Earn Up to $1,150/week Doing Research at the U.S. DOE

Students and recent graduates can spend 12 weeks at DOE headquarters, field offices, or national labs gaining hands-on experience in science, technology, policy, and more.

What’s Happening Today!

Welcome to a daily drop from That Black Chemist!

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Ready2Work (R2W) Internship is now open for Summer 2025 applications. This 12-week program places students and recent graduates at DOE headquarters, field offices, and national labs to explore careers in science, technology, policy, and more. With stipends ranging from $750 to $1,150 per week, participants gain real-world experience supporting missions in energy security, scientific innovation, and environmental responsibility.

Meanwhile, NASA is preparing for the first launch of the Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 on September 14, 2025. Carrying over 11,000 pounds of supplies to the International Space Station, Cygnus XL will deliver materials for semiconductor and pharmaceutical crystal growth, as well as systems to improve cryogenic fuel storage and prevent microbial growth in space.

Upcoming Opportunities

👩‍💻 DOE Ready2Work (R2W) Summer Internship

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Ready2Work (R2W) Internship offers students and recent graduates a 12-week summer experience across DOE Headquarters, Field Offices, and National Labs. Participants gain hands-on exposure to research, technical, and professional roles supporting DOE’s mission in areas such as energy security, scientific discovery, nuclear security, environmental responsibility, and cybersecurity.

📅 Program Details

  • Application Deadline: March 2026 (11:59 PM ET)

  • Program Dates: May – August 2026

  • Location: DOE Headquarters, Field Offices, and National Laboratories (in-person or virtual)

  • Duration: 12 weeks

  • Stipend: $750–$1,150/week depending on education level

  • Register Here: [Website]

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizen

  • At least 18 years old by May 1, 2026

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA

  • Full-time student in 2025–2026 (undergrad, grad, or recent graduate within 2 years)

⚠️ 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

🛰️ Cygnus XL Prepares for First Cargo Run to the ISS

NASA, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX are set to launch the first Cygnus XL spacecraft no earlier than Sept. 14, 2025, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral. Packed with 11,000+ pounds of science gear, supplies, and technology demonstrations, the mission marks a major upgrade in cargo capacity for Northrop Grumman’s resupply program.

Once in orbit, astronauts will capture Cygnus XL with the Canadarm2 on Sept. 17 and attach it to the Unity module. Key payloads include semiconductor crystal growth experiments, tools to improve cryogenic fuel storage, a UV water treatment system to prevent microbial buildup, and materials for pharmaceutical crystal production with potential cancer treatments.

The spacecraft, named S.S. William “Willie” McCool in honor of the Columbia shuttle astronaut, will remain docked until March before safely burning up in Earth’s atmosphere. This mission represents both a technological milestone and a tribute to spaceflight history.

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.

Click Here to Access the Guide!

Click Here for a Preview of the Guide!

Confused About Class? Click Here to Book a Tutoring Session with Me!

Tip of the Day

🧘🏾 Calm Your Nerves Before Exams

Exams test more than knowledge—they test your ability to stay steady under pressure. Here’s how to prepare your mind as well as your notes:

  • Breathe with Intention: Slow, deep breaths signal your body to relax and sharpen focus.

  • Simulate the Stress: Take practice tests under timed conditions to reduce surprises on the real day.

  • Reframe the Moment: See the exam as an opportunity to showcase what you know, not a threat.

  • Move Your Body: Light exercise before studying or testing reduces anxiety and boosts memory.

  • Rest Wisely: A calm, well-rested brain outperforms a tired, over-stressed one.

Subscribe to explore daily research opportunities!

Today’s Theme: Meme Monday

Because Mondays suck, here are three science memes to make you laugh!

👇🏾 Vote for your favorite in the comments or share with a lab mate!

🧪 Meme #1

🔬 Meme #2

🥼 Meme #3

Imagine Solving HW Problems 10x Quicker

From my experience studying PhD quantum mechanics, I learned that Chat GPT is not enough for me to independently study STEM subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and math because:

  • Chat GPT 5.0 (newest version) limits your free daily conversations.

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  • Chat GPT fails to derive or calculate long proofs in math-heavy problems consistently.

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📔 Still Confused About Class? Click Here to Book a Tutoring Session with Me!

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