What’s Happening Today!

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

The Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI) program is now accepting applications for its REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates)! Students in engineering, physics, earth sciences, and more can spend the summer working on cutting-edge research related to hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and wind engineering. You'll collaborate with top researchers across the U.S. while earning over $6,000, housing, and travel support.

Next up: Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have created a "self-healing concrete" that could drastically improve how we build infrastructure. This concrete uses embedded microcapsules filled with a healing agent that “release” when cracks form. Once released, the capsules solidify and fill the crack—extending the lifespan of bridges, buildings, and roads while reducing emissions.

Upcoming Opportunities

🌍 Researching Earthquake, Wind, and Climate Resilience

The NSF-funded NHERI REU Summer Program offers undergraduates hands-on research at 10 multi-hazard engineering facilities across the U.S., including top-tier labs in earthquake simulation, wind tunnels, coastal wave basins, and more. Participants work alongside expert mentors on interdisciplinary projects in civil engineering, computer science, cyberinfrastructure, and social science.

Spend 10 weeks contributing to real-world research on how natural hazards impact society—and how we can build safer, more resilient infrastructure.

📅 Program Details

• Award: $6,000 summer stipend + travel and housing support

• Program Date: June 2026 — August 2026

• Location: Choice of 10 NHERI sites (UC San Diego, UT Austin, Oregon State, etc.)

• Format: Hybrid (in-person + virtual components)

• Application Window: Closed but reopens in Fall 2025

• Apply Here: [Website]

✅ Eligibility

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• Enrolled undergraduate students from any major (civil engineering, computer science, architecture, and more)

⚠️ 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

🧱 Cracking the Code of Concrete: NIST Tackles Hidden Threats to Infrastructure

Concrete may look boring, but it’s chemically complex and surprisingly vulnerable. Researchers at NIST are uncovering the microscopic reactions that lead to devastating cracks in concrete foundations, bridges, and even nuclear power plants.

From simulating decades of slow chemical damage in months to detecting invisible minerals like pyrrhotite with X-ray fluorescence, NIST scientists are leading the charge to make concrete longer-lasting and safer. Their work has already saved billions in infrastructure costs and may soon help thousands of homeowners avoid ruinous repairs caused by hidden flaws in concrete.

With research that spans from atomic-scale reactions to building-scale failures, NIST is proving that even the world’s most used material still holds surprising secrets.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

Tip of the Day

🎤 Present Like a Pro: Master the Right Style for Every Situation

Giving a great presentation isn’t just about slides and confidence: it’s about knowing which style to use. Whether you’re presenting a class project, pitching an idea, or defending your research, picking the right approach can elevate your delivery and leave a lasting impression. Here are some key styles and when to use them:

• 📈 The Instructor Style – Great for Teaching or Workshops
  You explain concepts clearly, use visuals to guide the audience, and pause for questions. This style builds trust and authority. Perfect for leading group discussions or tutoring sessions.

• 🎯 The Sales Pitch – Perfect for Job Interviews and Competitions
  You speak with energy, focus on benefits, and anticipate objections. This persuasive style works best when you're trying to win people over or secure funding.

• 🧠 The TED Talk – Ideal for Inspiring or Sharing Big Ideas
  You tell stories, simplify complex topics, and connect emotionally. Use this when you want to move people or spark curiosity.

• 🧪 The Research Defense – For Academic and Technical Presentations
  You keep a formal tone, reference data, and anticipate deep questions. This style is essential when presenting to professors, panels, or experts in your field.

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Today’s Theme: What’s Happening Wednesday

This Week in Science: A New Disease Discovery You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

🧬 Meet VEXAS — A Mysterious Disease That Emerges Later in Life

Scientists recently identified a newly named disease called VEXAS, which causes the immune system to attack the body’s own cells, triggering unpredictable inflammation. Common symptoms include: fevers, rashes, and fatigue—while others face serious lung, blood, or bone marrow issues.

The root cause? A mutation in the UBA1 gene, a gene responsible for removing damaged proteins. When this mutation occurs, proteins build up inside cells, sparking the body’s defense system into overdrive. Most often, VEXAS affects men over 50, since the gene sits on the X chromosome and men only have one.

🔬 VEXAS isn’t inherited: these mutations appear over time, part of the natural aging process. It affects as many as 1 in 4,000 older men, yet remains hard to diagnose without genetic testing.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

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