• Over the course of three years, engage 30 middle school computer science teachers from rural East Baton Rouge Parish in six-week summer research immersions at LSU. 

• Support participants as they design and conduct hypothesis-driven research projects centered on real-world AI and cybersecurity challenges. 

• Provide structured orientations and scaffolded learning modules to ensure teachers build a shared understanding of foundational concepts in AI, cybersecurity, and research methodology. 

• Offer year-round mentorship through monthly virtual sessions to reinforce research-informed instructional strategies, curriculum development, and peer collaboration. 

• Conduct non-evaluative classroom observations to provide formative, individualized feedback and professional support. 

• Guide teachers in applying the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework to translate their research into standards-aligned lesson plans and instructional units. 

• Support dissemination of teacher-developed materials and research findings through a capstone symposium and presentations at regional and national education conferences. 

• Participate in a six-week full-time summer research program.

• Attend monthly virtual professional development sessions during the school year.

• Create and present a research poster at a capstone event.

• Develop and use classroom lessons based on your research experience.

• Present your research at a regional, state, or national conference (funding provided).

• Be open to ongoing classroom observations during the school year.

Any public middle school STEM teachers in East Baton Rouge Parish. STEM teachers include Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Computer Science (coding, robotics, etc.)

No prior experience in research, cybersecurity or AI is needed.

Teachers will spend their summer conducting research in the Applied Cybersecurity Laboratory at LSU, which is comprised of a group of faculty, prominent external collaborators, undergraduate, and graduate students focused on solving critical problems in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.  

The NSF Research Experiences in STEM Situations Presentation Rubric provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating student-led research projects and instructional plans that promote peace through science and technology.