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Welcome to a new daily drop from That Black Chemist! 

Today we’re highlighting the Michigan State University Astronomy Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), a fully funded summer program where students explore the cosmos through hands-on projects in stellar evolution, galaxies, exoplanets, and computational astrophysics. Participants gain mentorship from MSU’s faculty, access to powerful computing resources, and professional development opportunities that prepare them for graduate study and careers in astronomy.

Next up, SpaceX’s Dragon cargo spacecraft successfully undocked from the International Space Station and returned safely to Earth, bringing back more than 3,500 pounds of critical science experiments and hardware. The mission’s return highlights the growing role of commercial spaceflight in advancing research, enabling NASA and its partners to investigate everything from biomedical science to advanced materials.

Upcoming Opportunities

🪐 Montana State Physics & Astronomy REU: Explore the Universe with Data

Montana State University’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program immerses students in 10 weeks of cutting-edge research on solar physics, astrophysics, and space science. Participants analyze data from major missions like Parker Solar Probe, SDO, Hinode, and IRIS, with additional opportunities in solar MHD modeling, gravitational waves, black holes, and even space hardware development. Training includes programming, numerical modeling, and science communication, with projects often leading to conference presentations and publications.

📅 Program Details

• Dates: May – August 2026

• Stipend: $6,000 + $800 food allowance + travel + housing (single dorm room)

• Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT

• Application Deadline: Early 2025 (check program site for exact date)

• Application: [Link here]

✅ Eligibility

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• Full-time undergraduate (sophomore or junior preferred)

• Not graduating before Summer 2026

• Students from underrepresented groups in STEM especially encouraged

⚠️ 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

🚀 SpaceX Dragon Delivers 5,000+ Pounds of Science to ISS

At 7:05 a.m. EDT on Aug. 24, SpaceX’s Dragon cargo spacecraft docked with the International Space Station, carrying over 5,000 pounds of research investigations, supplies, and hardware.

Launched atop a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral just hours earlier, this 33rd commercial resupply mission for NASA strengthens the station’s role as a testbed for human spaceflight and exploration technologies.

The new investigations will support Artemis lunar missions, prepare for eventual crewed journeys to Mars, and generate innovations with benefits reaching back to Earth.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

Tip of the Day

📄 Weekend Research: Smarter Not Harder

Weekends can be a great time to dig into literature, brainstorm projects, or explore ideas without weekday distractions. But if you’re not intentional, it’s easy to let weekend work feel unfocused or overwhelming.

Here’s how to make your weekend research time productive and energizing:

• Set a Scope: Pick one clear goal—like reading 3 papers or outlining one experiment. A focused target keeps you from drowning in tabs.

• Batch Your Reading: Save papers and resources during the week, then tackle them in a single sitting. This avoids weekday distraction spirals.

• Summarize in Real Time: Jot down 2–3 key takeaways per paper. Even short notes compound into valuable insights later.

• Create, Don’t Just Consume: Balance reading with writing. Draft a figure, outline a section, or sketch an idea. Output reinforces memory.

• Know When to Stop: Cap your weekend research at a set time—protect your rest so you return on Monday refreshed, not drained.

Subscribe to explore daily research opportunities!

Today’s Theme: TikTok Tuesday

Tuesdays are better than Mondays, right?

Let’s enjoy an awesome TikTok learning about the formation of gold and diamonds (not Minecraft)!

@museumofscience

Which would you choose: 5 pounds of diamonds or 5 pounds of gold? 💎🪙 Astrophysicist @Prof. Erika Hamden breaks it down: Diamonds are made ... See more

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