undergraduate research ncsu

• Meet with Us
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Undergraduate Research
• OUR Advisory Board
• Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
• Become a Research Ambassador
• Getting Started
• Opportunities at NC State
• Undergraduate Research Workshops
• Research Abroad
• Summer Research Programs and REUs
• 2024 Summer Research Programs at NC State
• Project Supply Grants
• OUR Federal Work-Study Research Assistant Positions
• OUR Research Assistant Program
• OUR Provost’s Professional Experience (PEP) Positions
• Travel Awards
• External Funding
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• Getting Started with Mentoring
• Faculty, Post-Doc, Graduate OUR Engagement Opportunities
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• Michael Dickey Outstanding Research Mentor Award
• Summer Research Programs and REU’s Toolkit
• Resource Library
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• Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
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• Giving to OUR 

Summer Research Programs

Summer is a great opportunity to participate in a research program. Known by various names such as REUs or SROPs, summer research programs typically include the following:

• Close work with faculty and other undergraduate researchers
• Time Bound – usually around 10 weeks
• Defined Research Problem – each program focuses on a research problem or topic area that will be explored for the
• Stipend – amount varies depending on the project and its funding source
• Assistance with housing and travel

Summer research programs require applications with deadlines ranging from December through April. If you are interested in a summer program, we encourage you to explore your options early.

NC State REUs and Summer Programs

Pathways to science database, national science foundation database, individual summer programs.

In addition to the databases above, there are several individual programs that have been shared with OUR. The list below is not inclusive of all summer programs, so we encourage you to search for additional programs that may not be listed here. We have also communicated opportunities in our weekly emails.

• AmGen Scholars Program – multiple locations
• Army Educational Outreach Program – multiple locations
• iSchool Inclusion Institute  – University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
• NIEHS Scholars Connect Program  (NSCP) – National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Raleigh, NC
• National Institute of Standards and Technology  (NIST SURF) – Boulder, CO
• CCDC Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program  (RAP) – U.S. Department of Defense, multiple locations
• Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education  (ORISE) Research Programs – multiple locations
• Research Insititute for Scholars of Equity 2.0 (RISE) – NC Central University, Durham, NC
• RTI Research Internships  – multiple locations
• Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships  (SULI) – U.S. Department of Energy, multiple locations
• Summer Institute in Biomedical Optics  – Harvard-MIT, Cambridge, MA
• VUSE Summer Research Program – Vanderbilt University, School of Engineering – Nashville, TN

If you work for an institution or organization that offers a summer research opportunity and would like to have it listed on this page, please email our office at [email protected] .

NC State Summer Research

Why should you apply for summer research at NC State University?

NC State’s summer research programs offer hands-on research experience that :

• Introduce students to all aspects of research (planning experiments, managing time, writing up results, and presenting work)
• Familiarize participants with the ethical issues of research
• Enable students to work on projects that can eventually become their senior thesis
• Support students as they determine if they are truly interested in pursuing a graduate degree that involves research
• Assist students in deciding what field of research they would like to pursue
• Help students meet individuals attending other universities, making contacts that can last a lifetime
• Introduce students to mentors that can make a big difference in their future academic development
• Make students more desirable candidates to graduate school search committees
• Prepare students to be more competitive for national scholarships and fellowships
• Provide students an insider’s view of NC State if interested in graduate work

Summer research participants are housed in the same locations on NC State’s campus, which makes it easy to share experiences and make new friends with common interests and goals. In addition, summer research participants engage in several joint activities such as:

• Welcoming Reception
• Safety Training (campus and basic lab)
• Social events
• Undergraduate Research Summer Symposium
• How to Make Effective Research Poster Presentations
• Diversity in Research
• Financing Graduate Education
• NSF GRFP Panel
• Research Ethics

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NC State is a research powerhouse that overcomes global challenges and works with industry and government to improve our world.

We Solve Problems

No matter where it starts — in a lab on campus, in a field in rural North Carolina, on an island in the Pacific — all NC State research ultimately arrives at the same destination: the real world . Our faculty and students engage with real problems, and they find real solutions.

We’re a leader in big data, biomedical engineering, materials science, food safety, translational medicine and more. And our research gets results.

Results Magazine

NC State is a wellspring of big ideas and bold steps forward. Want to follow along? Our digital magazine, Results, is your source for the latest research and innovation stories coming out of campus.

From Our Labs to Your Life

NC State’s world-class researchers get straight to work solving society’s most pressing problems — and their innovative outcomes are felt locally, nationally and globally.

We develop textile technology that helps the human body heal. We raise healthier animals and grow more nutritious crops. We train best-in-class educators and bring history to life through the digital humanities. We architect smarter, more sustainable communities. We engineer efficient energy and upgrade infrastructure. We even use artificial intelligence to predict and respond to natural disasters.

Quantum computing. Data analysis. Precision agriculture. CRISPR. Tomorrow’s most advanced fields all have roots right here.

Research in Action

May 20, 2024

Study Sheds Light on Bacteria Associated With Pre-Term Birth

New findings add to the emerging picture of Gardnerella's effect on human health. 

May 14, 2024

Study Explores Role of Epigenetics, Environment in Differing Alzheimer’s Risk Between Black and White Communities

Environmentally caused alterations to genes can affect Alzheimer's risk. 

New Technique Improves Finishing Time for 3D-Printed Machine Parts

The technique allows users to identify potential flaws without having to remove printed parts from the manufacturing equipment, making production time more efficient. 

Over $583 Million in Annual Research Expenditures

NC State is No. 6 in research spending among public universities without a medical school.

A Hub for Scientific Inquiry

At NC State, we believe that research is for everyone and big ideas can come from anywhere. So we’ve turned our campus into a beacon for curious, creative thinkers of all kinds. You’ll find students, faculty members and multinational corporations alike chasing their hunches here — and joining forces to solve problems together.

We also know that the world’s grand challenges don’t mimic the neat organizational structure of a traditional university. NC State finds new ways to bridge the disciplines every day , whether it’s through our  interdisciplinary faculty clusters  or our state-of-the-art facilities designed to foster collaboration.

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launched on the basis of NC State research

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Innovation is a team sport. That’s why we reach out to partners across the public and private sectors in our search for global solutions.

NC State’s Centennial Campus, an award-winning national model for public-private research campuses , houses more than 70 government, industry and nonprofit partners alongside an equal number of NC State research and academic units.

In every partnership — from driving innovation with the National Science Foundation to helping businesses bring ideas to market — we work for more than our own interests: We seek solutions that will serve all of society.

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Nurturing Research Know-How, One Student at a Time

The Office of Undergraduate Research gives students a one-stop shop to ask questions, acquire mentorship and access hands-on research experiences — in whichever directions their interests lead.

Are you an undergraduate dreaming of making your mark in the world of research, but don’t know where to start? NC State’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs offers a welcoming gateway for any student to launch a journey of growth and discovery through scholarly investigation.

“We connect undergraduates with mentors and opportunities and give them the scaffolding to support their entire research experience,” said OUR Associate Director Catherine Showalter. “Our mission is to make sure that any student who wants to take part in mentored research can take part, regardless of their discipline or lived experiences.”

Located on the second floor of D.H. Hill Jr. Library in suite 2425 — just up the stairwell from the library’s Ask Us desk and left past the Innovation Studio — OUR headquarters are housed a convenient walk or ride away from most spots around campus. Who should connect with the OUR? Any student or faculty member wishing to engage in — or support — the experience of undergraduate research at NC State.

Opportunity Through Connection

Showalter currently leads a full-time staff of two at the OUR, supplemented by a squad of part-time undergraduate employees, the OUR Ambassadors . These students come equipped with their own experiences as researchers — several current ambassadors have published or are in the process of publishing their work — and they each keep regular office hours at OUR headquarters to help counsel their peers who aspire toward research.

“Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start as an undergraduate,” said Brianna Diaz (Animal Science ‘23), an experienced student researcher of animal health who serves as an OUR Ambassador. “I was talking to one student who thought they needed an elaborate proposal just to come into the office. But at the OUR, we can help students at any point in the research process, even if they don’t yet know what direction they want to take.”

For students seeking funding to bolster their research , OUR staff stand ready to help connect them with promising opportunities and navigate the application process. These opportunities range from paid research assistant positions sponsored by the Federal Work-Study Program to individual OUR Research Awards allotted to help cover the costs of specific projects.

“A conversation goes such a long way,” said Jaz Bryant (Political Science and Science, Technology and Society ‘23), who linked up with the OUR to facilitate her research into voters’ perceptions of electoral integrity. “I wanted to expand upon a project I’d started in one of my classes, and I was planning to do the research anyway. But my professor let me know about a grant opportunity, and by connecting with the OUR, I was able to apply for and receive that grant.”

The OUR’s membership in the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) supplies students and faculty with additional benefits, including access to CUR funding resources, webinars and annotated bibliographies. And thanks to the OUR’s deep — and growing — network of collaborators across NC State’s faculty, the office provides the perfect incubator for fostering mentor-student connections that complement each partners’ skill sets and focus areas.

Growth Through Experience

Once a student connects with the OUR, their field of study and personal interests fuel a conversation with OUR staff that opens up potential paths to mentorship and research . Those paths can lead students in many directions.

“Students often come in and have a specific sense of what research means: in a lab, with goggles and a pipette,” said Showalter. “And that’s certainly one way it might look. But the OUR is also here to support humanities students who are digging through historical artifacts or social work students who are interacting with people in their communities. Anything and everything that moves a field forward — we’re here to support it.”

Galen Wilcox (Aerospace Engineering and Mathematics ‘23) reached out to the OUR for help facilitating his research into fluid mechanics, which led to an opportunity to verify through experimentation a set of results he predicted through mathematical analysis.

Supported by faculty mentors Ryan Murray, assistant professor in the College of Sciences, and Mark Pankow, associate professor in the College of Engineering, Wilcox’s project called for him to inject fluorescent dye into a liquid-filled cylinder composed of two concentric layers: an inner and outer ring. He then spun these rings at differing speeds to disperse the dye and simulate the natural instabilities between fluid layers in rotating systems — like hurricane eyewalls — illustrating his math in real-time. This experimentation, nurtured through the OUR, not only gave Wilcox valuable hands-on experience in the lab; it empowered his growth in unexpected ways.

“The creativity of the research process really speaks to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore it through this project,” said Wilcox. “This particular experiment, for example, has made me a surprisingly good candidate to study planetary science, even though I’m coming from an aerospace engineering and math background.”

Ishita Pai Raikar (Computer Engineering ‘25) — who was originally drawn to NC State by the university’s focus on what she called “the power of interdisciplines” — harnessed the OUR’s support to develop a research project that united her major in computer engineering with her double minors in philosophy and cognitive science.

After reaching out to the OUR early in her freshman year, Pai Raikar was connected with Veljko Dubljevic, associate professor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Under Dubljevic’s guidance, she became the lead researcher on a project analyzing ethical and social influences rooted in media portrayals of autonomous vehicle technology. By cataloging a large body of news stories from the last several decades, Pai Raikar produced research — now under peer review — that suggests media narratives surrounding autonomous vehicles have morphed over the years, shifting from largely optimistic to decidedly pessimistic. She credits her experience developing these results with transforming her approach to problem-solving, even beyond the world of research.

“When you do research, you start thinking like a researcher in every aspect of your life,” said Pai Raikar. “Because my research was interdisciplinary, I’m now always looking for opportunities to connect the dots. I’m always asking questions like, ‘How can I leverage an existing technology for a new application?’ Research helps you think more analytically about everything.”

Confidence Through Communication

For many students, the chance to communicate their research serves to crystallize the knowledge they’ve gained while illustrating the enduring value of their experiences. The OUR hosts several events throughout the year to give students opportunities to showcase and fine-tune their growing expertise, including its flagship event, the NC State Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium , held twice a year in the spring and summer.

“The symposium is really a great way for students to practice sharing their research with others and have more of a low-stakes presentation or conference experience before they move on to a disciplinary conference, where they might have eyes on them for a graduate school or a different type of program,” said Showalter.

Diaz — the animal science major who also works as an OUR ambassador — conducted her OUR-assisted research with the College of Veterinary Medicine. For her project, she helped to immunize chicken embryos against infectious bursal disease, a deadly immunosuppressive virus that spreads easily among young chickens. Diaz then analyzed these birds’ development compared to chickens who had not been immunized, with her research suggesting clear health benefits for those birds vaccinated while still in the egg.

“At the symposium I participated in last spring, I learned how to communicate my research in a way where, hopefully, even people who are not in my field are able to take something from it,” said Diaz. “Through those kinds of experiences, I feel like I’ve seen a possible career path open up in informal education — combining my expertise with animals and the communication skills I’m developing, possibly in a museum setting.”

awarded to students in 2021-2022 for research and creative activities through OUR Research Awards and the Federal Work-Study Program.

40+ Student Researchers

presented at the 2022 State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium.

3 Student Researchers

selected to present at the 2022 National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

The OUR can also help students apply for and prepare to present their work at larger conferences , like the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Bryant — the senior who connected with the OUR to facilitate her research into voter sentiments around election integrity — was among more than 40 NC State students who presented at the SNCURCS in the fall of 2022. Her project, “Sore Losers: The Winner’s Effect in the 21st Century,” looked at polling data from major national elections and showed that voters whose favored candidates lost their contests were more likely to believe that voting irregularities had occurred.

More than simply offering electoral insights, Bryant’s research — and that of the other students supported by the OUR — reflects what NC State’s drive to Think and Do is all about: sparking innovation and creativity in growing minds, and empowering them to contribute those gifts to their communities.

“The highlight for me was that someone from the election board actually came and asked me questions about my project,” said Bryant. “It was nerve-wracking because I’d been studying the topic for six months, and it was her whole career. But it was also great because it showed me that my research was not just interesting to me — it had value to people out there in the world.”

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Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)

Building: D. H. Hill Jr. Library

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) works to support and promote discovery–, inquiry–, scholarship–, and creativity-based opportunities through mentored research experiences. The OUR assists students in identifying mentors and exciting research opportunities in their field. The OUR offers support to the student through undergraduate research grants and opportunities to communicate their research to others, including multiple research symposiums, a research journal, funding to national conferences to present their research, and research exploration events.

• Enter the Hill Library from the Brickyard entrance.
• Go through the library gates and turn right.
• Continue towards the reading room and the elevator bay will be on your left. 
• Take the elevator to the second floor.
• Turn left after exiting the elevator bay.
• The Office of Undergraduate Research is on the left, after the Innovation Studio.
• Continue towards the reading room and the stairs will be on your left.
• Take the stairs to the second floor, and turn left out of the stairwell.

Hillsborough St.

• Enter the Hill Library from the Hillsborough St. entrance.
• Go straight through the gates and turn left.
• Continue down the hallway until you reach the stairs and elevator.
• Take the elevator to the first floor.
• Continue straight across the lobby.
• Turn left before entering the Learning Commons.
• Continue straight past the right side of the lobby and around the brick wall to the elevators.
• Take the elevators up to the second floor.
• Turn left out of the elevator bay
• Continue straight into the South Tower.
• After passing the main stairs, turn left and continue toward the elevators.
• Take the stairs to the first floor.
• Continue straight to the stairs on the right. 
• Take the stairs to the second floor.
• Turn left after exiting the stairwell.
• The Office of Undergraduate Research is on your left, after the Innovation Studio.

View the building map of the Hill Library

Office of Undergraduate Research

(919) 513-0095

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Our award-winning faculty and researchers work with students to solve pressing global challenges in nearly every area of the biological sciences.

Interdisciplinary research is an integral part of the educational experience in our department, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We are a place where the brightest minds can gather to tackle problems that matter to the world, including sustainability, genetic mapping and effects of environmental exposure on human health.

Research is a key part of our graduate programs . Our ~100 graduate students work in cutting-edge research across a broad range of disciplines. The experience they gain prepares them for further graduate study or careers in research and teaching in the academic, government, and private sectors.

Undergraduates also participate actively in research within our department and across the university through partner programs.

We have researchers working across many disciplines, broadly categorized into eight areas:

• Bioinformatics 
• Ecology & Evolution 
• Functional Genomics 
• Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience & Behavior 
• Molecular & Cellular Biology 
• Paleobiology & Forensic Anthropology 
• Toxicology 

Active Research Awards in BioSci Exceeded $78M (2023)

We are one of the leaders at NC State in annual research expenditures, an indicator of a vibrant research enterprise.

Outrageous Heads Led to Outrageously Large Dinosaurs

Tyrannosaurus rex and other large meat-eating theropods were the biggest baddies on the prehistoric block, and ornaments on their heads could help us figure out why. New research shows that theropod dinosaur species with bony crests, horns and knobs evolved to giant body sizes 20 times faster than those species lacking such embellishments and that theropod dinosaurs most closely related to birds abandoned the hard ornaments strategy of their ancestors and likely used feathers for visual communication.

BioSci Faculty and Students Published over 500 Articles in the Last 5 Years

Research resources.

Our department offers graduate programs in a variety of relevant and cutting-edge areas. Explore our program offerings.

Undergraduate Research

We offer a number of opportunities for our undergraduate students to gain valuable experience with research. Find out more.

Facilities and Centers

Learn about the facilities and research and service centers that support our the thriving research in our department.

Undergraduate Research | NC State ISE

Undergraduate Research

The Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at NC State (ISE) is ranked among the top ISE departments in the United States on a wide variety of subjects from 3D-printing manufacturing technologies to streamlining healthcare systems to using virtual reality for rehabilitation.

ISE RISE Program

• Are you interested in conducting research and being mentored by faculty, post-doctoral fellows and advanced graduate students?
• Would you like to know how to prepare for and pursue a Ph.D. degree?
• Does spending time on the beautiful campus of NC State appeal to you?
• Will you have completed at least your sophomore year of college by next summer?

You may be the right candidate for the ISE RISE ( R esearch  I nternship  S ummer  E xperience) Program.

Why is this Experience Important?

Undergraduate research is intended to provide an opportunity for you to get involved in scientific research. This experience is especially helpful if you are interested in graduate study towards an MS or Ph.D. degree immediately after completing the undergraduate degree. Here is how undergraduate research becomes helpful:

• By closely working with graduate students on cutting edge projects funded by industry or government agencies, undergraduate you can have a pretty good idea if you would enjoy a career path in scientific research.
• By working in laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for research, You — the undergraduate research assistant — can gain valuable skills unattainable in undergraduate laboratories.
• Practical research experience is a skill premium when you apply to graduate school for further study, or to government agencies, or corporations for employment.
• All graduate schools (and better companies) ask for letters of recommendation. A letter from a research supervisor can help you a great deal.

When is a Good Time to Start Undergraduate Research?

Typically, you apply for undergraduate research positions after you complete your sophomore year. It is unlikely that you will secure a position without completing any of the ISE courses. Furthermore, taking introductory courses such as ISE 215 and ISE 216 helps you understand what industrial and systems engineers do in different specialization areas. This is key in identifying the right project for you.

How can a Student get Involved in Undergraduate Research?

The undergraduate research positions are competitive; therefore, a good academic standing will be helpful. Most faculty will be very interested in discussing their research projects with you.

Make an appointment with an ISE advisor to talk about your technical interests and future career goals. The coordinator will identify a few members of the ISE faculty involved in the type of work you are interested in, and contact them on your behalf to find out if a position can be created for you. Before meeting with the coordinator, you are advised to review the faculty research page to identify faculty members who are interested in the same sort of work you want to do.

REU Projects

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) are competitive research programs in the United States. REU’s support active research participation by undergraduate students studying in many fields including science, engineering, and mathematics.

Research Experience Utility

Check out the latest research opportunities provided by our faculty, submit your application to get started, or fill out a general interest application for any future opportunities that may become available.

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We believe that research can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your undergraduate experience. Research offers opportunities to make pioneering discoveries at the forefront of science, using instrumentation and techniques far more sophisticated than those you would encounter in standard laboratory courses. Concepts you learn in lecture courses come to life as you apply them in real situations.

For students considering graduate studies, it is a chance to work alongside graduate students, postdoctoral associates and world-class faculty to experience firsthand some aspects of graduate training. Our undergraduate students often coauthor peer-reviewed publications and are afforded numerous opportunities to present their research at conferences at the local, national and international levels.

For opportunities in specific research labs at NC State, directly contact the faculty member of interest.  For general questions about undergraduate research or for questions about CH 499, contact the Undergraduate Research Coordinator, Dr. Tatyana Smirnova .

Advantages of Undergraduate Research

• Is considered “experience” by many companies
• Helps you focus on career choices
• Offers you a chance to “do” chemistry
• Provides you with a hands-on experience with instrumentation
• Allows you to earn course credit (CH 499)
• Allows you to compete for scholarships
• Allows you to get published!

Research Opportunities for Undergraduates

• Research in the Department of Chemistry
• U-TEAM : Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Training in Comparative Biomedical Research
• Integrated Computational and Experimental (ICE) REU Program at NC State
• CURiOuS (Connecting Undergraduates to Research Opportunities in the Sciences)
• National Science Foundation-sponsored Summer Research Programs
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory Summer Undergraduate Research Programs

Undergraduate Research at MAE

Why is Undergraduate Research important?

Completing undergraduate research has many benefits. If you choose not to pursue an advanced degree, students with undergraduate research experience have knowledge of advanced engineering topics and experimental procedures that can lead to increased employment options. You will have practical experience to talk about on job interviews and you get a chance to build skills related to teamwork and verbal and written communication.For those interested in pursuing an advanced engineering degree (such as a Master of Science or PhD), completing undergraduate research gives you insight into the tasks and expectations associated with being a graduate student. The personal statement that you write on graduate school applications will be more direct, have a clear focus, and will allow a department to understand if your research interests align with those of their faculty. Further, many fellowships that provide support for graduate school require prior research experience. If you are considering a graduate research fellowship (such as those supported by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, etc.), undergraduate experience beyond a single semester will significantly strengthen your application packet.

All students completing undergraduate research also gain experience working with department faculty. You will establish a relationship with your advisor that may introduce you to pathways you didn’t know existed, to collaborators in government labs, industry, and other academic institutions, and can lead to a letter of recommendation where they have the ability to discuss your strengths as an employee.

How do I get started?

It is up to you to make contact with faculty members in MAE  and explore options. Talk to faculty members teaching your classes, explore faculty websites, walk around EBIII and read research posters outside all of our laboratories- these are all ways to learn what opportunities may exist.  To follow are various options for how undergraduate research is conducted within MAE.

Course Credit Research (MAE 496) Show More

Students can receive course credit for conducting their research. First, you must find a research advisor that shares a common interest. We recommend browsing the individual pages of the department’s faculty so that you can understand the major focus of their work and the types of research conducted by that research group (experimental, computational/simulation-based, a mixture). Reach out to faculty with a personalized email that describes your academic background, why you find their research interesting, and what types of experiences you are interested in.Once a research relationship has been established, you and your faculty research advisor can develop a research project suitable for course credit. As part of the MAE 496 experience, you and your advisor will construct a research agreement that has mutually agreed upon requirements and expectations. It is important to remember that students who receive course credit for research may not receive pay for the same tasks/deliverables.

How to sign up:

MAE students who have identified a faculty advisor and want to pursue the  for-credit  route for undergraduate research can fill out the  MAE 496 Sign-Up Request Form  before the beginning of the upcoming semester. This form will be reviewed by the MAE UG Advising office. If all the requested information is properly submitted, and the professor confirms advisement, the office will enroll you in MAE496.

MAE 496 Guidelines:

Course Title:  MAE 496 Undergraduate Project Work in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Units:  1-3 (students may apply up 6 credit hours of MAE 496 toward ME or AE degree requirements) Offering:  Fall, Spring and Summer Requisites:  Successful completion of at least some 300-level MAE lecture courses. Course Description:  Individual or group project in undergraduate-level design, analysis or research in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Work is performed under the direction of an MAE faculty advisor. The student provides a project proposal, interim report, and final report.

Assignments: 1. Project proposal 2. Midterm report 3. Final report and  project summary PPT slide * Students will receive more information about project guidelines as well as reminder emails from the MAE undergraduate office for each of the deadlines listed above.

Contact information for questions:

• Enrollment, credits, and questions: Cheryl Tran

Paid Opportunities and Sources of Funding Show More

When you are conducting research that is not being counted toward class credit, it is possible to be paid for conducting research. While individual faculty may have funds that can be used for your research effort, there are additional programs that can provide funding for undergraduate research:

NCSU Office of Undergraduate Research Student Financial Support Grants

• Offers fall and spring grants in April/May prior to the next academic year
• Offers spring only grants in September/October prior to the next spring semester
• Offers summer grants in February/March

NC Space Grant Undergraduate Research Scholarships

• Research can be conducted during 10 weeks over the summer or during the academic year

NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates

• This program by the National Science Foundation allows students to work at various REU sites across the country conducting research on a specific project.
• These projects typically occur over the summer months
• Undergraduate students supported must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.

Department faculty

• Faculty may have projects where they have already specified funds for an undergraduate researcher or a temporary employee. Faculty with an active NSF award may request an undergraduate research supplement that can awarded to an eligible undergraduate student.

MAE Undergraduate Research Scholars Program Show More

• To expose MAE undergraduate students to research
• Work in a faculty research laboratory
• Work with graduate students and learn about graduate school
• Wide range of research areas such as Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Propulsion and Space Exploration Systems Dynamics, Vibrations, Controls, and System Design Structural Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing Thermal Sciences and Energy Systems Biomedical and Biological Systems Nanoscale Science and Engineering

Eligibility

Matriculated AE or ME undergraduate student, 3.0 or above GPA preferred

Duration & Stipend

Two semester program—$2000 scholarship per semester. renewal for a second semester based on acceptable progress

Application Procedure

• Must be nominated by a faculty advisor.
• Reach out to MAE Faculty to express interest in the program to explore possible projects.

Application Deadline

August 30, 2023 (to receive full consideration)

Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Undergraduate research in an invaluable experience for students. It gives insight into what a career in research or even graduate school will be like. As a student in BAE, there are many opportunities to get involved with faculty, sometimes even over multiple years. For this reason, BAE students are ready to hit the ground running after graduation. This makes them highly sought after job candidates by government, industry and other top-ranked research universities. Learn more about undergraduate research at NC State here .

Pigs, Poultry, the Planet and Data-Driven Problem-Solving: Undergraduate Summer Fellowship

Pigs, Poultry, the Planet and Data-Driven Problem-Solving,  also known as P4, is a Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates summer fellowship program. The P4 program is designed to develop the next generation of data-savvy food animal production professionals, extension associates, and researchers. P4 fellows learn how to apply data-driven analytics and problem-solving to address issues surrounding global intensification of poultry and swine production. The program takes place at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, in partnership with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

Learn more about this opportunity and specific projects here .

BAE Research and Educational Enhancement Projects (REEP)

 The BAE Research and Educational Enhancement Projects (REEP) are an opportunity for undergraduates to design and conduct research under the supervision of a BAE faculty mentor. These undergraduate research projects provide students a hands-on setting to dive deeper into topics learned in the classroom. Additionally, students develop and sharpen skills for success in graduate school and industry, such as project and time management, procurement of materials, independent and critical thinking, written and verbal communication, etc. Read about current REEP projects here .

REEP Highlights:

• One academic year (Fall and Spring semesters).
• $4,000 total stipend, plus an additional $500 for project-related expenses.
• Present research to NCSU Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Spring semester.
• Submit a research article to the ASABE KK Barnes Undergraduate Student Paper Award Competition.

For more information contact Dr. Lucie Guertault .

National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates

BAE has hosted several National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) students. Dani Winter, BAE alumna, participated in an NSF undergraduate research program under the guidance of François Birgand. In addition to the research she had been participating in for much of her undergraduate career in BAE, she was chosen for the NSF REU program. As part of the NSF REU, she conducted her own tracer study to determine the water quality of a stream after restoration. Undergraduate research prepared Dani for graduate school, which she has started in a Ph.D. program at Purdue University.

Dragonfly Pond Works Scholars Program

Dragonfly Pond Works  is an environmental service company specializing in lake and pond management. After representatives were invited to speak with students in an Ecological Restoration Implementation class. Read more about the program here .

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate students can be a part of this excitement, gain invaluable experience and have fun at the same time! The ECE faculty welcomes and encourages undergraduate student participation in many research projects funded by industry and/or government agencies.

Undergraduate research is typically performed as volunteer work and it can start as early as the second semester of the sophomore year. Some of the research positions offer stipends for summer or for the whole year.

Why is this experience important?

Undergraduate research is intended to provide an opportunity for the student to get involved in scientific research. This experience is especially helpful if a student is interested in graduate study towards an MS or Ph.D. degree immediately after completing the undergraduate degree. Here is how the undergraduate research becomes helpful:

• By closely working with graduate students on cutting edge projects funded by industry or government agencies, undergraduate students can have a pretty good idea if they would enjoy a career path in scientific research.
• By working in laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for research, an undergraduate research assistant can gain valuable skills unattainable in undergraduate laboratories.
• Practical research experience is a skill premium for undergraduate students who apply to graduate school for further study, or to government agencies or corporations for employment.
• All graduate schools (and better companies) ask for letters of recommendation. A letter from a research supervisor can help the application a great deal.

When is a good time to start Undergraduate Research?

Typically, students apply for undergraduate research positions after they complete the first semester of the sophomore year. It is unlikely that a student will secure a position without completing any of the ECE courses. Furthermore, taking the introductory courses such as ECE200 and ECE209 help the students understand what electrical and computer engineers do in different specialization areas. This is key in identifying the right project for the student.

How can a student get involved in undergraduate research?

The undergraduate research positions are competitive; therefore, a good academic standing will be helpful. Most faculty will be very interested in discussing their research projects with you.

Make an appointment with the Coordinator for Undergraduate Research to talk about your technical interests and future career goals. The coordinator will identify a few members of the ECE faculty involved in the type of work you are interested in, and contact them on your behalf to find out if a position can be created for you. Before meeting with the coordinator, you are advised to review the faculty research page to identify faculty members who are interested in the same sort of work you want to do.

Undergraduate Researcher Tool

Check out the latest research opportunities provided by our faculty, submit your application to get started, or fill out a general interest application for any future opportunities that may become available.

Center Programs

ASSIST REU Program

Dr. Elena Nicolescu Veety Assistant Teaching Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Education Director, ASSIST NERC Phone : 919.513.0178 Email : [email protected]

FREEDM REU Program

Dr. Pam Carpenter Education Director, FREEDM Systems Center Phone : 919.513.8335 Email : [email protected]

PowerAmerica Undergraduate Research Scholars

Dr. Pam Carpenter Education Director, PowerAmerica Institute Phone : 919.513.8335 Email : [email protected]

Undergraduate Program - Undergraduate Research or Independent Study

Computer Science majors have the opportunity to engage in independent coursework by completing an undergraduate research project or independent study project mentored by a CSC faculty member. The projects provide students with the opportunity to engage with advanced problem solving and explore computing outside of the standard coursework.

• First or second year students wishing to participate in undergraduate research should enroll in CSC 299.
• Students working on an independent study project enroll in CSC 498.
• Junior or higher students working on undergraduate research enroll in CSC 499.

CSC 299 may count as a maximum of three hours of Other Restricted Elective (Group A). Undergraduate students may wish to substitute hours of CSC 498/499 for a Computer Science Restricted Elective or Other Restricted Elective. These substitutions must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Programs on a case-by-case basis. Substitutions will be evaluated based on a written proposal and mentor-approved written summary of their independent project experience. Students may substitute a maximum of six hours of CSC 498/499 for CSC Restricted Elective and/or Other Restricted Elective. For projects spanning two semesters/offerings of CSC 498/499, the second semester project must be a significant extension of the first semester project for continuing projects.

CSC 299, CSC 498 and CSC 499 are only offered on a credit-only ("S/U") grading basis.

CSC LIGHTNING TALKS

To help connect students with projects, the Department of Computer Science hosts the CSC Undergraduate Research Lightning Talks on the first Friday of the Fall and Spring semesters. Faculty will present a 5-minute overview of a research project they are interested in mentoring an undergraduate student on. Students can then connect with faculty to discuss establishing a mentoring relationship. You can see the current list of projects here . The list is updated before the next semester’s Lightning Talks.

Enrollment Process

Complete the following steps to register for the abovementioned classes.

• Establish contact with a Computer Science faculty member and obtain agreement for them to mentor you on a research or independent project of mutual interest. The CSC Lightning Talks and/or this document can help facilitate identifying and connecting with a mentor.
• Fill out the CSC Research/Project Enrollment Request Request Form
• Once your form is processed, a Google Drive folder will be created for you to submit your proposal document.
• Students must also submit a Course Agreement for Non-Standard Courses (please see the form here ) with their signature and their faculty mentor’s signature to the Google Drive folder.
• Your mentor will also need to sign the Non-Standard Course form, a virtual signature is acceptable.
• The deadlines for proposals will be *the day before* Census Day for each semester.
• Students who want to use CSC 498/499 as a CSC Games Restricted Elective must receive an additional approval from Dr. David Roberts and should include him in the approval process.
• Students who want to use CSC 498/499 as a CSC Cybersecurity Restricted Elective must receive an additional approval from Dr. William Enck and should include him in the approval process.
• Students who want to use CSC 498/499 as a CSC AI Restricted Elective must receive an additional approval from Dr. Collin Lynch and should include him in the approval process.
• Once your mentor approves, you will be enrolled for three credit hours of credit-only work and the Director of Undergraduate Programs will sign the Non-Standard course form for the Department Head.

If approved, the proposal is then included in the student's file. Except in extraordinary circumstances, permission will not be granted to substitute more than three semester hours of CSC 498/499 on the same project. Any additional hours in a second semester on a project must be a significant extension of the first semester project for continuing projects.

Proposal Components

Your proposal should be in a Google document format, submitted to your assigned Google Drive folder, and must contain the following elements:

• NAME, TITLE, and MENTOR : List your NAME, the TITLE of the project, and the Computer Science FACULTY member who has agreed to supervise your work.
• SEMESTER : Indicate the semester in which course will be taken.
• PROJECT TYPE : Indicate if the project is undergraduate research or independent development .
• PREREQUISITES : A 498/499 project must depend explicitly on lower-division CSC coursework. List the lower-division (100- to 300-level) COURSES on which your project work will depend. These courses function as virtual "prerequisites", so they should be courses that you will have completed before the project semester.
• CSC 299: Research Project: Include the problem statement, research goal, research questions or hypotheses, and planned methods for addressing or answering the research questions or hypotheses as appropriate for the portion of the project you worked on. Situate the research goal in the relevant literature. Discuss what you learned about the research process.
• CSC 498: Independent Study Project: The content of the proposal will vary depending on the nature of the project. If the proposal is for a software development project, include the problem statement, requirements, and initial design for the system. Describe how you will evaluate the correctness, performance, reliability, and security of the system you are developing and the done criteria for a minimum viable system and stretch goals. Describe the expected learning outcomes from the experience.
• CSC 499: Research Project: Include the problem statement, research goal, research questions or hypotheses, and planned methods for addressing or answering the research questions or hypotheses. Situate the research goal in the relevant literature.
• TIMELINE and MILESTONES : Provide an overview of the project’s progress over the semester. We encourage breaking the timeline down to 2-week cycles. Build in buffer time for something to go wrong (because it will!)
• DELIVERABLES & GRADING : Identify the deliverables for the project by including the minimum deliverables for satisfactory completion of the project and any additional stretch goals. You are required to have a deliverable of a Final Report. Identify when an incomplete in the course would be appropriate.

Completion Expectations

Students are expected to work on their project throughout the semester. The expectation is a minimum for 45 hours must be completed for each credit hour earned. For 3 credit hours, the expectation would be a total of 135-150 hours on the project during the semester; that is about 9 hours of work per week. We strongly encourage weekly meetings with your faculty mentor or a graduate student representative to keep you on task with your project.

The final deliverable is a Final Report, which must be approved by your faculty mentor and must be submitted at least 72 hours before the grade submission deadline .

• Submit your Final Report to the same Google Drive folder that was created for you at the beginning of the term.
• Please work with your mentor to find a due date that works for both of you as they will need to review and submit the grade before grades are due. Please consult the University Calendar for when Grades are due to the University; submission of the approved final report is required at least 72 hours before the grade submissions deadline for the given semester.
• Once a grade of S is assigned in MyPack, you should complete the degree audit course shift form (with a link to your report) so we may move your now completed course to the appropriate slot in your degree audit.

Final Report Requirement

Students will submit a summary of their project experience to their faculty mentor as part of the completion of the course. The faculty mentor-approved final report should be saved to the student's individual Google Drive folder as created when enrolled to signal completion of the project experience. The report may be submitted in PDF format.

The contents of the final report will vary by the type of project, research or independent development project. Group research/projects may have overlap in certain categories, but items unique to the individual must be a student's own work. Reflection elements, contributions, and other items should not be duplicated between team members.

The research final report will include the following elements and should be formatted using a template appropriate for the subdiscipline (e.g., ACM or IEEE templates).

• Project Title
• Student Name & Student ID #
• Mentor Name

Only include the research elements that were appropriate for your project.

• Abstract of the research project that includes the problem statement, research goals/questions/hypotheses, statement of methodology, and summary of results/conclusions/contributions as appropriate for the work.
• Problem Statement
• Short Literature Summary
• Methodology/Process
• Results/Contribution
• Reflect on the experience, what you learned about the research process, how the project evolved, and any significant scope change from the proposed project (you should describe why the scope changed and what you learned from it).

The independent study final report will include the following elements:

• Requirements
• High-level design
• Low-level design
• Implementation details including development environment and project structure overview
• Unit and System testing
• Installation and setup guidelines
• Discussion of topics studied and tasks completed
• Findings/results/contributions
• Limitations/Challenges and how you overcame them
• Reflect on the experience, how the project evolved, and any significant scope change from the proposed project (you should describe why the scope changed and what you learned from it).

CSC 499: Research Final Report

• Abstract of the research project that includes the problem statement, research goals/questions/hypotheses, statement of methodology, and summary of results/conclusions/contributions.

Reflection Elements

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Find YOUR Place in Undergraduate Research

Use this website  as your starting point to learn about the many opportunities for NC State students in undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activities. There are opportunities for students to communicate their research to others through multiple research symposia, publish their research in a research journal, obtain funding for research, and present the research at national conferences and research exploration events.

Join our Google Group

Receive emails for deadlines, opportunities, and special events. To join, you will need to log into the NC State Unity system and search for “ NCSU Undergraduate Research Info ” Google Group and then join.

Browse our research-related opportunities and information for NC State undergraduate students interested in engaging in independent or collaborative research with faculty members and research professionals

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Meet the Office of Undergraduate Research’s New Director, Janet Goins

Goins brings nearly 20 years of Ph.D. and field experience in scientific research, education and communication to NC State.

Throughout her undergraduate education at the University of Tennessee, Janet Goins followed a pre-med track. It wasn’t until her senior year that a professor convinced her to conduct research outside the classroom, but she was immediately hooked once she did.

“I got so addicted to doing research, and when he offered to mentor me as a Ph.D. student I said ‘Yes, please,’” Goins laughed. “When I share this story with students now, I actually joke with them that this was a terrible way to choose to go to graduate school. I talk a lot with students about decision-making, and if we graded my decision-making process, that was a bad process, but I got lucky with the result.”

As the new director of NC State’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), Goins aims to help others find and follow their passion for research — in whatever form it takes.

“When I learned about this job, I was really excited by the emphasis on equity in research and redefining research to mean things that we don’t traditionally think about,” Goins said. “I think sometimes we get stuck thinking it’s just the scientific method, and I love this idea of making sure that students, no matter where they are, think about research as available to them.”

The Journey to NC State

Following the discovery of her own love for research, Goins went on to earn a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Tennessee. Along the way, she was a graduate research assistant and studied marine algae and the viruses that affect them and their impact on local and global ecosystems. Her work also took her outside her home state to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she worked as a postdoctoral fellow for the Nebraska Center for Virology. Another fellowship took her to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the American Society for Microbiology and produced multiple learning modules for professionals in the field and gained experience in science communications. She drew national attention for her work on the organization’s Annual Agar Art Contest, where she encouraged microbiologists to submit fun designs with the microbacteria they grew on Petri dishes. Entries were shared on social media, and followers voted on their favorites, including one that resembled the New York City skyline.

For the next several years, Goins worked at universities in California, starting as a postdoctoral scholar and lecturer at the University of California Irvine. She was then promoted to director of educational outreach, where she oversaw the Water PIRE (Partnerships for International Research and Education) program. Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, Goins started and led an initiative called UPP (Undergraduate PIRE Program) Down Under. Through the experience, students had the opportunity to study wetlands in Southeast Australia for two weeks in the summer and share their findings through outreach events with the public and local grade school students. 

More recently, Goins was the associate director for Undergraduate Research Center-Sciences at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), where she introduced a campus-wide science journal and created an online research portal, which she describes as “Indeed.com but for research.” The platform allowed students to create profiles and search for research and scholarship opportunities posted by faculty. Goins also partnered with UCLA’s career center to share off-campus opportunities.

In the last year before joining the staff at NC State, Goins led the expanded department of Washington University’s research experiences for biology majors and taught best practices in mentoring to research mentors. While she enjoyed the work, she found herself getting more involved in teaching rather than research and missed collaborating on projects with undergraduates.

“I think one of the things I love so much about this kind of work is watching students blossom in their place,” Goins said. “I love seeing the imaginary light bulb go off over their head, or the look of joy they have when they win a scholarship or nail a presentation they were nervous about.”

A Warm Welcome to the Wolfpack

When interviewing for her new role with the OUR at NC State, Goins immediately bonded with the faculty and staff. She also enjoyed a mutual love for food and humor in the workplace. Visitors to her office will notice a viking ship left behind by her predecessor on the top shelf of her book case — with a crew of plush microbes that she added.

“I felt like everyone I got to interact with during the interviews had a good head on their shoulders and a genuine passion for the work they do,” she said. “I liked that everyone appreciated the value of continually looking to change and improve.”

I want the Office of Undergraduate Research to be seen as advocates for the students and advocates for the faculty and staff who are working on behalf of the students and trying to help them that way.

Likewise, Goins’ new colleagues are pleased to have her on board.

“We’re delighted to have Dr. Goins join the OUR team,” said Holly Hurlburt, associate dean and executive director of Academic Enrichment Programs. “She brings experience from multiple research-1 universities and a lot of enthusiasm for the work empowering all students through research and creative activities. She joins OUR at a moment of strength and growth, thanks to the excellent work of Associate Director Dr. Catherine Showalter.”

Outside of work, Goins loves gardening and hanging out with her dog and two cats. She also loves video games and board games, and has already become a regular at Side Quest Game Bar and Lounge in downtown Raleigh, where she has been part of multiple Dungeons and Dragons campaigns.

“I love games and would actually like to see more of an appreciation for them in society,” Goins said. “I’ve seen articles recently about using games as therapy for young children. I know for me, especially during the pandemic, gaming became a lifeline to be able to connect with friends all around the world.”

Goins is excited to join the Wolfpack and help students navigate their research and career paths, and she welcomes students and faculty to reach out about partnerships and collaborations. 

“I want us to be a valuable partner to everyone on campus,” Goins said. “I want the Office of Undergraduate Research to be seen as advocates for the students and advocates for the faculty and staff who are working on behalf of the students and trying to help them that way.”

Learn more about the Office of Undergraduate Research on their website, https://undergradresearch.dasa.ncsu.edu/  

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BTEC: Meeting the needs of a growing biomanufacturing workforce

Published May 30, 2024

BTEC’s mission to develop skilled professionals for the biomanufacturing industry is now more critical than ever. Job growth in North Carolina’s biopharmaceutical industry is expected to increase by 25% over the next few years, from 32,000 in 2023 to 40,000 by 2026, according to a 2023 report by the North Carlina Biotechnology Center. A recent case in point: 680 jobs will be created by FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies ’ $1.2 billion expansion of its large-scale cell culture biomanufacturing site in Holly Springs, which Gov. Roy Cooper announced recently (source: North Carolina Department of Commerce ).

Jennifer Pancorbo, BTEC’s director of Industry Programs and Research, recently spoke to Spectrum News about how the center provides individuals with the education and training to work in this growing field. BTEC’s undergraduate, graduate and industry-training programs provide learners with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment in the facility’s simulated cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) pilot plant. Enrollment by NC State students in BTEC programs is robust, with many courses routinely at capacity, and BTEC’s industry training is also in demand. In addition, the center operates a Contract Services program, headed by Pancorbo, which provides process development, analytical testing and development, and technology evaluation to industry, government and academic organizations.

Two representatives from FUJIFILM Diosynth currently sit on BTEC’s Advisory Board, which includes representatives from biopharmaceutical firms, industry-related organizations, NC State, and BioNetwork, the North Carolina Community College System’s life science training initiative.

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NCICU Announces the 2024 Undergraduate Research Award Recipients

North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the prestigious Undergraduate Research Award. This year, 11 outstanding students received stipends for their exemplary work in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and psychology.

The NCICU Undergraduate Research Award program aims to support students from NCICU’s 36 colleges and universities actively engaged in undergraduate research. The undergraduate research endowment, established by NCICU with generous contributions from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation and other corporate and foundation donors, funds stipends of varying amounts based on the types of projects students are undertaking.

These talented students, classified as juniors or seniors for the 2024-2025 academic year, have demonstrated exceptional research skills and a dedication to academic excellence. They will have the esteemed opportunity to present their projects at the annual State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS), a collaborative initiative between NCICU and the University of North Carolina, further highlighting the importance of their work.

The 2024 SNCURCS Symposium, scheduled for the fall, will provide a platform for the award recipients to showcase their research findings and engage with scholars from across the state. More information about the symposium will be available to the participants during the upcoming summer and fall semesters.

The recipients of the 2024 NCICU Undergraduate Research Award are:

Charlotte Dagli >

Samantha Giraldo >

Kyndal Elaina Jackson >

Kyle Kellar >

Michaela Lantz >

Tuyet Anh Nguyen >

Clare Pilson >

Carter Stoke >

Rachel VanWinkle >

Ronaldo Williams >

Austin Wise >

Charlotte Dagli junior, biology major (pre health), Charlottesville, VA Elon University

The overarching objective of Charlotte Dagli’s study is to Enhance Reovirus oncolytic capacity in malignant fibrosarcoma cells via targeted viral evolution and combination therapy. To accomplish this goal, she studies panel strains and variants and the combinatorial impacts of Reovirus.

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Samantha Giraldo junior, biology major (pre-med track) with a minor in humanities and chemistry, Kannapolis, NC Catawba College

Samantha Giraldo’s primary objectives were to ascertain whether total or partial inhibition of polyamine biosynthesis lowers the viability of HBZ-expressing cells and to investigate the overall transcriptional profiles of HBZ-expressing cells using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to assess how HBZ affects metabolic activity.

Kyndal Elaina Jackson senior, biology major (biomedical emphasis), Gaffney, SC Gardner-Webb University

Kyndal Jackson’s studies focus on ascertaining the effects of caraway seed oil and contrasting them with the essential oils that were initially examined.

Kyle Kellar senior, chemistry major, Fuquay-Varina, NC Campbell University

Kyle Kellar’s research deals with the multistep synthesis tested with students for the first time in Organic II laboratory sections at Campbell University under IRB approval. The objective of this study was to gather and examine student data over two years to submit a manuscript for publication in the Journal of Chemical Education.

Michaela Lantz senior, biochemistry major, Lebanon, PA Catawba College

Michaela Lantz’s study determines whether or not reproductive malignancies, such as ovarian and cervical tumors, exhibit this biphasic activity. Furthermore, by observing a biphasic response, we expect to understand better the biological mechanisms involved.

Tuyet Anh Nguyen junior, chemistry major, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Gardner-Webb University

Tuyet Anh Nguyen’s study focuses on the oil extracted from star anise (Illicium verum), synthesizing the antiviral Oseltamivir. In analyzing the oil, she will conduct tests on her findings and present her discoveries at a conference later in the fall 2024 academic year.

Clare Pilson senior, biology major, Raleigh, NC Meredith College

Clare Pilson’s study, which lasted four semesters, has the main objective of determining whether the amphibian CORT can be quantified from dermal swabs using ELISA kits. This study also aims to address current Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection rates using skin swabs from eight Wake County Parks.

Carter Stoke junior, exercise science major, Clayton, NC Elon University

Carter Stoke’s study found that high theacrine doses can influence cardiovascular function, enhance cognitive abilities, and alter stress response, highlighting its potential as a mental and performance enhancer with specific physiological impacts.

Rachel VanWinkle junior, biochemistry (pre-med) major, Lillington, NC Campbell University

Rachel VanWinkle’s use of thiamine-dependent enzymes represents a significant advancement in synthetic chemistry. This method utilizes the natural catalytic abilities of thiamine-dependent enzymes to form carbon-carbon bonds between carbonyl compounds and alkyl halides.

Ronaldo Williams senior, biology major, Kingston, Jamaica Chowan University

Ronaldo Williams suggests that thymol can effectively improve wheat germination and early growth, offering a natural method to support crop resilience against these common fungal infections.

Austin Wise junior, environment & sustainability major, Corbin, KY Catawba College

Austin Wise’s study highlights the broader ecological impact of mercury pollution and the need for ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts to protect wildlife and ecosystem health.

Click here for more information about the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Independent College Fund of North Carolina Raises Nearly $3.5M in 2024

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the crucial fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU), has achieved a groundbreaking fundraising milestone by raising nearly $3.5 million during its annual campaign, which ended April 30, 2024. This impressive amount represents an outstanding 81% increase from the previous year and is the second-highest fundraising total in ICFNC’s seventy-year history.

“The incredible support we have received this year demonstrates the collective dedication to supporting students, faculty and staff, and enhancing educational opportunities in North Carolina,” said NCICU President Dr. Hope Williams. “We immensely thank all our donors and partners for their generosity.”

Of the Campaign Total of $3,456,358.39, $1,783,814.00 will support NCICU programs, $1,192,949.95 came through in-kind gifts and services, and $479,594.44 is designated for scholarships.

“We are thrilled to have surpassed our fundraising goals for 2024, which are a testament to the dedication and generosity of our supporters and a lifeline that transforms students’ lives through higher education in North Carolina,” said Colleen Kinser, Director of ICFNC. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the tireless support and belief in the mission of ICFNC and NCICU.”

One of the standout scholarships is the S.T.A.R. (Student Teacher Assistance for Retention) Scholarship, which aims to provide financial support to college seniors pursuing an educator preparation program. This scholarship received overwhelming support, with over $313,000 raised. Thanks to this commitment, numerous college seniors can now focus on their studies, classroom experience as student teachers and future careers. Notably, the Dogwood Health Trust contributed $224,000 towards scholarships, living expenses, testing stipends, and educational materials for colleges and universities in the western part of the state. The Council of Independent Colleges also made a significant contribution of $25,000, matched by generous donors including The Broyhill Family Foundation and Clancy & Theys Construction Company.

NCICU’s partnership with critical foundations led to a substantial fundraising amount of over $1.3 million this year. The contributions from The Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, The ECMC Foundation, The Bill & Malinda Gates Foundation, The John M. Belk Endowment, The Lumina Foundation, and The Teagle Foundation have enabled a pilot project involving NCICU institutions and North Carolina Community College System institutions. This project will support the design of a transfer portal for students seeking to transfer to a four-year independent college or university and it will also provide the software to enable a Reverse Transfer process between two and four-year institutions.

In addition to scholarships and programs, ICFNC received a valuable $1.2 million in-kind donation from SAS Software. This grant supports NCICU and individual campuses by offering software and training. Currently, 32 NCICU institutions are part of this program, further reinforcing the commitment to advancing education through technology.

The success of the 2024 fundraising efforts highlights the collaborative efforts and commitment of ICFNC, NCICU, donors, and partners toward creating a brighter future for higher education in North Carolina.

For more information about NCICU’s scholarships and programs, visit www.ncicu.org . To support the Independent College Fund of North Carolina, visit www.ncicu.org/give .

Meet the 2023-2024 NCICU Interns

North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) is thrilled to introduce the interns for the 2023-2024 academic year. These individuals embody our institutions’ commitment to nurturing future leaders and fostering excellence in various fields.  Their selection is a testament to the value we place on their potential contributions.

Through their internships, students gain invaluable practical experience, build networks, and contribute to innovative projects that align with NCICU’s excellence tradition.

Meet all five of the NCICU’s interns for the 2023-2024 academic year:

Michael Bowen >

Oscar Miranda Tapia >

Daveon Dunn >

Alexis A. Thompson >

Savannah Willette >

Michael Bowen Government Relations Intern Campbell University School of Law

Michael joined NCICU in May of 2024 and serves as intern for government relations and general counsel. He attended UNC-Chapel Hill for his undergraduate studies and is now a law student at Campbell University School of Law. Prior to joining NCICU, Michael completed a spring clerkship with the NC Court of Appeals. While at UNC, Michael took opportunities to intern for his Congressman on Capitol Hill, and then for the President in the White House. After passing the bar, Michael is looking to join a law firm in a government relations or general practice capacity.

Oscar Miranda Tapia Policy Intern and then Graduate of Elon University Ph.D. program at NC State University

Oscar Miranda Tapia joined NCICU in May 2024 and serves as an intern. He is also a PhD student and provost fellow at NC State University, where he is pursuing a degree in educational leadership, policy, and human development. Additionally, Oscar is a research associate at the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research and has experience working as a graduate research assistant at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation. Prior to beginning his doctoral studies, Oscar led first-generation college student initiatives at Elon University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Elon University and a master’s degree in higher education from Harvard University.

Daveon Dunn Special Projects Intern Saint Augustine’s University

Daveon D. Dunn joined NCICU in May 2024. He currently serves as an intern here at NCICU. Daveon is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. He graduated from Saint Augustine’s University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in health & physical education while working multiple jobs. Before attending Saint Augustine’s University, Daveon went to Garner High School, where he played basketball & football, which led him to play basketball at Saint Augustine’s University from 2020 to 2023.

Alexis A. Thompson Special Projects Intern Campbell University

Alexis A. Thompson is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina. She is a 2024 graduate of Campbell University where received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Pre-Law and a minor in Community Leadership and Engagement. Before attending Campbell, Alexis went to Berean Baptist Academy in Fayetteville. At school, she served as the 2023-2024 Student Body Vice President, a devoted member of Lambda Pi Chi: Communication National Honor Society, and engaged in many other organizations. She has also received honor awards ranging from the Dean’s List (3.5 GPA or higher for the academic semester) to several scholarship awards. Her experience at Campbell has been instrumental in developing her passions for legislation, and community engagement, as well as diversity and inclusion. Alexis is excited and humbled to serve as a 2023-2024 NCICU Special Projects Intern.

Savannah Willette John M. Belk Impact Fellow Elon University

Savannah Willette is a 2024 graduate of Elon University where she received a degree in Policy Studies with a minor in Communications. Outside her work with NCICU, Savannah is a John M. Belk Impact Fellow, an opportunity that has allowed her to continue her passion for education policy and advocacy in North Carolina. After graduation, Savannah intends to pursue a career that combines her interest in public policy, education reform and communications.

Click here for more information about NCICU’s staff.

NCICU Celebrates Graduation Ceremonies Across 36 Colleges & Universities

North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) is pleased to celebrate the graduation ceremonies of all 36 campuses. These ceremonies mark a significant milestone in the academic journey of over 83,000 students who hail from all 100 counties in North Carolina, 50 states, and countries around the globe.

“The dedication and academic excellence displayed by our graduates are a testament to the quality of education provided by NCICU schools,” said Dr. A. Hope Williams, President of NCICU. “We are honored to support, represent, and advocate for North Carolina Independent higher education, and these graduation ceremonies embody the culmination of our shared mission.”

NCICU institutions play a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of North Carolina. These colleges and universities collectively award one in four bachelor’s degrees and one in three graduate and professional degrees in the state. Their impact extends beyond academia, contributing significantly to the economic prosperity of North Carolina. With a combined economic impact of $14.2 billion and employing over 66,000 individuals, NCICU institutions are integral to the state’s overall public interests and future growth.

Below is a list of graduating ceremonies from each NCICU institution:

• Barton College | May 11th | 10:30 a.m.
• Belmont Abbey College | May 11th | 11:00 a.m.
• Bennett College | May 18th | 11:00 a.m.
• Brevard College | May 11th | 9:00 a.m.
• Cabarrus College of Health and Sciences | May 4th | 10 a.m.
• Campbell University | May 11th | 9 a.m. & 2 p.m.
• Catawba College | May 4th | 10 a.m.
• Chowan University | May 4th | 10 a.m.
• Davidson College | May 12th | 10 a.m.
• Duke University | May 12th | 9 a.m.
• Elon University | May 24th | 9 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
• Gardner-Webb University | May 2nd | 7 p.m.
• Greensboro College | May 4th | 10 a.m.
• Guilford College | May 18th | 9 a.m.
• High Point University | May 4th | 9 a.m.
• Johnson C. Smith University | May 19th | 11 a.m.
• Lees-McRae College | May 10th | 6 p.m.
• Lenoir-Rhyne University | May 4th | 11 a.m.
• Livingstone College | May 4th | 9 a.m.
• Louisburg College | May 18th | 11 a.m.
• Mars Hill University | May 11th | 9:30 a.m.
• Meredith College | May 11th | 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
• Methodist University | May 10th | 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Montreat College | May 11th | 2 p.m.
• NC Wesleyan College | May 4th | 10 a.m.
• Pfeiffer University | May 11th | 9 a.m.
• Queens University of Charlotte | May 4th | 9 a.m.
• Saint Andrews University | May 5th | 9 a.m.
• Saint Augustine’s University | May 4th | 9 a.m.
• Salem College | May 4th | 10 a.m.
• Shaw University | May 11th | 10 a.m.
• University of Mount Olive | April 26th | 9:30 a.m.
• Wake Forest University | May 20th | 9 a.m.
• Warren Wilson College | May 11th | 10 a.m.
• William Peace University | May 11th | 9:30 a.m.
• Wingate University | May 10th & May 11th | Both at 9 a.m.

In addition to celebrating its students’ academic achievements, NCICU is committed to supporting their success through the Independent College Fund of North Carolina and various programs , scholarships , and collaborative partnerships . These initiatives provide students with valuable resources and opportunities to excel in their educational pursuits. The impact of these programs is evident in the accomplishments of graduates across NCICU institutions.

For more information about NCICU’s scholarships and programs, visit www.NCICU.org .

Queens University of Charlotte Repeat Ethics Bowl Champion

For the second consecutive year, Queens University of Charlotte is champion of the statewide Ethics Bowl, an annual event organized by North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU). The event was held Feb. 9-10 at the North Carolina Legislative Complex in Raleigh.

Eighteen teams from NCICU campuses participated in the competition. The 2024 theme was, “Ethics in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.” Students had to consider several complicated cases involving both artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, then make their arguments about their position on the case.

Final scores were tallied, semi-finalists were announced, and the two matches set: Queens University and High Point University were paired, as were St. Augustine’s University and Montreat College. Queens and Montreat met in the finals, where Queens University prevailed.

“This year’s teams were exceptional,” said NCICU President Hope Williams. “It was clear they had done extensive research on the complex topics and developed well-organized, cohesive arguments to present to the judges. I was very impressed with all the teams.”

This was NCICU’s 13 th Ethics Bowl. Williams believes it provides unique, important opportunities for the students. “By participating in the Ethics Bowl, students learn research and presentation skills that will serve them well in their careers,” Williams said.

But the most valuable opportunity, she noted, may have been interacting with the more than 70 professionals who volunteered their time as judges or moderators and who represent many networking opportunities and careers, from law, architecture, engineering and cybersecurity to banking, nonprofits, and state agencies.

Thanks to sponsorships, the event is self-funded. That means there is no cost to students or campuses. “We are very grateful to our sponsors,” Williams said. “Several new sponsors this year also had representatives attend the event and serve as judges. They really enjoyed the experience.”

Clark Dudek, a Triangle entrepreneur and AI expert, was keynote speaker at the dinner on Friday night at the North Carolina Museum of History. He discussed how society has adapted to emerging technologies. “AI is new and may be scary [to some],” he said. “But we are working on how to connect with this new tool and learn how it can complement the rest of our tools.”

The 2024 participating colleges and universities were: Barton College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Mars Hill University, Methodist University, Montreat College, North Carolina Wesleyan University, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, St. Andrews University, Saint Augustine’s University, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University, and Wingate University.

NCICU Announces Recipients of NC Sheriffs’ Association Scholarships

RALEIGH, NC – North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities is pleased to announce recipients of this year’s North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association (NCSA) Criminal Justice Scholarship. Students at 14 private colleges and universities in North Carolina received the $2,000 awards.

NCSA provides scholarships per academic school year for criminal justice students attending a North Carolina independent college or university. Applications are sponsored by local sheriffs and recipients must be North Carolina residents. The association is the statewide organization of the state’s 100 sheriffs. Through their association, the sheriffs work to strengthen the professional law enforcement services their offices provide to the people of North Carolina.

NCICU President Hope Williams thanked the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association for supporting students pursuing a criminal justice curriculum. “We deeply appreciate this partnership with NCSA to assist students who are pursuing a career in law enforcement.” NCICU administers the program for independent college and university students.

NCICU, NC Community Colleges sign Early Childhood Education transfer agreement

Early Childhood educators with associate degrees from North Carolina community colleges will now have seamless transfer opportunities to many private North Carolina four-year colleges. The opportunities result from Friday’s [August 18] signing of a joint agreement by the State Board of Community Colleges and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU).

The State Board of Community Colleges approved the proposal for a Uniform Articulation Agreement between North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) and the North Carolina Community College System at the August 18 board meeting – expanding transfer opportunities for students pursuing careers in early childhood education.

The agreement promotes educational advancement for students enrolled in the Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at community colleges that want to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Birth-Kindergarten (BK) teaching licensure program or a Bachelor’s Degree in a related Early Childhood Education Field from select independent colleges and universities in the state.

The agreement will increase opportunities for applied associate degree early childhood educators who wish to earn baccalaureate degrees and create a more seamless – and guaranteed – transfer process for community college early childhood education students.

“This is a milestone day for our system and for our state,” said Dr. Lisa Eads, Associate Vice President of Programs at the North Carolina Community College System. “There is a critical need for early childhood professionals in North Carolina. With the signing of this agreement between NCCCS and NCICU, we are demonstrating our commitment to early childhood professionals serving children and families in our state.”

This coordinated approach should increase ECE to BK student retention and persistence and reduce time-to-degree completion. The agreement will increase the number of teachers with four-year degrees with a BK licensure and support non-teaching positions that may not require licensure, including Smart Start, Head Start, Department of Health and Human Services, and other public, private or non-profit organizations.

Students are required to meet applicable admissions criteria for the institution of their choice, including but not limited to minimum GPA and Praxis scores (only required for teacher license track).

“The North Carolina Community College System is dedicated to building talent pipelines for critical professions and industries in our state and early childhood is certainly a vital need for our state and our economy,” said System President Jeff Cox. “Our mission is to make it as easy as possible to get high-quality education and preparation for these careers.”

For many years, NCICU and the System have been working together to increase opportunities for transfer students, and this agreement is a product of that collaborative work. All 58 community colleges are approved to offer this program and are included in this agreement.

31 NC Educator Prep Programs Implement the Science of Reading

In 2022, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) established a taskforce to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative to revamp reading instruction in Educator Prep Programs (EPPs) at NCICU institutions based on the science of reading.

The science of reading is a research-backed approach, focusing on fundamental reading skills such as phonics and explicit teaching methods which offer significant benefits to young students, particularly for struggling readers. By diving deep into the mechanics of how we learn to read, from the intricacies of brain science to effective teaching strategies, the science of reading promises to bring about a transformative shift in literacy rates.

To help research, develop, and implement support systems that assist faculty to fully align their college courses with the science of reading, the Goodnight Educational Foundation provided a two-year grant to NCICU. With those funds, subgrants were distributed to all 31 EPPs on NCICU campuses to redesign literacy courses and internships. Through their work over the past year and a half, all 31 EPPs have revised their courses and most of them have added new courses and learning experiences. Deans and faculty members came together this summer to report on their progress and share initiatives that have been implemented to date.

For example, one college used some of the subgrant funds to connect with local elementary schools, building a mobile tutoring lab that they took to those schools to aid struggling readers. Another created a series of intensive workshops with its local elementary schools to aid first grade students in phonological awareness, and to demonstrate how best to intervene with struggling readers. Another institution partnered with a local K-12 school which specializes in teaching kids with learning disabilities. Together, they developed a 10-hour asynchronous course that engages future teachers in a deep dive into content that will enable them to support readers with the challenge of breaking the alphabetic code.

“We recognize that reading and comprehension are keys to student achievement at all levels of education,” said NCICU president, Hope Williams, “and we are so impressed with the collaboration among EPPs and the innovative ideas they have developed and implemented for the Science of Reading curriculum at the 31 NCICU Educator Prep Programs.”

The NCICU Task Force has been developing a Faculty Teaching Toolkit, an online database that includes handouts, videos, and readings to help faculty across the state learn and teach the science of reading.

Through this new initiative, NCICU seeks to pave the way for a future where every student, regardless of their background or learning challenges, can become a confident, proficient reader. It is a bold move in education and a significant step towards enhanced literacy in North Carolina.

Williams Receives Trailblazer Award

NCICU president, Hope Williams, has been awarded the Trailblazer Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“The North Carolina ACE Women’s Network is delighted to recognize Dr. Hope Williams with our Trailblazer Award for her sustained and outstanding contributions to advancing women in higher education,” stated Amy A. Overman, assistant provost and professor at Elon University, and state chair of the Network. “Hope’s record of advocating for equity has shaped our state’s higher education landscape in important ways.”

“I am honored to receive this award from such outstanding women leaders across our state’s higher education continuum, including NCICU, the UNC System and the NC Community College System, said Williams. “North Carolina’s ACE Women’s Network is integral to providing a support system to develop and encourage women’s leadership in higher education to the benefit of students, colleges and universities, and the entire state.”

The North Carolina ACE Network of Women Leaders, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is a part of, and shares the purpose of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) leadership programs. As such, the NC ACE Network seeks to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support women in higher education careers in North Carolina.

NCICU Spring 2023 Newsletter

Click image for full content

$2 Million Contributed to Independent College Fund

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC), the fundraising arm of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) received $2 million in cash and in-kind donations during its annual campaign which ended April 30, 2023.

The iBELONG MALE MENTORING PROGRAM SM received additional funding this year from Wells Fargo which has allowed the program to include four additional campuses and for expansion beyond two years. Sponsorships also allowed NCICU to provide an iBELONG Student Conference and Career Workshop hosted at Livingstone College.  The iBELONG program is designed to increase the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of male students of color.

Program funds also support NCICU’s annual Ethics Bowl and numerous administrative group workshops provided each year for the 36 colleges and universities under the NCICU umbrella. This year, in addition to event sponsors, all  Ethics Bowl campus teams were sponsored.

“This year we are seeing a greater connection between students and the corporate community through programmatic funding,” said ICFNC director, Colleen Kinser.  “We are excited to see where these relationships will lead in terms of internships and careers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, NCICU will continue to administer student enrichment programs that address the significant challenges employers are facing in recruiting and retaining a diverse domestic and global workforce.”

A continued focus on raising scholarship funds will help students pursue their educational goals during the 2023-24 academic year.  The donors have contributed to the following scholarships during this campaign:

These include:

• Albemarle Foundation
• Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund Scholarship
• Broyhill Family Foundation Scholarship
• CIC/UPS Education Endowment Scholarship
• Clancy & Theys Scholarship
• Dominion NC Power Scholarship
• ICFNC Advisory Board Corporate Scholarship
• Jeff and Jan Stoddard Scholarship for Hope
• North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Criminal Justice Scholarship
• Thomas & Ashley Varnadore Scholarship of Optimism in Future Generations

The $2 million raised also includes funds for the newly established STAR Scholarship. The Student Teacher Assistance for Retention (STAR) Scholarship will help fill the shrinking teacher pipeline as students are developed into professional educators. The funds will provide financial support to college seniors who are enrolled in an educator preparation program (EPP) with priority given to students of color to increase diversity in the classroom.

In-kind support was received from Google Ad Grants and from SAS.

• Mission & Strategic Plan
• Advisory Board
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Accessibility (DEIJA)
• Higher Education Opportunities
• Graduate Research Fellowship Program
• Undergraduate Research Scholarships
• NC Sea Grant – NC Space Grant Graduate Research Fellowship
• Faculty Research Grant
• MSI STEM Bridge Scholarship Program
• MSI STEM Pathways Scholarship Program
• STEM Pre-Service Teacher Education Scholarships
• Team Experience and Competition Grant Program
• Community College High Altitude Ballooning Team Challenge
• Education Resources
• NC Space Education Ambassadors Program
• Apollo 50th Anniversary Resources
• Resources for STEM Education at Home
• NASA Opportunities
• NASA Internships and Fellowships
• 2024 North Carolina Space Symposium
• Symposium Archive
• NC Statewide Star Party Events
• High-Altitude Ballooning Team Challenge

Jan 12, 2024

Accepting Applications: 2024-25 NC Space Grant Graduate Research Fellowship and Undergraduate Research Scholarship

North Carolina Space Grant has opened its signature funding opportunities, the Graduate Research Fellowship and the Undergraduate Research Scholarship, for applications for the 2024-25 academic year.

NC LSAMP Broader Impact

Annual conference   , student engagement activities, nc-lsamp spra student professional development programs.

The NC -LSAMP organizes programs for LSAMP students and STEM majors across the alliance campuses. These programs provide valuable knowledge about the STEM pathway including how to identify internship opportunities, tips for submitting effective summer program and graduate school applications, and advice for navigating the overall STEM undergraduate experience. Students are encouraged to interact with alliance faculty, industry professionals, alumni, and career counselors to enrich their path toward a successful STEM career. This is a great opportunity for students who want to enhance their professional development and maximize their chances of matriculating into STEM programs and entering the STEM workforce.  

Student Professional Development Workshops

Alliance summer research programs, university of north carolina at chapel hill smart program.

The Science and Math Achievement and Resourcefulness Track (SMART) program is designed to immerse students in undergraduate research, scientific communication, peer mentoring and preparation for graduate school in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (a “STEM” discipline).  SMART is geared towards students from underrepresented populations, with a priority given to transfer students (students who transferred to UNC-CH).   

Selected students pursue 9 weeks of research in STEM research groups (30 hours of research/ week), starting mid-May. In addition to the research projects, the SMART students work with Dr. Gidi Shemer, the SMART program director.  Students meet twice a week and work on research-related skills, such as to learn how to analyze and discuss scientific papers, work on science writing skills and learn how to present research. In addition, the students also participate in some of the workshops that are sponsored by the Graduate School. At the end of the summer program will be celebrated in a final poster symposium, together with other Carolina summer programs. The students get a $3000 stipend for the summer.  

North Carolina State University Women and Minority Program Summer Research Program

The Women and Minority Engineering Program Summer Research Program (WMSRP) is a 10-week program designed to provide high-impact research experiences for undergraduate students. WMSRP aims to increase each student’s research self-efficacy and awareness of prospective research opportunities in both academic and professional settings.  

Students complete an Engineering Research Principles course. Students then conduct research and prepare abstracts and posters of their work, which is then presented at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.  

University of North Carolina at Charlotte NC-LSAMP SPRA Undergraduate Summer Research Program

The NC-LSAMP SPRA Summer Undergraduate Research Program at UNC Charlotte is a faculty-mentored undergraduate research experience. Selected students engage in an in-person, faculty–mentored, summer research project for 20 hours a week for a part-time appointment or 40 hours a week for a full-time appointment. Benefits of the summer research experience include networking opportunities, graduate school preparation, service learning and outreach opportunities, professional development, a summer stipend, and introduction to other research internships.   

University of North Carolina at Pembroke Summer Bridge Program

UNC Pembroke seeks to broaden the alliance’s impact on future STEM scholars by introducing college-bound high school seniors to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines, familiarize them with faculty mentored research and acclimate them to the college environment.  

Specifically, the STEM Summer Bridge Program affords students who are transitioning to college opportunities to engage in research labs, field trips, hands on environmental studies and more. A critical component of the Summer Bridge is the opportunity to gain access to faculty and staff, bond with other students and become acclimated to the campus before they arrive on campus in the fall. Participants are challenged to think outside the box, expanding their perception of the undergraduate college experience and the range of possibilities available at UNCP and beyond the university campus.  

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Livermore, California

Alexandria, Virginia

Washington, D.C.

Cleveland, Ohio

Melville, New York

Meyrin, Switzerland

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Posted: 31-May-24

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Position Title:  HQI Executive Director Req ID:  65382BR School or Unit:  Faculty of Arts and Sciences Description:   Job Summary The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seek an Executive Director to play a leading role in the Harvard Quantum Initiative, a multi-disciplinary research initiative that aims to help scientists and engineers make new discoveries and develop new quantum tools and technologies. In close collaboration with the Faculty Co-Directors, the Executive Director will develop, communicate, and implement the Initiative's strategic vision; build and sustain dynamic strategic relationships with the local and national quantum ecosystem; partner with FAS, SEAS, and the Development Office to raise funds; help coordinate and write programmatic grant proposals; while fostering a vibrant and innovative community of scientists and engineers across the FAS, SEAS, and the University. The Executive Director will also serve as the chief operating officer of the Initiative and will oversee its financial, human resources, and operational functions. Position Description • In consultation with the Faculty Co-Directors and Faculty Executive Committee, develop and implement the short-, medium-, and long-term strategic plans and identify potential roadblocks that might impede their execution. • Serve as an expert source of information and the primary point of programmatic contact for faculty and other program participants who constitute the internal and external stakeholders in the Institute's work. • Forge, strengthen, and sustain connections across the local area and national quantum ecosystems. • Contribute to the identification and prioritization of new opportunities related to fundraising from corporate, government, and philanthropic sources, to be accomplished in collaboration with the Alumni Affairs & Development (AAD) Office to build long-term support for the Initiative. • Oversee all operational areas including finance, human resources, IT, space management, program development, etc. including managing, motivating, and inspiring a team of programmatic and administrative staff. • Oversee the Education Director and their work in the development, growth, and execution of the Institute's educational programs, including the Quantum Science and Engineering PhD program and undergraduate programs. • Help coordinate and write grant proposals including education/training grants, center grants, equipment grants, and other HQI-centric programmatic grants. Support grant project execution for funded proposals. • Support Harvard's commitment to broadening the diversity of participants in STEM fields. Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or related Scientific or Engineering area of expertise, and
• 10+ years' experience in research/scientific environment, with
• 5+ years' administrative leadership experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills • Broad scientific/engineering background with the ability to effectively communicate and interact with scientific audiences. • Ability to foster and manage strong, successful working relationships with a broad constituency of faculty, students, post-doctoral fellows, administrators, funding agencies, etc. • Demonstrated ability to successfully manage a program of similar scope and complexity. • Strong operational management experience including strategic planning, finance, and fundraising. • Demonstrated experience in scientific writing. The effectiveness in writing grant proposals will be considered favorably. • Prior experience with the implementation of grant-funded research is beneficial. Working Conditions • This is a full-time position with flexible hours. The selected candidate will need to be on campus. Any remote work must be performed in a state where Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, NJ, RI, WA, VT, and VA). • The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines. Additional Information

• We regret that Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position.
• All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

About Us We are committed to cultivating not only the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students but also in developing an inclusive culture that is vibrant, engaging and encouraging of innovation as well as intellectual debate. We believe creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace allows employees from all backgrounds and walks of life to achieve their fullest potential. We also believe an inclusive culture is one that accepts, values and views as strength the difference we all bring to the workplace. Benefits We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off:  3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare:  Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness:  Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement:  University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program:  Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement:  Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development:  Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation:  Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks:  Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only) #LI-CM1 Department Office Location:  USA - MA - Cambridge Job Code:  361061 Administrative Manager Job Function:  General Administration Work Format:  On-Site Sub Unit:  Sciences Salary Grade:  061 Department:  Harvard Quantum Initiative Union:  00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Time Status:  Full-time Pre-Employment Screening:  Credit, Criminal, Education, Identity Schedule:  35 hrs/wk, Monday - Friday Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging:  Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. EOE Statement:  We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apply Here PI241615758