploidy Integration and Innovation Institute
WHEN: July 13-15, 2025
LOCATION: The Biodiversity Institute at the University of Florida Main Campus, Gainesville, FL
See full application questionnaire
Attention Middle and High School Teachers!
Are you looking for an exciting professional development opportunity this summer? Join us for a special workshop on polyploidy, a fascinating topic that connects genetics, evolution, and ecology! Polyploidy (genome doubling) is common in many living things, including plants and animals. Understanding polyploidy helps with the creation of sustainable products like biofuels, food, and fiber. Polyploidy even plays an important role in human health! This year marks the first of four teacher cohorts.
Workshop Benefits:
- Enhance Your Knowledge: Learn about polyploidy and its impact on everything from tiny cells to whole ecosystems.
- Hands-On Experience: Participate in authentic science and activities that you can bring back to your classroom.
- Professional Growth: Develop new skills in data science, teamwork, and scientific communication.
- Networking: Connect with other educators and scientists and explore career development opportunities.
- Inspire Your Students: Gain new insights and resources to make science exciting and relevant for your students.
Workshop Eligibility:
- Must be a public-school middle or high school teacher in the upcoming school year within the state of Florida.
- Teachers who teach at schools that receive Title I funds are especially encouraged to apply.
- Must plan to continue teaching at a public school for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Must be able to attend and actively participate in all of the cohort programs.
- Must be enthusiastic to learn!
Participant Support:
Participants will receive a $400 stipend upon successful completion of the PD, evaluation, and scientist classroom visit. All teachers will be housed (single occupancy) at the Reitz Union Hotel, courtesy of the workshop.
(Funded by the National Science Foundation #2320251).
Application Process:
The application deadline to apply is April 15, 2025. Space is limited to 20 middle and high school teachers. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application (selected or not) by the end of April 2025.
Learn More:
Visit the PI3 program website to learn about components and benefits here: https://www.pi3biology.org/.
About PI3: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/new-grant-awarded-to-study-polyploidy/.
Instructors:
- Dr. Pamela Soltis, Distinguished Professor and Curator, Director of the UF Biodiversity Institute
- Dr. Doug Soltis, Distinguished Professor, Florida Museum of Natural History
- David Jennings, Project Manager, Polyploidy Integration Institute
- Dr. David Miller, Program Evaluator, UF College of Education
- Stephanie Killingsworth, K-12 Education and Outreach Coordinator, Scientist in Every Florida School