Career Development

The School for Scientific Thought (SST) provides UCSB science and engineering graduate students and postdocs the opportunity to design and teach a five-session hands-on course, on a topic related to research, for an audience of local and regional high school students. Winter 2019 applications are due December 21, 2018. Apply today!

By Kate Brody-Adams, Assistant Director of Professional Development
Monday, December 10th, 2018 - 8:00am


The School for Scientific Thought (SST) aims to provide UCSB science and engineering graduate students or postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to design and teach a five-session hands-on course, on a topic related to research, for an audience of local and regional high school students. The SST program offers a unique professional development experience that builds communication, teaching, and mentoring skills. The SST focuses on designing goals, formative assessment, a variety of instructional techniques, and oral communication.

  • Partial fellowships ($2000) will be awarded to graduate students. Postdocs are not eligible for fellowships but can participate. Graduate students and postdocs may apply to co-teach.
  • Materials budget provided.
  • Training session to be scheduled for 3 days in early January from 10​am-2pm.
  • Teaching an SST course over five consecutive Saturdays in Winter 2019: February 2, February 9, February 23, March 2, and March 9.

Winter 2019 Instructor Applications and emails of support from advisors will be accepted until December 21, 2018.

APPLICATION: The online application can be found here.

CONTACT: If you have questions or would like to talk about SST further, please email Wendy Ibsen. Also please check out the program website to learn more about past courses and instructors.