Inspiring and preparing the
next generation of scientists, engineers, and educators.

In collaboration with the National Science Foundation (NSF) EUV Engineering Research Center (ERC), the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program is a six week, hands on, paid research experience for middle school teachers. During this period, teachers perform research with CXRO scientists, participate in education workshops, attend scientific lectures, and develop new curricula based on their experience.

"This summer was a great experience. I spent a lot of my time developing software tools for the engineering team. Re-exposing myself to programming reminded me how valuable and useful it can be. I've decided to purchase several MATLAB licenses for my classroom and integrate programming into my cirriculum next year."

Wendy Jennings
Luther Burbank High School, Sacramento, CA.

"Working with lasers and optics at CXRO has been an invaluable experience. Having the opportunity to participate in the scientific process up-close and in action will allow me to share real world science applications with my students and to ignite excitement about science and discovery."

Brian Barish
Claremont Middle School, Oakland, CA.

"It has been exciting experiencing the cutting-edge science that is happening at CXRO. When I'm back in the classroom and my students ask the inevitable questions: 'Why do I have to know this?' or 'Who actually uses this in the real world?' I'll have a plethora of meaningful responses."

Liz Martin
Claremont Middle School, Oakland, CA.

"Learning computer programming has been such a useful experience. Being able to tell a machine what to do is so empowering, that I plan to teach it at my school in order to show kids its usefulness and the great excitement that comes with it."

Edwin Contreras
Oakland Community Day School, Oakland, CA.

"LBNL broadened my horizons and changed my perspectives of science. Though my time here was short, I can feel the aura of challenge and adventure pervasive throughout the laboratory...especially through the cordialness and optimistic attitude of its faculty. LBNL is truly a haven for aspiring researchers."

Grace Gee
Calhoun High School, Port Lavaca, TX.

"My experience with robotics at my school introduced me to programming and engineering, but my work at CXRO allowed me to apply my knowledge to a real world project and learn so much more about the world of computer science. I went through thousands of lines of code, learned how to implement widely used programming tools, and who could forget, accidentally hijacked a multimillion dollar x-ray microscope!"

Richie Zeng
Mission San Jose High School, Fremont, CA.

"Working with code from CXRO has expanded my knowledge of applications of software. I can now see how the code applies to the XM-1 microscope, and how this in turn connects computer science to almost every field of research. Writing programs as a job is not so intimidating anymore, and I actually find it quite enjoyable now. I am so grateful for this opportunity to work at LBNL this summer."

Daniel Hsu
Cupertino High School, Cupertino, CA.

"My work at CXRO involves developing software applications for the XM-1 soft x-ray microscope, located at the Advanced Light Source. Throughout the internship I learned a lot of new programming concepts that I hope to take into the workforce this year. Interning with CXRO has been a very enlightening experience; I am so grateful to have had this opportunity."

Paul Mcfall
Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA

"The work I do at CXRO requires me to think creatively and exercise a full spectrum of programming and analytical skills. I spent the summer of 2009 modeling a newly developed aberration monitor for EUV lighography systems. This summer (2010) I am developing a suite of web-based tools for CXRO's nanofabrication team that will help users design zone plate lenses. I am also co-mentoring two High School teachers. I feel fortunate to have spent two summers at CXRO. The experience has made me grow technically, and equally importantly, I feel I've become a better leader and mentor."

Kurt Schleuter
Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA