The program runs from June 15, 2026, through August 9, 2026 and combines structured training with faculty-mentored research and curriculum translation.

It begins with an in-person orientation and research lab pairing day on June 15, followed by Workshop Series 1 (Aim 1) in a hybrid format from June 16–19, focused on AI for digital health, including biosignal analysis, predictive modeling, medical imaging, and responsible use of healthcare data. From June 22–26, participants complete Workshop Series 2 (Aim 2) in person, with hands-on training in hardware design, embedded systems, biosensor integration, wireless communication, real-time signal processing, and user-centered device development.

The grant describes the broader summer model as a combination of workshops and immersive faculty-mentored research designed to help educators build technical skills while applying them in real biomedical projects and translating those experiences into STEM teaching.

During the remainder of the program, teachers will continue research with mentors, complete milestone check-ins, develop classroom-ready lesson plans and activities, and present their work at the final poster session.

Participants should expect 12 total in-person days. Of these, 7 days are mandatory in person: June 15 for orientation and lab pairing, plus June 22–26 for the in-person Aim 2 workshop series, and August 9 for the final poster session. An additional 7 in-person research days will take place during the summer and will be scheduled based on each teacher’s availability and the faculty mentor’s research schedule. This structure is designed to provide participants with both a common training experience and flexible time for hands-on research in UNT labs.

Location, Parking and Times

All hybrid and in-person workshops and orientation will be held at the Agora at UNT Discovery Park (3940 North Elm Street, Denton TX 76207). Room number for the Agora is G150. 

Location: the Agora (G150) at UNT Discovery Park, 3940 North Elm Street, Denton TX 76207

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. / 1 - 3 p.m. (Break: 12 - 1 p.m.)

Teacher participants will want to park in the FS parking lots at the front of the building. Turn left at the entrance of Discovery Park. Parking passes will be distributed at the start of the program, and will be valid until the end of the program. Email Trey Castillo (trey.castillo@unt.edu) for more info.

The only event that will take place elsewhere is the Poster Session on Sunday, August 9. Location and Time is TBD. 

Computer, Software, and Hybrid Meetings

All participants will need to utilize their own Windows or Mac computer/laptop throughout the duration of the program. Program mentors and coordinators will discuss any software downloads needed for you to complete the workshop exercises

Hybrid meeting links and other software requirements will be notified via email by our coordinators, Dr. Mahdi Pedram and Dr. Lauren Eutsler. 

Program Schedule (Summer 2026)

Orientation & Research Lab Pairing

Monday, June 15 - UNT Discovery Park, 3940 N. Elm Street, Denton TX 76207, The Agora, Room G150

Workshop Series 1: Hybrid

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. / 1 - 3 p.m.

Tuesday, June 16 - Workshop 1.1: AI foundations, healthcare data, and digital health applications 

Wednesday, June 17 - Workshop 1.2: Biosignal analysis and predictive modeling

Thursday, June 18 - Workshop 1.3: Medical imaging, clinical notes, and multimodal AI

Friday, June 19 - Workshop 1.4: Model validation, fairness, ethics, and real-world healthcare use

Workshop Series 2: In-Person

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. / 1 - 3 p.m.

Monday, June 22 - Workshop 2.1: PCB design and circuit fabrication

Tuesday, June 23 - Workshop 2.2: Embedded systems programming and sensor data acquisition

Wednesday, June 24 - Workshop 2.3: Biosensor integration: ECG, PPG, IMU, GSR, thermal, and ToF/mmWave

Thursday, June 25 - Workshop 2.4: Wireless communication, real-time signal processing, and embedded AI

Friday, June 26 - Workshop 2.5: Human-centered design, usability testing, and 3D-printed enclosures

Research Phase I

Late June - July 2026 - Faculty-mentored research begins, ongoing meetings with mentors, and Week 4 milestone

Research Phase II

Late July - August 8, 2026 - Continued research and data analysis, final presentations, and Week 6 milestone

Curriculum Development & Classroom Translation

August 2026 - Develop classroom-ready lesson plans and activities, align projects with STEM courses such as biology, physics, health science and engineering, and translate research experiences into student projects and classroom implementation

Poster Session

Sunday, August 9 - Final poster session, showcase of participant projects, and program wrap-up

Location and Time TBD