What’s Happening Today!

Welcome to a new & exciting daily post from That Black Chemist! 

Today we’re spotlighting the DOE Scholars Program at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a prestigious, paid opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent grads to gain real-world experience in science, tech, engineering, policy, and more. With weekly stipends of up to $950, travel support, and placements at top DOE sites across the country, this is your chance to work alongside experts on national security, energy, and cutting-edge research projects that shape the future.

Next, we’re highlighting the tiny but mighty C. elegans worm, a simple organism that’s helped scientists unlock major insights into genetics, aging, disease, and development. From Nobel Prize-winning research to creating genetically modified glow-in-the-dark strains, these transparent worms have proven to be one of biology’s most powerful model organisms.

Upcoming Opportunities

🧪 DOE Scholars Program Now Open for STEM Students & Recent Grads

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Scholars Program is now accepting applications for paid internships at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). This prestigious program gives STEM students and recent grads a chance to work alongside DOE experts, contribute to national security and energy research, and explore careers in science, technology, policy, and operations.

Participants receive a weekly stipend ($750 undergrad / $950 grad), relocation and travel support, and hands-on experience at DOE headquarters or labs across the country. Applications are accepted through Zintellect and require an essay, resume, transcript, and one recommendation.

📅 Program Details

• Stipend: $750/week (UG) | $950/week (Grad)

• Multiple deadlines per year (apply to each opportunity individually)

• Location: DOE HQ in DC, field offices, or virtual

• Materials Required: Resume, transcript, short essay responses, 1 letter of recommendation

• Apply Here: [Website]

✅ Eligibility

• U.S. citizen

• Age 18+

• Pursuing or recently earned a degree in STEM, business, law, or communication

⚠️ 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

🧫 Tiny Worm, Big Impact: C. elegans Advances Human Health Research

A new spotlight from NIH highlights how the microscopic worm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has revolutionized biomedical research by contributing to breakthroughs in genetics, neuroscience, and aging.

Despite its simplicity, C. elegans shares nearly half of its genes with humans and has helped scientists uncover critical insights into diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and heart conditions. Its transparent body, short lifespan, and fully mapped nervous system make it an ideal model for studying development, cell signaling, and gene function.

NIH’s Caenorhabditis Genetics Center now holds over 26,000 worm strains used in labs around the world, supporting discoveries that continue to shape modern medicine.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

Tip of the Day

🧠 You Don’t Need Advanced Math to Do Real Experimental Science

There’s a myth that you need to master advanced math like partial differential equations or quantum field theory to work in science. But when it comes to running experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions, simpler tools often get the job done. Here’s what actually matters:

• 📐 Algebra & Geometry: These are essential for measuring angles, calibrating setups, and understanding spatial relationships in the lab.

• 📊 Statistics: Critical for analyzing experimental results, estimating uncertainty, and deciding whether your findings are significant.

• 🟰 Unit Conversions: Sound basic? It is. But accuracy in converting and understanding physical quantities can make or break your experiment.

• 🧮 Arithmetic & Logic: Many problems just require careful counting, comparisons, and reasoning—not complex calculus.

• 📈 Software > Equations: Most complex math in research is done by computers. Your job is to understand what it means, not necessarily to derive it by hand.

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Today’s Theme: TikTok Tuesday

Tuesdays are better than Mondays, right?

Let’s enjoy an awesome TikTok watching this user explain how the properties of water brought us life on earth!

@idea.soup

water is weird #interestingfacts #funfact #science #edutok #coolscience #greenscreen

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