What’s Happening Today!

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The Department of Defense’s SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is now accepting applications from STEM undergraduates and graduates. Scholars receive full tuition, a $30K–$46K stipend, summer internships at DoD facilities, and guaranteed civilian employment after graduation. This opportunity supports future leaders in AI, biotechnology, space, and other cutting-edge fields.

Meanwhile, scientists at the Department of Energy are pushing the frontiers of chemistry with superheavy elements. By fusing lighter atoms in particle accelerators, researchers have created new elements up to 118 and are working toward element 120. These efforts may unlock more durable superheavy elements with unique chemical properties and reshaping our understanding of the periodic table.

Stay tuned for more science updates and opportunities from That Black Chemist!

Upcoming Opportunities

🧑‍🔬 DoD SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

The Department of Defense SMART Scholarship offers STEM students a fully funded path from college to career. Recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, summer internships at DoD facilities, and guaranteed civilian employment after graduation by contributing to innovation in AI, biotechnology, autonomy, space, and beyond.

📅 Program Details

• Applications Open: August 1, 2025

• Deadline: First Friday in December 2025

• Benefits: Full tuition, $30,000–$46,000 annual stipend, DoD summer internships, and post-graduation employment

• Register Here: [Website]

✅ Eligibility

• Citizens of the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the U.K.

• 18+ years old by Jan 1, 2027

• Minimum 3.0 GPA

• Pursuing or planning to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in a SMART STEM discipline by Fall 2026

• Enrolled in or planning to attend a regionally accredited U.S. institution

⚠️ 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)

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Scientist’s Scroll

⚛️ DOE Explains Superheavy Elements

Superheavy elements don’t occur naturally on Earth. Instead, scientists at Department of Energy (DOE) labs create them by colliding beams of ions with target atoms, briefly fusing new elements that decay almost instantly. These fleeting creations help researchers probe the limits of the periodic table.

Despite their instability, superheavy elements offer a tantalizing prospect: the “island of stability,” where yet-undiscovered elements may last longer and display novel chemical behaviors. DOE has been at the forefront of this field, from Berkeley Lab’s 1969 discovery of rutherfordium (element 104) to Livermore’s role in finding elements 113–118.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

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Tip of the Day

📚 Finding the Right Research Advisor in Undergrad

The right mentor can shape your entire research experience. Here’s how to choose wisely:

• Match Interests: Look for advisors whose research excites you, not just what’s trendy.

• Check Mentorship Style: Do they guide closely, or give independence? Pick what fits your learning style.

• Talk to Lab Members: Current students can give the real picture of workload, support, and lab culture.

• Consider Opportunities: Does the lab offer projects you can take ownership of, or chances to publish/present?

• Trust the Vibe: Beyond prestige, choose someone you feel comfortable learning from because that relationship matters most.

Subscribe to explore daily research opportunities!

Today’s Theme: Fact or Fiction Friday

Congratulations on making it through the work week! Ready to test your science savvy?

👇🏾 Vote if you think the statement below is fact or fiction and tell us why in the comments!

Statement: The ribosome is responsible for synthesizing DNA molecules from protein clusters.

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