Professional Development Opportunities

Events and Conferences

Elo Life Systems 2 Minute Pitch Competition

CALS and N.C. PSI undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply for a presentation slot at the Elo Life Systems 2 Minute Pitch Competition. This is a rare opportunity to present your current research to one of our local industry partners. The formal presentations will be followed by lunch with Elo employees and a tour of the facility. Elo Life will sponsor cash awards for the winners of the competition: $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $200 for third place. 

Application Deadline: January 23, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Competition Date:  February 27, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Competition Location:  Elo Life Systems, Durham, NC 27709

Learn more and apply

Internships and Fellowships

GRAD-AID for Ag: Graduate Training in Translational Convergent Research

The GRAD-AID for Ag program is an interdisciplinary graduate training initiative focused on addressing the global challenges of climate change and food security through innovations in sustainable agriculture. The program brings together students from diverse fields—basic plant biology, applied plant biology, and artificial intelligence (AI)—to develop data-driven solutions that accelerate the transition from lab discoveries to real-world agricultural applications. Open to prospective Ph. D. students and current Ph.D. students in their 1st–3rd year.
Application Deadline: January 17, 2025

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.

Learn more and apply

Bayer Crop Science 2025 University Mentoring Program

Are you a late-stage graduate student who is interested in pursuing a career in industry? Bayer Crop Science offers a mentoring program that focuses on the professional (not technical) skills needed to join the industry workforce. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of virtual information session for this program. To apply, complete the online application and email your resume/CV directly to Rhonda Sutton (rhonda_sutton@ncsu.edu).  
Application Deadline: February 2, 2025 at 5 p.m. 
Learn more and apply here!

CEFS Agroecology Scholars Program in Research and Extension (ASPIRE) Internship

The ASPIRE Internship prepares undergraduate students with technical skills to meet complex food system challenges such as global climate change, food insecurity, and environmental concerns. Interns receive a $5,000 stipend, lodging, travel stipend, mentorship, access to hands-on cutting-edge research, professional development training, and an understanding of the impacts of agriculture on the environment and communities. 
Application Deadline: February 3, 2025
Learn more and apply here!

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

Learn more and apply 

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 

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 

Other Opportunities

N.C. PSI Educational Outreach Opportunities

There are many ways to get involved with the N.C. PSI’s Educational Programs for K-12 students. Whether its developing activities from your research, talking with students about career paths, or getting hands-on in the demo lab, the possibilities are endless. Click the link below to learn about some of the ways you can help out!

Learn More and Volunteer

Resources