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N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative

Professional Development Opportunities

Featured Opportunities
Events and Conferences
Internships and Fellowships
Other Opportunities
Additional Resources

Have an event or opportunity you would like to feature here and in our weekly student emails? Contact Alex Goodnight.

LAST CALL OPPORTUNITIES

2026-27 Global One Health Fellowship

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 cohort of Global One Health Fellows. Offered through NC State’s Global One Health Academy, this Fellowship Program provides one year of support (stipend + tuition) to selected students to accelerate graduate-level research in One Health. One Health is an interdisciplinary framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of humans, animals, plants, and the environment, and seeks to sustainably optimize health across these systems. Research that utilizes the One Health approach investigates problems from multiple angles, applying systems thinking to address complex global challenges.

Application Deadline: January 19 by 11:59 pm

Learn more and apply
Concept Save the world save environment The world is in the grass of the green bokeh background

Finding Summer Research Programs for Undergraduates

Summer research programs (sometimes called REUs or Research Experiences for Undergraduates) are a great way to add research into your time at NC State. Opportunities exist for any field/discipline, and the experience can also help prepare you for graduate school and a research-focused career. Students are paid to conduct full-time research with a paired faculty mentor as part of a larger cohort. The programs include professional development and networking opportunities.

Explore 2026 Summer Research Programs
Faculty and student in lab

Featured Opportunities

ASPB Ambassador Program

ASPB Ambassadors are early-career scientists (students and postdocs) who are competitively recruited to communicate the mission and vision of the ASPB. These emerging leaders engage their campus communities in plant science outreach activities, represent ASPB at section meetings, participate in recruitment and retention activities, and/or contribute content for ASPB websites and newsletters. 

Deadline to apply: January 15, 2026

Learn more and apply 

NC State Make-A-Thon

Make-A-Thon is NC State’s sustainability innovation competition. Collaborating in cross-disciplinary teams, students work to create the best solution to a sustainability challenge. Students can register as a full team (4 persons) or sign up individually or in pairs to be matched with other participants. Teams must include members from at least two different colleges. At the end of the competition, students will pitch their ideas to judges from campus and local companies. This year, prize money totals $8,500.

Event Dates: January 22-25, 2026
Deadline to register: January 19 by 11:59 pm

Learn more and register 

CRA Amy Preble Scholarship Application

The Amy Preble Scholarship provides $500 awards to higher education students in North or South Carolina who show dedication, leadership and passion for recycling, sustainability, and/or waste management, as determined by a committee of recycling industry professionals and CRA members. The application is open to any student that has completed the equivalent of two semesters of college or higher, including graduate programs, community college and technical college, regardless of field of study.

Application Deadline: January 23 at 11:59 pm

Learn more and apply 

Webinar: Citizen Science in Plant Biology: Engaging Communities in Research

Join Plantae for this webinar where plant scientists from various fields will come together to share their involvement in citizen science and discuss how to actively engage your local communities through collaboration and effective science communication.

Webinar Date: January 28, 2026 at 8 am EST

Learn more and register 

2026 Data Science & AI Education Share Conference

Join the DSA for a conference featuring student project presentations, designed for data science instructors, researchers, math and statistics educators, and anyone interested in data science education. This hybrid event aims to foster a comprehensive understanding and effective implementation of the ADAPT model in Data Science and AI education.

Event Date: January 30 from 11 am -2:30 pm
Event Location: Hybrid/Hunt Library
Registration Deadline: January 29, 2026

Learn more and register 

CEFS ASPIRE for Undergraduates

Learn about sustainable agriculture and community food systems from a broad systems perspective, while receiving close mentorship and access to hands-on, cutting edge research and professional development training. This is a 10-week, individualized summer research and extension experience, and selected participants receive a $5,000 stipend, housing on the NC State campus, and the opportunity for post-summer travel to a scientific meeting. No previous research or extension experience necessary.

Program Dates: May 18 – July 24, 2026
Application Deadline: January 30 at 11:59 pm

Learn more and apply 

Sound Rivers Summer Internship

Are you an undergraduate student who wants to spend the summer outdoors and exploring North Carolina’s waterways? The Sound Rivers Internship program aims to provide important data to folks throughout the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico watersheds so they can make informed decisions while recreating on the water throughout the summer. 

Application Deadline: January 30 by 11:59 pm

Learn more and apply 

ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) fund promising undergraduate students so they can conduct research in plant biology during the early part of their college careers. SURF recipients must present their research at ASPB’s annual Plant Biology meeting in the year following the fellowship award.

Application Deadline: February 6 at 11:59 pm EST

Learn more and apply 

A2i+ Immersion Week 2026

Immersion Week is NC State’s premier career-readiness conference designed specifically for graduate students and postdocs preparing for meaningful careers beyond academia. Participants engage in high-impact learning, skills-based workshops, and direct interaction with employers who actively hire graduate-level talent.

Event Date: March 17-19, 2026
Career Fair Date: March 20, 2026
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 at 12 pm

Learn more and apply 

NC State Sustainability Fund Grant

The NC State Sustainability Fund offers grants to current students, faculty and staff who propose high-impact experiences for students while advancing sustainability at NC State. These projects can range from campus facility improvements and educational programs to research initiatives and student internship opportunities.

Application Deadline: February 8 at 11:59 pm

Learn more and apply 

Bayer Crop Science 2026 University Mentoring Program

Are you a late-stage graduate student or postdoc who is interested in pursuing a career in industry?  BayerCrop Science offers a 1 year mentoring program that focuses on the professional (not technical and scientific) skills needed in the industry workforce. There are 3 virtual information Sessions (12/11, 1/21, and 2/09) for interested students.

Application Deadline: February 22, 2026

Learn more and apply 

USDA-ARS AI Center of Excellence/SCINet Graduate Student Intern Program

The N.C. PSI has partnered with the USDA-ARS AI Center of Excellence and SCINet to provide NC State graduate students with a 10-week paid summer internship focused on data science, AI, mathematical modeling, and related fields. NC State Master and PhD students with existing skills in data science and AI are encouraged to apply; students do not need to have experience in ag sciences. Internship comes with a living stipend of $12,800 and funds for travel to visit USDA mentor.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Learn more and apply
Neural Network Brain

Sustainable Protein Undergraduate Research Scholars (SPURS) Program

The global food system faces interconnected challenges related to environmental well-being, technology, and societal needs. As sustainable protein innovation drives research, we must simultaneously build the workforce to support it. This 10-week, summer Program equips the next generation of leaders with the professional and technical skills needed to build successful careers in this critical, emerging sector.

Application Deadline: January 30, 2026

Learn more and apply now
Researchers in lab

Events and Conferences

Upcoming PSI Events

All PSI Events
Jan 14

Wednesday9:30 AM

N.C. PSI Coffee Social
Jan 22

Thursday4:00 PM

Mashup at the N.C. PSI: Envu and Digital Agriculture
Jan 27

Tuesday10:00 AM

CEFS 2026 Training Series: PCard

Science on Tap!

Science on Tap! takes place at Lynnwood Brewing Concern (1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd) on the second Tuesday of every month from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Grab a beer, meet local scientists, and hear the stories behind their coolest discoveries—no jargon, just great talks and good company.

Learn more and register to attend

Career Readiness Programs: A2i+ Career Insights

The Graduate School offers an array of career preparedness, communication skills, leadership, teaching, and wellness programs year round. Career Insights (INS) is a series of talks led by A2i+ industry partners to provide you the opportunity to build your network, explore career opportunities that connect to your graduate degree, and prepare for a successful transition to a non-academic career. Each virtual session highlights real career paths, essential skills, and actionable advice for navigating life after grad school.
Why attend? Explore careers, ask questions, and expand your professional network.
Spring 2026 Dates: 1/30, 2/6, 2/20, 3/6, 3/27, 4/10, and 4/24 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Learn more and register to attend

AI Hot Topics at NC State

The AI Hot Topics monthly series, hosted by the Data Science and AI Academy, is a dynamic forum designed to foster dialogue and collaboration on the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. Whether you’re a seasoned AI practitioner, a curious scholar or simply interested in the transformative potential of AI, this series offers a unique opportunity to connect with leading experts and contribute to meaningful discussions. The AI Hot Topics Series takes place monthly at Raleigh Founded on Centennial Campus (1017 Main Campus Dr.) from 8:45 – 9:45 am.

Learn more and register to attend

Conferences

NC State Field Days

Explore commodity-specific events across the state

Learn more and register 

Southern Cover Crops Conference

February 24-26, 2026
Gainesville, Florida

Learn more and register 

2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water

February 25, 2026
Simultaneously in Asheville, Winston-Salem, & Morehead City

Learn more and register 

Southeastern Student Sustainability Conference

February 27 – March 1, 2026
Boone, NC

Learn more and register 

TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo 2026

March 8-12, 2026
Raleigh, North Carolina

Learn more and register 

ASABE Global Symposium on Sustainability of Agro-Eco-Systems through Climate Change Resilience

March 15-18, 2026
Brasov, Romania

Learn more and register 

World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit

March 17-18, 2026
San Francisco, CA

Learn more and register 

AI in Agriculture 2026

March 31 – April 2, 2026
NC State University

Learn more and register 

Astrobiology Science Conference 2026

May 17-22, 2026
Madison, WI

Learn more and register 

2nd International Conference on Agriculture Engineering

June 8-9, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal

Learn more and register 

2026 ASABE Annual Meeting

July 12-15, 2026
Indianapolis, Indiana

Learn more and register 

2nd World Congress on Advances in Plant Science and Plant Biology

July 13-14, 2026
Berlin, Germany

Learn more and register 

17th International Conference on Precision Agriculture 

July 13-16, 2026
Porto Alegre, Brazil

Learn more and register 

Plant Biology 2026

July 18-22, 2026
Ottawa, Canada

Learn more and register 

2026 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium

August 9-14, 2026
Washington D.C.

Learn more and register 

NC State Career Fairs

Explore upcoming career fairs and events offered by various colleges and disciplines across NC State!

Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs

Discover OUIP’s list of interdisciplinary events across NC State

Internships and Fellowships

Man in a research lab

SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program

Offers STEM students who are currently pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. a full scholarship, internships, annual stipends, and guaranteed employment with the Department of Defense.

Applications Deadline: December 1 at 5:00 p.m. EST
The SMART Program accepts applications annually from August 1 to December 1.

Learn more and apply 
Oak Ridge National Labs

Student Opportunities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Enhance your expertise and collaborate with many of the nation’s leading science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) experts as you complete your research. Opportunities are available for current undergraduate and graduate students to participate as members of research teams at ORNL. All internships come with a stipend.

Learn more 

Micro-Internships for Graduate Students & Postdocs

Micro-internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that allow you to explore career paths, build your network, and prepare for the transition to industry. These micro-internships allow you to be flexible with your graduate studies, while still being intentional in your career development. These unique projects are posted at all times of year by companies of all sizes,

Learn more and apply 

ePACK

ePACK is NC State’s online platform for openings (internship, leadership development, and full-time job opportunities), upcoming events, online tools, and more that are currently available for you.

Explore ePack
Cooper howling wolf sculpture near greenery and benches

Other Opportunities

Raleigh Trashion Competition

The Solid Waste Services Trashion Show is part of the annual City of Raleigh Environmental Awards ceremony, showcasing garments and accessories crafted from recycled materials. High school students, college students, adults, and aspiring professional designers are encouraged to submit their recycling-inspired creations for a cash prize of $500.

Application Deadline: February 22, 2026

Learn more and apply 

NC State Earth Fair

NC State’s Earth Fair is a sustainability-focused outdoor event featuring exhibits, demonstrations and ideas connected to the global sustainability goals, including learning about food, water, transportation, nature, wellness and so much more. Registration to host a table at the 2026 Earth Fair is now open.

Event Date: April 8 from 11 am – 2 pm
Event Location: Stafford Commons (Main Campus)
Registration Deadline: March 31

Learn more and register 

Volunteer at the Agroecology Education Farm

Come volunteer at the Agroecology Education Farm. This is a great opportunity to work on the farm, learn about sustainable farming, spend time outside and tour the farm. You are welcome to come alone, bring a friend or a group of friends. If you have questions about the volunteer workday, please contact Sara Snyder, farm manager, at sasnyde4@ncsu.edu.

Volunteer Dates: Various throughout the Spring Semester

Learn more and volunteer

NC State Sustainability Career Development Program

Step into an exciting journey with the NC State Sustainability Career Development Program, where you can explore and build your career in sustainability on your own terms. This unique initiative is designed for NC State students, offering a flexible, “choose your own adventure” approach to career development. Program Enrollment is ongoing and you can join at anytime of year. Whether you’re passionate about protecting the planet, creating innovative solutions, or leading change, this program lets you tailor your experiences to match your interests and goals.

Learn more and enroll
Hops research
Student Gwen Casebeer (left) and researcher Jeanine Davis look over hops growing at Mountain Horticultural Research and Extension Center in Henderson County.

N.C. PSI’s “Spotlight on Growth”

Did you know there are over 400 undergraduates, graduate students and postdocs that are affiliated with the N.C. PSI -all doing incredible work!! In an effort to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of students and postdocs across PSI, we are introducing a new spotlight series: “Spotlight on Growth”. Every few weeks, we will introduce you to one student or post-doc and share some brief facts about their research and themselves. Additionally, these spotlights may be shared on N.C. PSI social media throughout the year.

Step into the Spotlight
Plant Sciences Building at night
Small group talking in a conference room

The Graduate School’s Professional Development Workshops

The Graduate School offers an array of career preparedness, communication skills, leadership, teaching, and wellness programs year round. There are both in-person and virtual workshops offered.

Explore 
students at career fair

NC State LanchPad

NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship has developed an incubator program to support early-stage undergraduate and graduate student startups.

Learn more and register 

NSF I-Corps Program

The I-Corps Program at NC State offers a NSF training program aimed at helping scientists and engineers extend their ideas, research and inventions into the marketplace. This program consists of a four-session course focused on entrepreneurship and exploring the commercial viability of innovations.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Program Dates Vary.
*If accepted, your team will be placed in the next available cohort.

Learn more and apply 

Have an event you would like advertised here and in our weekly email? Contact Alex Goodnight.

Resources

Career resources

The Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR) Job Board

International and domestic postdoctoral, faculty, research, field technician positions and more are listed for those interested in plant science careers.

Visit 

Plantae’s Career Center

Search for jobs, internships and mentorships in the US and abroad across a variety of industries and types of institutions.

Visit 

Ag Career Job Board

Search by sector, specialty and career type for job opportunities in every stage of the food system.

Visit 

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Job Board

Job opportunities in ag engineering and all other engineering disciplines.

Visit 

NC State Career Development Center

Take advantage of university career resources available to all NC State students

Explore 

N.C. PSI Certificate Programs

N.C. PSI offers two certificate programs, one for Ag Data Science and the other for Regulatory Science in Agriculture.

Discover