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Join NASA’s Virtual Internship Info Session to Explore Careers Outside the Lab

Join NASA’s Virtual Internship Info Session to Explore Careers Outside the Lab

This August 14th event invites non-STEM students to learn how they can support NASA missions through internships in business, communications, policy, and more.

Joseph Sampson
August 11, 2025 • 8 minutes

What’s Happening Today!

Welcome to a daily drop from That Black Chemist!

NASA is hosting a special virtual event on August 14th for non-STEM students interested in exploring internship opportunities beyond the lab including business, communications, policy, and more. Hear directly from current interns, get your questions answered, and learn how you can join the next generation helping power space missions.

Over in the Arctic, scientists are uncovering how Greenland’s melting ice fuels massive blooms of tiny ocean plants called phytoplankton. Using advanced computer models from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and MIT, researchers found that glacial runoff stirs up nutrients from the deep ocean, boosting these crucial organisms that support marine food webs and impact the global carbon cycle.

And if you love memes, stay tuned through the end!

Upcoming Opportunities

🚀 NASA Virtual Internship Info Session for Non-STEM Students

Curious how careers beyond STEM support NASA missions? Join NASA Internships’ free virtual event on August 14th, 2025 (1–2 pm EST) to hear directly from current interns working in business, communications, arts, law, and policy roles. Learn about diverse internship opportunities, get your questions answered, and gain tips to boost your application.

📅 Event Details

Date & Time: August 14, 2025 | 1–2 pm EST
Registration Deadline: August 13, 2025
Format: Virtual webinar with live Q&A
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; high school interns must live within 50 miles of a NASA Center
Register Here: [Website]

⚠️ 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

🌊 Greenland’s Melting Ice Fuels Phytoplankton Blooms, Boosting Ocean Life

A NASA-supported study used a powerful computer model developed by JPL and MIT to reveal how runoff from Greenland’s retreating ice sheet lifts deep ocean nutrients, spurring phytoplankton growth by 15–40% during summer in glacier-fed fjords. These tiny, plantlike organisms form the base of the marine food web and help absorb carbon dioxide, impacting fisheries and the global carbon cycle.

The team simulated complex biology, chemistry, and physics in a remote, ice-covered fjord using billions of data points and supercomputers. While increased phytoplankton may benefit marine ecosystems, faster ice melt also alters water chemistry, creating both positive and negative effects on carbon absorption.

Researchers plan to expand their simulations to Greenland’s entire coastline and other regions, using this versatile “Swiss Army knife” model to better understand ocean ecosystems worldwide.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

Tip of the Day

📃 Choose Summer Internships Over Classes — Boost Your Career and Skills

It’s tempting to cram summer with extra classes to graduate faster. But swapping summer courses for internships or REUs can give your STEM journey a serious upgrade. Here’s why making that choice pays off:

Real-World Experience: Internships immerse you in actual research or industry projects, letting you apply classroom theory to solve real problems.
Professional Networking: Working alongside scientists and engineers connects you with mentors and peers who can open doors to future jobs, grad schools, and collaborations.
Skill Building Beyond the Classroom: Internships teach teamwork, communication, project management, and technical skills that classes often can’t provide.
Stand Out in Applications: Hands-on summer experience shows employers and grad programs you’re proactive, capable, and serious about your field.
Recharge & Focus: Taking a break from academics to gain experience helps prevent burnout and gives you clarity on your career path.