Past RET Summer Programs

BGSU's RET Program in Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, Year 3 Updates

In Summer 2025, Bowling Green State University’s College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering (CTAAE) continued its commitment to workforce development and STEM education through the NSF Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Program. The 2025 NSF RET Program at Bowling Green State University successfully completed its third cohort, continuing its mission of enhancing STEM education through advanced manufacturing and robotics research experiences for educators.

Participants gathered for an orientation and program overview, marking the beginning of six weeks of collaborative learning and professional growth.

This year’s program equipped high school and community college educators from across Northwest Ohio with immersive, hands-on research and curriculum development experiences designed to enhance STEM education and support Ohio's manufacturing workforce needs. The BGSU RET program is part of a broader university initiative to strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing talent pipeline. This summer, more than 120 industry professionals and K–14 educators benefited from micro-credential and experiential learning opportunities.

NSF RET 2025 participants, with a map highlighting their home school districts in Northwest Ohio.

The RET focused specifically on equipping educators with practical research experience in advanced manufacturing alongside BGSU faculty and industry partners, empowering them to translate this expertise into impactful classroom instruction and curriculum.

Engagement & Workshop Activities

Through a combination of on-campus workshops, research activities, and facility tours, participants gained valuable skills in Advanced robot programming, Arduino systems and sensor integration, 3D printing and CAD/CAM design and CNC programming. By the end of the six-week program, educators had developed classroom-ready instructional modules, participated in professional development workshops, and presented their projects during the NSF RET Virtual Poster Session.

Instructors guide educators through hands-on robotics and advanced manufacturing workshops for classroom use.

Throughout the six-week program, NSF RET 2025 participants engaged in a carefully structured series of workshops, hands-on research, professional development sessions, and industry site visits designed to provide real-world insight into modern manufacturing practices. The program not only supports regional STEM education goals but also contributes to Ohio’s broader workforce readiness by fostering stronger connections between education, research, and industry.

Research Projects and Curriculum Innovation

During the 2025 BGSU NSF RET, educators engaged in diverse, hands-on research projects that bridged advanced manufacturing, materials science, automation, and classroom pedagogy. Each participant collaborated with university faculty, graduate students, and industry partners to design, prototype, and test solutions that directly inform secondary and postsecondary STEM instruction. Highlights of participant-led research and curriculum development include:

• Bio-inspired Auxetic Lattice Structures: Designing and testing 3D-printed lattices to study material flexibility, strength, and classroom energy absorption demonstrations.
• Silicone-Based Flexible Composites: Creating and characterizing smart composite materials using 3D-printed molds, introducing students to real-world applications in sensors and robotics.
• Multi-Material Composites: Projects explored combining PLA with flexible TPU to mimic fiber-matrix composites, analyzing how multi-material printing impacts strength, ductility, and real-world applications.

Participants engage in research on auxetic lattice structures and silicone-based flexible composites in advanced manufacturing projects.

• Arduino Design & Mechatronics: Developing project-based lessons using Arduino for electronics, data collection, and robotics—a crosscutting approach supporting STEAM disciplines. 
• Automated Agricultural Technologies: Building solar-powered watering systems and soil analysis robots, demonstrating automation and sustainability for environmental science and engineering classes.

Participants design and build solar-powered watering systems and robotic cars for automated soil sampling.

These projects exemplify the RET ethos: equipping teachers with cutting-edge research experience and supporting the translation of complex STEM topics into engaging, standards-aligned curriculum for their students.

Professional Development and Collaboration

Alongside technical training, participants took part in professional development workshops on inquiry-based instruction, curriculum planning, and publishing classroom modules. Weekly reflection sessions allowed educators to discuss progress, share challenges, and exchange ideas, fostering a supportive learning community and helping integrate new skills into their teaching.

Industry Tours

As part of the 2025 NSF RET program, participants visited three leading Northwest Ohio manufacturers—Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, Materion Corporation, and First Solar—to observe cutting-edge robotics, automation, and materials technologies in real-world industrial environments. These visits included interactive facility tours, demonstrations, and discussions with engineers and managers on current workplace practices and emerging technical needs.

Educators participate in an industry site visit, engaging with professionals to observe real-world applications of robotics and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Exposure to industry operations gave educators valuable insight into the skills today’s manufacturing sector demands, providing authentic context for their classroom activities and curriculum modules. Stronger connections with local industry not only enriched the RET experience but also helped teachers inspire students with relevant examples of STEM careers and applications. 

Poster Session

The NSF RET 2025 program culminated in two key events highlighting participants’ research and curriculum development. On July 17, educators showcased their projects and instructional modules during an in-person poster session at BGSU, sharing their summer work with peers, faculty, and guests.

Educators discuss their research projects and classroom applications during the RET poster session.

Following this, participants presented their posters virtually in the NSF Virtual RET Site Participant Poster Session, held on July 29–30, 2025, allowing them to engage with educators and researchers from across the country.

Educators share their projects in the NSF RET Virtual Poster session.

At the conclusion of the six-week program, each educator received a Certificate of Completion, formally recognizing their active engagement in hands-on research, curriculum development, professional learning, facility tours, and both poster presentations. This acknowledgment highlights their commitment to advancing STEM education and provides professional credential within their institution.

Educators receive certificates of achievement at the RET program’s closing ceremony, celebrating their successful completion and contributions to STEM education.

Participant Reflections

Educators participating in the 2025 NSF RET program described the experience as both professionally rewarding and personally inspiring. Their reflections capture how hands-on research, industry partnerships, and curriculum development have enriched their teaching:

Kayla Seidel: “Getting to know how 3D printers work and how I can use them better in my classroom has been so valuable. I loved the industry tours as well—it was so cool to learn about real-world applications.”

Lara M. Fish: “The most valuable part of my experience has been immersing myself in the 3D printing atmosphere, learning about materials, and getting to do real research in engineering.”

Greg Byrum: “I believe the project I developed can be implemented in my engineering design class, introducing students to physics and programming topics they might not otherwise encounter."

Conclusion:

The 2025 NSF RET Program at Bowling Green State University reaffirmed the vital role of immersive professional learning in strengthening STEM education across Northwest Ohio. Through hands-on research, industry engagement, and collaborative curriculum development, participating educators gained valuable knowledge and practical skills in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and digital technologies. These experiences not only enriched their own teaching practice but also enabled them to develop engaging, relevant instructional modules that will benefit hundreds of students in the years ahead.

Group photo of RET educators and project contributors celebrating the successful completion of the summer program.

By fostering strong connections among educators, university faculty, and industry partners, the program advanced regional workforce readiness and inspired new pathways for classroom innovation. Continued collaboration and feedback will further amplify RET impact in the years ahead, supporting NSF’s mission of building a diverse, skilled, and innovative STEM workforce for the future.

NSF RET Final Summary Report by:
MD Sarder, Ph.D.
Director, School of Engineering/Professor of Systems Engineering
Principal Investigator
Phone: 419-372-6085
Email: msarder@bgsu.edu

NSF RET Summary Report and Photo Contributions by:
Tanvir Ahmed
Email: tahmed@bgsu.edu
M.S. Student, Systems Engineering

NSF RET Promotions and Marketing:
Melissa Partin-Harding M.Ed.
Associate Director of Cooperative Education/Tech Career Accelerator
College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering
NSF Marketing, Promotions and Recruiting
Phone: 419-372-6802
Email: mpartin@bgsu.edu

Following picture captures 2023 K-14 participants with BGSU PI team.

2023 K-14 participants also presented their research at NSF Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Virtual Poster Session, July 21-22. Following screenshot shows one of the participants, Dr. Christopher Martin, presenting his poster at the conference.

They also presented to BGSU PI team and industry professionals in the final day of workshop.

2nd Cohort of K-14 Participants

Experience the state-of-the-art robotics and advanced manufacturing labs at BGSU School of Engineering (SOE), College of Technology, Architecture, and Applied Engineering. We have successfully completed the 2024 Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program. This pioneering effort, supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, aims to engage high school and community college educators by immersing them in the dynamic disciplines of advanced manufacturing and robotics.

The goal of this program - Our program is built around a visionary goal: to provide educators with advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing and robotics. The RET program is redefining STEM education by incorporating cutting-edge research into high school and community college classes, thereby influencing the future of our students and the industry.

Bridging the Gap: Empowering Educators and Revitalizing Manufacturing

This initiative brought together 13 educators from various high schools and community colleges. Overall, we estimate that we have reached over 10,000 pupils throughout Northwest Ohio. Our purpose bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations by giving educators unique research opportunities. This prepares them to provide creative, practical curricula to their students, thereby meeting the regional demand for competent workers in advanced manufacturing. This year, BGSU also organized four industry trips to provide educators with hands-on industry exposure. Following picture captures 2024 K-14 participants with BGSU PI team.

2024 K-14 Participants are primarily from Northwest Ohio region with a couple of exceptions. These participants were very active in research activities under the supervision of BGSU PI team. Following figures show the locations of these participants’ home institutions and their research engagement at the BGSU labs.

Experience of industry tours: This year's RET program included four industry tours, allowing participants to gain direct experience with manufacturing operations and then share their findings with students. The companies are Kauffman Engineered Systems, Robotic Technical Support Services (RTSS), NSG Glass Manufacturing and First Solar.

• Kauffman Engineered Systems: Educators observed custom automation solutions, focusing on packaging machinery, robotic palletizing, and conveyor systems.
• NSG Glass Manufacturing: Participants looked into new glass production techniques and technologies used in the architectural, automotive, and technical glass markets.
• Robotic Technical Support Services (RTSS): The tour demonstrated advanced robotic systems, taught pendants, and LIDAR technologies, emphasizing their use in current production.
• First Solar: Participants learnt about the sustainable fabrication of thin-film solar panels using CdTe technology and discussed future collaborations in K-12 STEM education.

Following figures show participants attending industry tours.

Educators with Shared Vision: Advancing STEM Education Together

The RET program brought together educators from a variety of fields, including mathematics, computer science, physics, engineering, robotics, and electrical engineering. Each had unique but aligned goals.

Olivia, a mathematics teacher, developed a robotic car incorporating algebra to make math more engaging for her students. Mike focused on small-scale robotic cars, exploring autonomous vehicle control. Bader worked on a smart house project aimed at simplifying daily life.

The shared goal of their endeavours was to make lessons more entertaining for pupils so that they could study science and engineering without fear. During the six-week program, participants acquired practical expertise with modern sensors, 3D printing, Arduino, advanced robot programming, CNC programming, CAD, and e-factory systems, preparing them to inspire and educate their students in novel ways.

Looking Ahead: Embracing the Future of STEM Education and Manufacturing

As we wrap up this year's RET program, the adventure does not end here. The program's knowledge and experiences will continue to spread throughout schools, influencing the future generation of students. In the future, we expect our STEM educational activities to evolve and improve even more. To satisfy the industry's ever-changing expectations, we will continue to prioritize innovation, curriculum improvement, and collaboration expansion. We are thrilled about the future and the ongoing effect of our program as we collaborate to promote improvement and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

All of the 2024 K-14 Participants presented their research projects at the NSF Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Virtual Poster Session, July 23-24. Mr. Zimmerman’s poster (listed below) was awarded with the best poster award.

• Zimmerman, D., Sarder, M., Mayyas, M., Abouheaf, M., Islam, Z. (2024), Teaching Levels of Automation using Arduino in Soil Water Management, 2024 NSF Research Experience for Teachers (RET), Virtual Poster Session, July 23-24
  

Some of the 2024 K-14 Participants have implemented their developed curriculum, already. Following pictures show the implementation of curriculum modules in Physics class at Evergreen High School.

NSF RET Final Summary Report by:

MD Sarder, Ph.D.
Director, School of Engineering/Professor of Systems Engineering
Principal Investigator
Phone: 419-372-6085
Email: msarder@bgsu.edu

NSF RET Summary Report and Photo Contributions by:

Juthy Noor Mrittika
juthynm@bgsu.edu
Master of Science - Systems Engineering

NSF RET Promotions and Marketing:

Melissa Partin-Harding M.Ed.
Associate Director of Cooperative Education/Tech Career Accelerator  College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering
NSF Marketing, Promotions and Recruiting
Phone: 419-372-6802
Email: mpartin@bgsu.edu

Empowering Educators, Igniting Innovation: BGSU's RET Program in Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics
Welcome to the forefront of STEM education and innovation at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). Our visionary School of Engineering is proud to introduce the groundbreaking Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program, a transformative initiative designed to shape the future of advanced manufacturing and robotics education.

A Vision for Tomorrow: At the heart of our initiative lies a powerful vision - to cultivate a thriving community of educators equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and practical experience in advanced manufacturing and robotics. Our RET program aims to revolutionize the landscape of STEM education, bringing hands-on research directly into the classrooms of high schools and community colleges.

Meeting Regional Needs, Empowering Educators: Central to our mission is the goal of bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world industry demands. By providing educators with immersive research experiences, we are cultivating a cadre of motivated professionals who will translate their newfound expertise into dynamic, hands-on curriculum for their students. Our program stands as a direct response to the regional need for skilled professionals in the field of advanced manufacturing.

Empowering the Heartland of Manufacturing: Nestled within the vibrant northwest Ohio region, BGSU's RET program holds special significance. With over 700 firms employing 43,000 workers, this area is a hub of manufacturing excellence. Toledo, often hailed as the "Silicon Valley" of the manufacturing sector, boasts a staggering 2,374 industrial robots, earning it the top rank in the nation. Yet, even amidst this industrial prowess, the shortage of skilled professionals persists, hindering growth and progress. Our RET program aims to change this narrative.

From Research to Impact: Our program extends beyond theoretical research; it's about tangible impact. Participants will embark on a journey of learning and discovery, delving into emerging areas of advanced manufacturing, including modern sensors, advanced robot programming, CNC programming, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and e-factory systems. Through hands-on projects and immersive experiences, educators will bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing the next generation for the challenges of the modern manufacturing landscape.

A Transformative Pathway: Our vision extends beyond educators. By strategically training thirty-six high school and community college educators, we aim to impact over 6,400 STEM students. The ripple effect of our efforts will empower students to pursue advanced manufacturing degrees, further enriching the regional talent pool. We are committed to expanding opportunities in advanced manufacturing, with a strong focus on encouraging women and individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds to get involved in the field.

A Year-Round Journey: The RET program encompasses a comprehensive calendar, with activities extending throughout the year. While the heart of our efforts occurs during a six-week summer period, the impact is felt year-round. Our participants engage in research projects, develop innovative curriculum, and share their expertise within their institutions. Collaborative partnerships with industry mentors enhance the experiential learning journey, ensuring real-world relevance. 

Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow: Through our RET program, we're creating a legacy of leaders who will drive innovation, inspire future generations, and meet the pressing demands of the evolving manufacturing landscape. Join us in this transformative journey as we redefine STEM education, cultivate skilled professionals, and build a brighter future for the heartland of manufacturing.