Robotics & Automation Outreach Program (RAOP)
An NSF-funded summer research and professional development program hosted by the AVRC Laboratory at Howard University. Designed for pre-service and in-service STEM educators through a structured 2-week virtual + 1-week on-site experience in robotics, autonomy, and control.
Applications open Jan 15, 2026 · Priority deadline Feb 15, 2026
Robotics & Automation Outreach Program (RAOP) at Howard University
RAOP is Howard University’s NSF Robert Noyce–funded Research Experiences in STEM Settings (RESS) initiative. The program provides authentic research experiences and classroom-ready professional development in robotics, autonomous systems, and control through the Autonomous Vehicle, Robotics & Control (AVRC) Laboratory.
Each year, RAOP selects eight pre-service and/or in-service STEM educators for an intensive three-week summer cycle. Participants build skills using QLabs digital-twin environments during the virtual phase and then transition to hands-on experimental validation during the on-site week in the AVRC Lab at Howard University.
Housing support is intended for non-local participants during the on-site week. Specific disbursement steps and required documentation are communicated during onboarding.
What participants gain
- A structured simulation-to-hardware experience using QLabs digital twins and AVRC physical platforms.
- Classroom-ready modules and implementation guidance aligned to K–12 STEM instruction.
- Access to program materials, lab guides, and curated technical resources used throughout the RAOP cycle.
- Faculty and technical support for onboarding, lab execution, and curriculum adaptation.
Application portal: Open
Priority deadline: Feb 15, 2026 (soft deadline).
Applications remain open after the priority deadline and may be reviewed on a rolling basis (e.g., through Mar 15, 2026 or until the cohort is filled).
Program Structure
Each annual RAOP cycle follows the same structure. The same four core experiments are offered every year so that each new cohort of educators can build experience with well-tested, classroom-ready modules while the project team continuously refines materials based on feedback and assessment data.
- Weeks 1–2 (Virtual – QLabs Digital Twins): Educators join one of four experiment groups and work in QLabs virtual environments. Activities include guided inquiry-based labs, weekly synchronous sessions with the RAOP team, and supported curriculum development time.
- Week 3 (On-site – AVRC Lab at Howard University): The same groups transition to the physical platforms in the AVRC Laboratory. Sessions focus on experimental validation, lesson planning, and assessment design using tools such as EDAT, TOSLS, and CLASS.
- Continuous Improvement: After each cycle, feedback from participants, training assistants, and the advisory committee is analyzed to refine the next year’s activities, curriculum, and assessment instruments.
Annual Experiments and Groups
Each year, eight educators are divided into four groups (approximately two educators per group). Every group completes the same experience sequence (virtual → on-site) and produces classroom-ready deliverables aligned to the selected platform and learning objectives.
Experiment 1 – Control Fundamentals (Qube-Servo 3) – Group 1▶
Modeling and feedback control foundations using a structured simulation-to-hardware workflow. Educators compare virtual results to physical validation and translate core control concepts into classroom-ready instructional materials.
Experiment 2 – Attitude Control and Dynamics (Aero 2) – Group 2▶
Rotational dynamics and tracking concepts with a clear focus on connecting system behavior, control design, and evidence-based conclusions derived from experimental data.
Experiment 3 – Manipulation and Sensing (QArm) – Group 3▶
Kinematics, sensing, and automation for pick-and-place tasks. Educators develop adaptable lesson components that connect robotics concepts to algebra, geometry, and introductory computing.
Experiment 4 – Ground Autonomy and Navigation (QBot Platform) – Group 4▶
Mobile robotics and navigation fundamentals using virtual labs followed by on-site validation. Educators create student-facing lab activities and implementation plans suitable for classroom use.
Professional Development, Curriculum, and Assessment
RAOP is structured as a coherent professional development sequence that links authentic research-style experiences with concrete classroom products.
- Guided Inquiry-Based Learning: Experiments are framed as inquiry-based labs in which educators pose questions, analyze data, and justify evidence-based conclusions.
- Curriculum Products: Each educator develops classroom-ready materials aligned to their experiment group, including lesson plans and student-facing activity components.
- Assessment Framework: The project uses EDAT, TOSLS, and CLASS to study changes in participants’ experimental design skills, scientific literacy, and attitudes toward inquiry-based learning.
- Continuous Improvement: Participant feedback and advisory input are used to refine materials, rubrics, and support resources for the next cycle.
Application Process and Annual Timeline
RAOP runs once per year. The program website and application portal are refreshed each cycle with updated dates and materials, but the overall schedule follows the pattern below.
Key Dates (Annual Cycle)
- Jan 1 – Feb 15: Marketing and outreach (district outreach, webinars, email campaign, social media).
- Jan 15: Application portal opens (submissions accepted).
- Feb 15: Priority deadline (soft deadline). If needed, rolling submissions may be accepted through Mar 15 or until the cohort is filled.
- Feb 16 – Feb 28: Initial screening and rubric scoring.
- Mar 1 – Mar 10: Virtual interviews (shortlisted candidates).
- Mar 15: Final selection and offer letters sent.
- Mar 30: Acceptance deadline and waitlist activation.
- Apr 1 – May 31: Logistics coordination (housing/travel/stipend paperwork).
- Jun 1 – Jun 30: Technical onboarding (software setup, accounts, orientation).
- July (first Monday after July 4): Virtual phase begins (Weeks 1–2 virtual); followed by Week 3 on-site.
How to Apply
- Review eligibility and program expectations on this page and the supporting RAOP sections.
- Prepare the required documents listed in the application portal.
- Submit your application through: /apply/raop.
- If shortlisted, participate in a virtual interview during the interview window.
- If selected, complete onboarding and logistics steps by the stated deadlines.
Project Team
RAOP is led by an interdisciplinary team from Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture and School of Education.
- PI – Dr. Fadel Lashhab, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science; Director of the Autonomous Vehicle, Robotics & Control (AVRC) Laboratory.
- Co-PI – Dr. Katherine Picho, educational psychology and evaluation; leading assessment design and analysis.
- Co-PI – Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, cyber-physical systems and networking; leading virtual lab integration and teacher support.
Contact
For questions about eligibility, application details, or collaboration opportunities, please contact:
Dr. Fadel Lashhab – fadel.lashhab@howard.edu
Follow RAOP
Updates, announcements, and participant highlights.
Official RAOP social channels. Additional platforms will be added as they launch.