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The BioXFEEL undergraduate internship is now recruiting undergraduates and recent grads for Summer 2026. Students in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, computer sciences, mathematics, and related fields can spend 9.5 weeks modeling protein folding and drug uptake for various enzymes. Participants receive a stipend, housing, and travel support while conducting computational research that could inspire innovations in biomedicine, X-ray crystallography, and drug delivery methods.

Meanwhile, the University of Utah produced the cancer fighting isotope terbium-161 (Tb-161) by bombarding gadolinium-160 (Gd-160) with neutrons through a 3-step separation process. Tb-161 fights brain tumors by emitting beta particles—low energy electrons—that target and destroy clusters in tumors. This is one step forward towards commercializing radioisotope medicine for cancer therapy.

Upcoming Opportunities

💠 BioXFEEL Undergraduate Internships

The NSF-funded BioXFEL Science and Technology Center offers a 9.5-week summer research program focused on using X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs) to study biological molecules. Open to undergraduates and recent graduates in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, and related fields, the program provides hands-on training, workshops, seminars, and career development. Students present their research at the program’s conclusion while building professional networks in structural biology and XFEL science.

📅 Program Details

• Application Deadline: February 2026

• Program Dates: May – August 2026

• Locations: University at Buffalo, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Arizona State University

• Duration: 9.5 weeks

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

• Register Here: [Website]

✅ Eligibility

• Open to undergraduate students & recent graduates

• Backgrounds in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics, or related fields

⚠️ 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

⚛️ University of Utah Produces Cancer-Fighting Isotope Tb-161

Researchers at the University of Utah have demonstrated that a low-power TRIGA research reactor can generate terbium-161 (Tb-161), a promising “theranostic” isotope for both cancer diagnosis and treatment. By bombarding gadolinium-160 (Gd-160) with neutrons, the team produced Tb-161 at high purity through an efficient three-step separation process.

Tb-161 is especially powerful because it emits beta particles to destroy large tumors, low-energy electrons capable of targeting tiny clusters of cancer cells, and photons that allow doctors to image its location inside the body. With a half-life of about seven days, the isotope is well-suited for medical use. The successful production marks a step toward making university reactors valuable tools for supplying key medical radioisotopes.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

Let Me Help You!

As a Former STEM Major, I Get it!

Classes like Organic Chemistry, Calculus 3, and Classical Mechanics are very rigorous for any student learning for the first time and it may seem impossible to succeed. Fortunately, you don’t need more brains—you need a system to help you succeed and ace these courses.

That’s why I’ve created a study guide detailing the strategies I’ve invented and adopted to score top of my class repeatedly in my chemistry, physics, and math courses at the high school and undergraduate level!

I’ve also included in this guide a template for you to help organize and structure your classes each semester.

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Click Here for a Preview of the Guide!

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Tip of the Day

🔧 Respect the Shared Tools

Public instruments are the backbone of many research labs. Treat them well, and they’ll treat everyone well. Here’s how to be a good lab citizen:

• Book Fairly: Always reserve time through the official calendar system; don’t overbook or leave machines idle.

• Arrive Prepared: Bring samples, protocols, and data storage ready so you maximize your slot.

• Follow SOPs: Stick to posted procedures—shortcuts can damage delicate equipment.

• Log Use: Record your session in the instrument log; this helps with troubleshooting and maintenance.

• Report Issues: If something breaks or looks off, notify facility staff immediately instead of leaving it for the next user.

• Clean & Reset: Leave the instrument as you found it—wipe down surfaces, remove waste, and reset settings.

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Today’s Theme: TikTok Tuesday

Tuesdays are better than Mondays, right?

Let’s enjoy an awesome TikTok learning about how an object’s moment of inertia impacts its motion!

@physicsisfun_official

All objects fall at the same rate... but what about rollling downhill? #physicstok #sciencetok #physics #funscience #stem

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