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The RNA Institute at the University at Albany is launching its 2026 REU program, giving undergraduates a 10-week opportunity to dive into RNA science and RNA-based technologies. Students can work on projects ranging from RNA folding and nanotechnology to disease mechanisms and therapeutic development. With a $6,000 stipend, housing, meal support, and travel funding, the program aims to train the next generation of diverse RNA scientists who will lead future innovations in medicine and biotechnology.

Meanwhile, NIST’s Manufacturing USA network is helping revitalize American manufacturing through 18 public–private institutes. Recent successes include building a full-scale prototype that cuts buffer solution prep time from 8 hours to under 1, strengthening U.S. supply chains in semiconductors and power electronics. By transforming abandoned mills into biotech hubs and boosting local economies, Manufacturing USA is helping rebuild the backbone of American industry for the 21st century.

Upcoming Opportunities

💠 Research Experiences for Undergraduates at The RNA Institute

The NSF-funded REU in RNA program offers a 10-week immersive summer research experience at the University at Albany. Students will contribute to cutting-edge RNA science and RNA-based technologies with applications in therapeutics, diagnostics, nanotechnology, and molecular biology. Projects span RNA structure prediction, small-molecule screening for RNA diseases, CRISPR-based pathogen detection, and more. The program is committed to training a diverse cohort of future RNA scientists, with strong support for first-generation, community college, and underrepresented students in STEM.

📅 Program Details

• Application Deadline: Coming soon

• Program Dates: May 26 – August 1, 2026

• Location: University at Albany, The RNA Institute

• Duration: 10 weeks

• Funding: $6,000 stipend + on-campus housing, $1,500 meal plan, up to $750 travel support

• Register Here: [Website]

✅ Eligibility

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• Rising juniors or seniors in biology, chemistry, physics, biomedical sciences, or related fields

• Welcomes applicants from underrepresented groups, first-generation students, and community college transfers

⚠️ 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

🏭 NIST Expands U.S. Manufacturing Through Innovation Hubs

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is strengthening American manufacturing through Manufacturing USA, a network of 18 public–private institutes that connect industry, government, and academia. These hubs provide companies with shared facilities, skilled staff, and access to cutting-edge technology before making large investments.

From additive manufacturing to smart sensors, Manufacturing USA is helping rebuild supply chains, modernize factories, and bring high-tech jobs back to U.S. communities.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

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Tip of the Day

📘 Prep Before You Step Into Lab

A smooth lab session starts long before you put on your gloves. Coming in prepared saves time, prevents mistakes, and helps you actually understand what you’re doing. Here’s how to get ahead:

• 📖 Read Ahead: Review the day’s experiment in your lab manual—know the purpose, methods, and key equations.

• 📝 Sketch the Flow: Write out a quick step-by-step outline of the procedure so you don’t waste time flipping pages.

• 🧪 Know Your Reagents: Check what chemicals, glassware, or instruments you’ll need and where to find them.

• ⚠️ Spot Hazards Early: Identify any safety concerns (toxic fumes, heat sources, high voltage) before walking in.

• 💡 Predict Outcomes: Ask yourself what results you expect and why—that way, you’ll notice faster if something’s off.

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Today’s Theme: TikTok Tuesday

Tuesdays are better than Mondays, right?

Let’s enjoy an awesome TikTok learning how to drill a squre hole through an object!

@rapidscience

How things work. 🧐 #howthingswork #mindblown #stem #geometry #interesting #explained #science #facts #fyp

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