I’m the PI on a newly-funded NSF-funded professional development Institute and we are now open for applications!
Our institute focuses on Expanding the Methods of Education Research with Generative AI (EMERGai). In short: we provide participants with stipends, training to use GenAI in a research project of their choice, and support them to complete that research project. We do this through an in-person workshop (Raleigh, North Carolina, on July 20-24, 2026) followed by an online community of practice during the academic year.
Overall, EMERGai is intended to address a critical need in STEM education research by empowering early- and mid-career researchers employed at resource-limited colleges and universities to effectively and ethically leverage Generative AI tools and processes in their research workflow, including literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and writing. By participating in this program, researchers will be able to engage in innovative, rigorous, responsible, and ethical GenAI-supported STEM education research practices across the research workflow and cultivate the mindsets and skills necessary for pursuing long-term learning, enhancing their career trajectory, and contributing to scientific progress beyond the institute.
Institute participation is limited to those who are
  • Early- or mid-career STEM education researchers (e.g., postdoctoral researchers through associate professors, or equivalent roles such as research associates/scientists or research directors)
  • Employed at a US resource-limited institution.

We define early-and mid-career researchers as those within 14 years of receiving their highest terminal degree.

We define resource-limited colleges and universities as those operating with constrained budgets, smaller/limited endowments, and little infrastructure or support services for advanced research. This may include institutions located in rural or remote regions and smaller public or private colleges or universities with limited capacity for large-scale research initiatives.

If you’re not eligible, please also consider forwarding this invitation to colleagues who may be eligible.
Applications will close on April 1, 2026.
For more information, including institute structure, stipends, FAQs, expectations, and to apply, please visit our website.
Contact me directly with questions!