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Today we’re highlighting the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program, one of the most prestigious summer research experiences for undergraduates in the life sciences. This fully funded 10-week program pays you a $4,500 stipend, places you in the labs of Harvard Medical School, where you’ll work on cutting-edge biomedical research, gain one-on-one mentorship, and connect with a network of future scientists. Students from all colleges are encouraged to apply, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Also making headlines: the NIH just released a new toolkit on lung health, offering simple but powerful tips to protect your lungs as wildfire smoke and pollution worsen in many parts of the country. From using HEPA filters indoors to checking daily air quality apps before exercising outside, small lifestyle shifts can make a big difference in reducing long-term respiratory risk.

Upcoming Opportunities

⚙️ Harvard REU: Summer Research in Science & Engineering

Spend 10 weeks at Harvard University this summer conducting hands-on research in world-class labs. The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program welcomes students in chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, computer science, and more, including first-years and sophomores with no prior experience.

You'll join a vibrant community of scientists, develop your own project in areas like nanotech, biomaterials, robotics, or energy, and gain crucial skills in science communication, technical writing, and grad school prep.

📅 Program Details

• Dates: June – August 2026 (exact dates TBD)

• Stipend: $6,000

• Location: In-person at Harvard University

• Includes: Research project, faculty mentorship, workshops, networking, public speaking & outreach training

• Final Deliverables: Research abstract, written report, and presentation at an end-of-summer symposium

• Application: [Link here]

✅ Eligibility

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

• Currently enrolled undergraduate (must not graduate before Dec 2026)

• Especially encourages applications from students with limited research experience

⚠️ Bonus Opportunities You Should Know

• 🧪 NSF REU Summer Research Programs: List of funded undergrad research programs. (Search here)

• 🎓 Zintellect: List of scholarships, research fellowships, and internship opportunities funded by the U.S. government or private sector. (Search here)

• 💰 NASA OSTEM Internships: List of NASA Internships for high school and undergraduate STEM students. (More info)

• 🪖 Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship: $30,000-$46,000 scholarship awarded to top STEM students. (Link)

🌍 International Opportunities

• 🧲 Pathways to Science: List of upcoming internships, scholarships, and research programs hosted by any country [open to international students]. (Search here)

• 🔬 Amgen Scholars Program: Prestigious summer research program for undergraduate students in the U.S., Europe, or Asia. (More info)

• ⚛️ European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN): Search for any upcoming internships related to chemistry, physics, engineering, or data science! (Link here)

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Intrax Global Internships: STEM-focused internship program for international students hosted by the U.S. Department of State. (More info)

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Scientist’s Scroll

🫁 NIH Highlights Breakthroughs and Tips to Protect Lung Health

Asthma, which often begins in childhood, can be well-controlled with the right medication, but many teens underuse inhalers due to confusion or peer pressure. NIH-funded teams are now testing video-chat check-ins with pharmacists to help young patients stay on track.

For more complex conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), researchers are exploring personalized treatments based on genetic differences, offering hope for future targeted therapies.

If you experience persistent coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness, NIH urges you to get checked. Many lung function tests are quick and available in primary care offices—and early action can make all the difference.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

Tip of the Day

📈 Know When to Use Log Graphs Instead of Linear Ones

Choosing between a linear and logarithmic scale can drastically change how your data is interpreted. Using the right graph type not only clarifies your results: it helps you uncover patterns you might otherwise miss.

Here’s when and why to go log:

• See Exponential Trends Clearly: Logarithmic graphs are perfect for data that grows or decays exponentially—like bacterial populations, radioactive decay, or pH changes.

• Handle Large Ranges of Data: When your data spans several orders of magnitude—say, from 1 to 1,000,000—a linear graph can squash small values. A log scale compresses the high end and expands the low end, letting you view the entire dataset more evenly.

• Avoid Misinterpretation: Using the wrong scale can make minor changes look massive or hide important trends. Log plots keep percentage-based or multiplicative changes in good perspective, helping your audience understand what really matters.

• Plot Thoughtfully, Not Automatically: Don’t default to linear plots just because they’re familiar. Think about what your data represents and whether a log-log or semi-log plot would be more honest and useful.

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Today’s Theme: TikTok Tuesday

Tuesdays are better than Mondays, right?

Let’s enjoy an awesome TikTok watching this chemistry professor expose Alkaline Water as a fraud!

@pchemstud

Alkaline water EXPOSED with Chemistry 🧪 💦🌈 #science #stemeducation #chemistry #scienceexperiments #alkalinewater

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