Skip to content
The George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy

MITCHELL INSTITUTE PHYSICS ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (MIPEP)

Program Dates: June 7-20, 2026

The curriculum focuses on clarifying fundamental physics concepts through problem-solving, hands-on demonstrations, and laboratory experiences.

Training

In-depth, standards-based training by award-winning Texas A&M professors – experts in introductory physics teaching, in collaboration with master teachers.

Real World Connection

Illustrate the connection between fundamental physics concepts, cutting edge research, and real-world applications

Evaluation

Evaluate physics skills of the teachers and impact of the program by using a variety of assessment instruments.

The MIPEP Program is free for teachers!

All Program events and instruction are free for teachers. Complimentary accommodations and a meal card will be provided.

Up to 30 high school physics teachers are selected from a pool of candidates with little to no physics background, e.g. with 0-4 physics classes in college

Participants receive 80 credit hours of Continuing Professional Education, including 34 credit hours of G/T curriculum and 6 credit hours of G/T annual update

A group of teachers and instructors pose for a photo in the Mitchell Institute atrium.

How To Sign Up

1

Step 

Fill Out The Application Form

Please download and complete the form to declare your interest in this program.

Mitchell Institute Physics Enhancement Program (MIPEP)
message-sent-2

2

Step 

Send Us An Email

When you are finished with the form, please email it to the following people: amanda@physics.tamu.edu, mhead@lcisd.org

Our Goals

Knowledge

In-depth, standards-based training by award-winning Texas A&M professors – experts in introductory physics teaching, in collaboration with master teachers

Community

Create a physics learning online community of MIPEP alumni and professors, that teachers can rely on when they need ideas and answers

College Ready

Help to improve the number of college-ready students through better high school preparation

INTEREST

Help develop an interest in the sciences and technology for K-12 students

Our Team

MIPEP Director / Professor

Bhaskar Dutta

MIPEP Director / Professor
Organizer / Professor

Alexey Belyanin

Organizer / Professor
Organizer / Professor

Tatiana Erukhimova

Organizer / Professor
Organizer / Support Staff

Amanda Kabella

Organizer / Support Staff
Master Teacher

Mary Jane Head

Master Teacher
Master Teacher

Eric E. Ryburn

Master Teacher

Physics

Enhancement

Program

Mitchell Institute Physics Enhancement Program (MIPEP)

Program Assessment

We examined the impact of the MIPEP Summer Institute, including changes in participants’ confidence in teaching physics concepts. The mixed-methods study included pre-and post-perception surveys, post-session topic surveys, and participants’ final reflections.

Our Sponsors

Support for high school teacher engagement and outreach is gratefully acknowledged from The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, The Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy, and Col. Schade ’67, in memory of Michael E. Griffith, DVM ’78.