Research & Innovation
at NCSSM

THINKERS. MAKERS. DOERS.

NCSSM students have a wealth of opportunities and options for research and innovation. The objective is to engage each student as a thinker, maker, doer in an experience that requires the application of knowledge and skills to address challenges in the world beyond the classroom. The possibilities to engage in research abound in any field of interest from STEM to humanities, and the range of opportunities beyond research continues to expand.

STEM, Entrepreneurship, and the Humanities

CHOOSE A CAMPUS

Three Campuses, One Mission.

NCSSM’s Research & Innovation programs are offered across three campuses, giving students distinct opportunities to learn, collaborate, and pursue their interests. While each campus has its own programs and community, both share the same NCSSM commitment to curiosity, innovation, and hands-on exploration.

DURHAM CAMPUS

R&I at NCSSM Durham

NCSSM Durham gives students the opportunity to pursue meaningful research and innovation across disciplines including biology, physics, mathematics, computing, humanities, and entrepreneurship. Students work with NCSSM faculty and connect with researchers and mentors at leading universities, companies, and organizations throughout the Triangle.

MORGANTON CAMPUS

R&I at NCSSM Morganton

NCSSM Morganton connects students with research and innovation opportunities across Western North Carolina. Students can pursue interests in areas including STEM, humanities, robotics, data science, entrepreneurship, and projects addressing regional challenges—while working with NCSSM faculty and collaborating with university, industry, nonprofit, and community partners.

ONLINE

R&I for NCSSM Online

Students can explore research and innovation through summer programs at the Durham and Morganton campuses, courses, and co-curriculars, building experience around their interests and connecting with the broader NCSSM research community. Opportunities can span fields from science and computing to the humanities, entrepreneurship, and more.

WAYS TO DO RESEARCH AT NCSSM

ABOUT NCSSM RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Research in the Classroom and Beyond

The model for research and innovation at NCSSM is unique with student experiences designed to:

Serve many students (at no cost to students and families)
Ensure high quality experiences (under the guidance of instructor)
Give ownership to the students
Focus on student development
Offer widely diverse range of opportunities and options

The possibilities to engage in research and innovation abound in any field of interest from STEM to humanities, and the range of opportunities continues to expand in research, entrepreneurship and design. Opportunities take place in a variety of timelines and formats and do not typically require previous experience. Students are asked to bring their creative capacity, their self-reliance and self-awareness, and their dedicated work ethic, and their desire to develop as a leader by building skills and confidence through practice and application within the safety and support of the NCSSM community.

NOW ON DISPLAY

What Students Have Made of NCSSM R&I

A sample of the publications, showcases, and competitions where NCSSM goes public.

IN THE NEWS

R&I in the NCSSM News

Recent coverage of student research, mentorship, and competitions from both campuses.

GET INVOLVED

Be Part of the NCSSM Community

There are many ways to support NCSSM Research & Innovation. Whether through partnerships, mentorship, volunteering, or giving, your involvement helps expand opportunities for students and strengthen the research and innovation community across North Carolina.

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO

NCSSM Foundation • State of North Carolina • Burroughs Wellcome Fund • GlaxoSmithKline • and many community partners

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Research & Innovation at NCSSM