ACES in STEM Education Fellowship: Community-Engaged Research 

The ACES in STEM Education Fellowship at the University of Houston is dedicated to cultivating independent researchers who tackle critical challenges in STEM education through authentic community engagement. This two-year research training program for postdoctoral students equips fellows with the skills to bridge research and practice by partnering with underserved communities, particularly in Houston’s historic Third Ward. 

As part of the fellowship, scholars will design and lead their own research initiatives, supported by an interdisciplinary team across UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, College of Education and College of Engineering. Fellows will focus on producing impactful research that advances STEM education and fosters meaningful community engagement. Fellows are funded through grants awarded from the National Science Foundation.   

The Authentic Community Engaged Scholars (ACES) in STEM Education Fellowship is helping shape the future of STEM education!   

Ready to make an impact? We are seeking three exceptional postdoctoral students to join our collaborative team and partner with experienced, supportive mentors.  

This project is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation. Any opinions, findings and conclusions, or recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.

How to Participate

To be considered for the ACES in STEM Education Fellowship, please email the following to acespost@uh.edu by the application deadline of Jan. 31, 2025: 

• Cover letter
• CV
• One writing sample
• Unofficial transcripts
• List of three references (include name, email address, affiliation, and relationship to the applicant
• Note: The minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in engineering education, STEM education, education or a related field of study.

Fellows will start in summer/fall 2025. Compensation: $75,000 per year, plus benefits. 

Ongoing Projects 

Projects affiliated with ACES in STEM Education Fellowship personnel include the following: 

Judgment, Identity, and Participatory Praxis of Black Men in Engineering Student Teams 
This project investigates Black men’s experiences in undergraduate engineering student teams, with aims to produce results that will be used broadly to support Black men’s sense of belonging and success in engineering. 

Informal Engineering Programs that Foster Youths’ Engineering Identities 
This project offers a no-cost, 16-week after-school informal engineering program with features such as hands-on engineering design projects, opportunities to interact with diverse engineers and scientists, family engagement sessions, community partnerships, engineering fairs, and support from mentors to youth in Houston. 

Key Personnel and Potential Mentors 

	Jerrod Henderson, Ph.D. (PI) Chemical Engineering College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
	Mariam Manuel, Ph.D. (co-PI) Mathematics/teachHOUSTON College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
	April Peters-Hawkins, Ph.D. (co-PI) K-12 Professional Leadership College of Education
	David Horton Jr., Ph.D. (co-PI) Engineering Education Cullen College of Engineering

Contact Us  

ACES in STEM Education Fellowship 
University of Houston 
acespost@uh.edu