UNC Nutrition Research Institute wraps seventh virtual internship for high schoolers

The UNC Nutrition Research Institute’s Virtual Internship Program ended June 25 after giving 54 high school students hands-on exposure to nutrition research and STEM careers. Selected from more than 250 applicants, the program is designed to broaden access to university-based science experiences and help students see themselves in future health and research roles.

Why it matters: - The UNC Nutrition Research Institute’s Virtual Internship Program gives high school students early exposure to nutrition science, research methods and career pathways. - The program is designed to widen access to university-level research for students who may not otherwise get that opportunity. - Several former participants have gone on to study science, nutrition, public health, medicine and research, many at UNC-Chapel Hill.

What happened: - The seventh annual Virtual Internship Program concluded June 25. - The program included 54 high school students selected from more than 250 applicants. - Students spent the first weeks of summer break reading scientific literature, evaluating evidence, collaborating with peers and presenting findings. - Students worked in pairs to investigate a nutrient of their choice and presented their research to classmates and NRI faculty and staff.

The details: - Students learned about nutrition research, precision nutrition, laboratory science, research methods, college pathways and career options in public health and science. - The virtual format allowed the NRI to reach students across North Carolina and beyond. - Student posters covered topics including gut microbes and nutrient metabolism, fetal development, cardiovascular health and disease prevention. - One team studied riboflavin, or vitamin B2, and how gut microbial communities may influence riboflavin-related metabolic pathways. - Another team focused on choline and its role in brain and nervous system development during pregnancy. - That choline project also examined how gut bacteria convert choline into compounds being studied for possible links to cardiovascular health. - A third topic explored whether childhood fluoride exposure may influence cognitive performance later in life. - Other projects covered folate, lycopene and iron. - Folate was examined for its role in DNA synthesis and gene regulation. - Lycopene was examined for its antioxidant properties and possible health benefits. - Iron was examined for its role in oxygen transport, energy production and brain function. - Students also took part in interactive sessions with NRI faculty, graduate students and staff. - Those sessions covered the history of the NRI, precision nutrition, research methods and ongoing studies at the institute. - Students heard from UNC-Chapel Hill Undergraduate Admissions and the Bachelor of Science in Public Health Nutrition program about education pathways into nutrition, public health, medicine and research. - The program ended with a virtual scientific poster session where students answered questions from peers and NRI staff.

Between the lines: - VIP is built to help students see science as a career path, not just a classroom subject. - The program also trains students in a core scientific skill: communicating complex information clearly and confidently. - Student feedback suggests the experience can spark new interest in nutrition research. - One anonymous participant said the program made choline research feel fascinating and revealed “how much there is still to learn.”

What's next: - The NRI will likely continue using VIP as a pipeline for future scientists and health professionals. - Donor support remains part of how the program provides early access to mentorship, science and discovery. - The institute says it remains focused on creating opportunities that prepare the next generation of STEM students.

The bottom line: - VIP is doing more than teaching nutrition science. It is trying to shape how high school students imagine their future in research and health.