Research Pack Abroad

Connecting undergraduate students to international research experiences.

Developing Research Skills Globally

Research Pack Abroad provides undergraduate students international research experience – working side-by-side with scientists and immersed in another culture. Students are connected with a host international research institution, where they conduct research for at least 2 months during the summer.

Through this experience students will:

  • Gain in-depth of knowledge of laboratory procedures and/or field research protocols
    at an international research institute
  • Communicate scientific terminology among international researchers
  • Demonstrate knowledge of host country’s work culture and local community culture
  • Develop new perspectives on student’s native culture and the ability to think critically about student’s values, beliefs and goals
  • Develop skill sets for maneuvering through complex situations and increase capability
    to problem solve
  • Develop knowledge of a foreign language through immersion

Participate in Research Pack Abroad

  • Minimum Sophomore standing
  • Experience or strong interest in agriculture or life science research
  • Will require support from academic advisor

Application process:
>  Email resume/CV to Dr. Adrienne Tucker at adrienne_tucker@ncsu.edu
>  Specify preferred partner institution and research interest in email
>  Since this is a customized program, you will meet with Dr. Tucker for an interview and program overview to determine which program and mentor is the best fit

Summer 2026 application deadline: December 12, 2025

2025 Summer Participants

Brooke Boger

Brooke Boger is a Junior studying plant biology with a double minor in Spanish and in teaching English as a foreign language. Brooke will be assisting in research at the University of Cuenca focused on soil health and bioactive compounds in medicinal plants. She is excited to learn more about these topics while also gaining lab and field research experience.

Cooper Weir

Cooper is a junior majoring in biochemistry. I am particularly interested in the human gut microbiota. I'm excited to assist in the research at IPLA focusing on this topic and developing my research skills. I look forward to investigating how dairy products can impact the gut environment.

Zander Ketwitz

Zander is an undergraduate student majoring in Plant Biology and minoring in Genetics with a general love for microbiology. With an interesting Plant Pathology, I am looking to work in labs relating to this topic to broaden my understanding of it. I hope to go on to graduate school and do research directly relating to plants.

Riley Keeley

Riley is a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry with minors in Biotechnology, Genetics, and Microbiology. I will be doing research with Dr. Kenji Ichiyanagi ’s lab at Nagoya University.
I am particularly interested in epigenetics and advancing my knowledge in bioinformatics and genome sequencing. These skills align with my career goals of examining the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in mental health conditions and potential epigenetic contributions to immune responses and diseases, such as allergies or cancer. This opportunity will enable me to develop competencies in optimal scientific communication and cross-cultural collaboration, enhancing my readiness for a career at the intersection of genetics and bioinformatics.

I believe the research setting at Nagoya University will provide unique learning opportunities and access to advanced technologies that will further my understanding of molecular biology and epigenetics in ways not readily available domestically.

I am ecstatic to be traveling, this will be my first experience outside of this timezone! During my time so far at State I have continued to grow my passion for laboratory work. I appreciate the guidance from my mentors at NCSU not only encouraging my dreams but also being a supporter in creating them.

2024 Summer Participants

2023 Summer Participants

Go to this page on the web