What’s Happening Today!

Welcome to a new daily drop from That Black Chemist! 

Today we’re highlighting the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Neuroscience Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), a fully funded summer program that immerses students in cutting-edge brain research. Over 10 weeks, participants gain hands-on lab experience, receive close mentorship from faculty, and explore neuroscience through seminars, professional development, and community-building activities. The program is designed to prepare undergraduates for graduate study and careers in neuroscience, medicine, and related fields.

Next up, The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced $54 million in funding for small businesses developing technologies in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and more. Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, these investments will help startups bring groundbreaking technologies from the lab to the marketplace, strengthening U.S. innovation and economic growth.

Upcoming Opportunities

🧠 UW Neuroscience Summer Scholars: Bench-to-Bedside Research & Clinical Experience

The UW Medicine Department of Neurological Surgery is offering its NIH-funded Neuroscience Summer Scholars Program, an 8-week experience blending laboratory research, clinical shadowing, and neurosurgical observations. Participants gain “bench to bedside” exposure in neuroscience while building skills, mentorship connections, and insight into careers in research and medicine.

📅 Program Details

• Dates: Summer 2026 (8 weeks)

• Stipend: Provided

• Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA

• Housing: Limited program-sponsored housing for out-of-town students

• Application: [Link here]

✅ Eligibility

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• High school graduates (must be 18+) or undergraduates

• Strong interest in neuroscience, medicine, or biomedical research

• Open to students nationwide

⚠️ 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

🧪 NIST Invests $1.8M in Small Business Innovation

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded over $1.8 million in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to 18 companies working at the frontiers of AI, semiconductors, additive manufacturing, and advanced standards.

These Phase I awards support six months of R&D (Aug. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026), helping small businesses prove the feasibility and commercial potential of their ideas. Projects range from smarter AI tools to next-generation chips and manufacturing techniques.

Successful teams will be eligible for Phase II grants of up to $400,000, providing a path to scale their breakthroughs into real-world applications.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

Tip of the Day

📖 Make Time for Literature Between Experiments

Running experiments keeps you busy but the best scientists don’t just collect data, they stay sharp by reading the latest research. Carving out short, intentional slots for literature can boost your understanding, spark new ideas, and keep your work aligned with the field.

Here’s how to weave reading into your lab day without losing productivity:

• Use Natural Pauses: Waiting for a centrifuge, incubation, or run to finish? Pull up a recent paper instead of scrolling your phone.

• Set Micro-Goals: Aim to read one abstract or skim a figure rather than forcing yourself to digest an entire paper at once. Small bites add up.

• Prioritize Relevance: Focus first on papers directly connected to your current experiments or methods—you’ll retain more when the context is fresh.

• Keep a “To-Read” List: Save papers in a folder or reference manager so you don’t waste time searching when a gap opens up.

• Take Quick Notes: Jot 1–2 key insights immediately. Even a sentence can spark a future idea or help in writing your discussion.

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Today’s Theme: TikTok Tuesday

Tuesdays are better than Mondays, right?

Let’s enjoy an awesome TikTok watching how everyday medicine and technology works!

@rapidscience

How things work. 🧐 #howthingswork #mindblown #science #facts #knowledge #explained #interesting #fyp

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