Northwest Nazarene University’s College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) has been awarded a $337,500 “Partners in Science 2.0” grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to launch a four-year research initiative that brings together NNU faculty and local high school STEM teachers.
Beginning in Summer 2025 
and continuing through Summer 2028, the project will involve up to eight faculty members from NNU’s Biology, Chemistry and Engineering departments and will engage nine high school science teachers from across the region. Each summer, three teachers will partner with NNU faculty for two consecutive summers of collaborative research.
“This grant represents one of the most significant direct research awards NNU has received, and we’re excited about the opportunities it creates—not just for our faculty and campus, but for local high school classrooms,” said Jamee Nixon, Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.
In addition to hands-on research, participating teachers will receive mentorship in research methodology, research integrity training and guidance in developing classroom-based research projects. Teachers will also have the opportunity to present their work at academic conferences and apply for up to $5,000 in classroom supply grants to continue research-based learning with their students.
“The collaborative nature of this pilot project has the potential to foster long-term partnerships between high schools and universities,” the grant proposal stated. “These relationships can lead to joint research initiatives, shared resources and ongoing visits to NNU’s campus—extending far beyond the life of the grant.” 
The initiative will not only strengthen STEM education in southern Idaho but also provide NNU students and faculty with meaningful ways to contribute to science education at the secondary level. A total of seven to eight NNU faculty members are expected to participate across the life of the grant.
This project is made possible by a grant from the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, which seeks to enrich life in the Pacific Northwest by supporting educational, cultural, spiritual and social nonprofits in Idaho, Alaska, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
For more information about the Partners in Science program, visit murdocktrust.org/sector-scientific-research/partners-in-science-program.
