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The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is coming this spring—an incredible platform where thousands of students from across the country present their work in science, engineering, social sciences, and the arts. Beyond presenting, students get to network with peers, grad schools, and potential employers while sharpening their communication skills. If you’ve been working on a capstone, research project, or creative work, this is your chance to share it on a national stage.

Meanwhile, NIST scientists are tackling the growing issue of identity theft by studying how criminals manipulate passport photos through face morphing. Their latest research shows how advanced detection tools can spot these digitally altered images, helping governments strengthen border security and protect personal identities.

Thanks for staying around for another awesome week of internship, scholarship, and research information from That Black Chemist!

Upcoming Opportunities

🎓 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2026

The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is the nation’s largest annual gathering dedicated to celebrating and promoting undergraduate scholarship across all disciplines. Unlike traditional academic conferences, NCUR is designed specifically for student presenters, creating a unique space to showcase research, creative activity, and scholarly achievement while building professional networks.

Participants will gain career readiness skills, expand their resumes, connect with mentors, and join a nationwide community advocating for the value of undergraduate research. Faculty and mentors are also encouraged to attend to support students and strengthen their own professional development.

📅 Program Details:

• Conference Dates: April 13–15, 2026

• Location: Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA

• Abstract Submissions Open: September 9, 2025

• Abstract Deadline: December 5, 2025

• Registration Opens: January 14, 2026

• Early Bird Registration Deadline: January 30, 2026

• Final Registration Deadline: March 6, 2026

• Link: [Register here]

⚠️ Bonus Opportunities You Should Know

• 🧪 NSF REU Summer Research Programs: List of funded undergrad research programs. (Search here)

• 🎓 Pathways to Science: List of paid internships and research opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. (Search here)

• 💰 NASA OSTEM Internships: List of NASA Internships for high school and undergraduate STEM students (More info).

• 🧠 NASA Pathways Internship: Multi-semester internship involving different career paths at NASA (Link).

🌍 International Opportunities

• 🧲 Pathways to Science: List of upcoming internships, scholarships, and research programs hosted by the U.S. [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

🛡️ NIST Issues Guidelines to Detect Face Morphing and Prevent Identity Fraud

Face morphing software can blend two people’s faces into a single synthetic image, enabling fraudsters to bypass ID checks at borders, airports, and secure facilities.

To counter this, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released new guidelines to help organizations use morph detection software more effectively. The recommendations cover both single-image detection (when only the suspicious photo is available) and differential detection (when compared against a verified image), highlighting their respective strengths and limitations.

By boosting awareness and providing tailored strategies, NIST aims to help agencies, passport offices, and border control systems stay ahead of morphing attacks and protect against identity fraud.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

Tip of the Day

📓 Cram Smart: How to Maximize Last-Minute Study

Cramming isn’t ideal, but sometimes deadlines sneak up on you. Here’s how to make the most of those final hours:

• Prioritize High-Yield Topics: Focus on the concepts most likely to appear on the exam—lecturer “favorites,” practice problems, or review sheets.

• Use Active Recall: Quiz yourself with flashcards, practice problems, or by teaching concepts out loud. Passive rereading feels comforting but doesn’t stick.

• Chunk Your Time: Study in focused 25–45 minute blocks with short breaks. This keeps your brain fresh and boosts retention under pressure.

• Sleep (Even a Little): A short night’s rest locks in memory better than an all-nighter. If you must, at least nap for 60–90 minutes before the test.

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Today’s Theme: Fact or Fiction Friday

Congratulations on making it through the work week! Ready to test your science savvy?

👇🏾 Vote if you think the statement below is fact or fiction and tell us why in the comments!

Statement: The Uncertainty Principle limits how large atomic nuclei can become.

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