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

Today we’re spotlighting the NSF REU in Renewable Energy at Binghamton University, a summer research experience that could supercharge your future in clean tech. With a $7,000 stipend, free housing, and the chance to work with Nobel Laureate Stan Whittingham (lithium-ion batteries), this program offers undergrads the chance to dive into projects on solar power, fuel cells, and next-gen batteries.

Next, we’re heading to orbit because NASA’s commercial space initiative just took a major leap forward as Starlab, a next-gen space station, cleared critical design and safety milestones. Designed to launch in a single mission, Starlab represents NASA’s vision of a privatized low Earth orbit, where companies lead the way. From modular mockups to docking systems, Starlab is shaping the future of off-Earth research and industry.

Upcoming Opportunities

⚡ REU in Renewable Energy at Binghamton University

Interested in clean energy, sustainability, or nanotechnology? This NSF-funded summer research program invites undergraduates to join cutting-edge projects in battery materials, solar energy, and fuel cells. Work alongside faculty like Nobel Laureate Stan Whittingham in world-class labs and gain insight into careers in science and engineering.

Students participate in hands-on research, weekly workshops, and potential collaborations with local energy companies. This is a highly competitive, paid opportunity designed to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers in renewable energy.

📅 Program Details

• Award Amount: $7,000 stipend + $750 meal allowance

• Additional Support: Free housing + travel reimbursement up to $500

• Program Dates: May 2026 — August 2026 

• Location: Binghamton University, NY

• Research Areas: Battery materials, photovoltaics, fuel cells, and more

• Apply Here: [Website]

✅ Eligibility

• Undergraduate students in science or engineering

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• Must not graduate before summer 2027

⚠️ 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

🚀 Starlab Clears Major Milestones Toward Commercial Space Station

NASA-backed Starlab, a commercial space station designed for launch in a single flight, has completed several key development and design milestones, marking significant progress in the agency’s plan to transition low Earth orbit (LEO) operations to private industry.

The achievements, part of a 2021 NASA Space Act Agreement, included a preliminary design and safety review of Starlab’s architecture and systems, as well as progress on spacecraft mockups, procurement plans, and docking design.

NASA ultimately plans to procure services from commercial stations like Starlab rather than own and operate them, becoming one of many customers in a future LEO marketplace.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

Tip of the Day

🧠 Theoretical vs. Experimental Math: Two Roads to Discovery

Whether you're exploring number theory or designing an algorithm, math comes in two flavors: theoretical and experimental. Both have value, but they offer different mindsets, goals, and tools. Here’s how to navigate the difference and when to use which:

• 🧩 Theoretical Math is Proof-Driven: This is in the realm of logic, abstraction, and rigor. You build airtight arguments to prove why something is always true.

• 🔬 Experimental Math is Pattern-Driven: Here, you explore math through computation, visualization, and simulations by looking for trends, testing conjectures, and let the data surprise you.

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Today’s Theme: TikTok Tuesday

Tuesdays are better than Mondays, right?

Let’s enjoy an awesome TikTok watching awkward encounters in grad school!

@thosecambridgephd

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