Research Opportunities in NC?

<p>I'm a junior and for the longest time I've been looking for the opportunity to do some research, preferably in the field of physics. There's only one university in town with a lab, and they said they were "too busy" to help me, and they offer no programs. :/ I know about an hour and a half away there's the research triangle, but that's about biology, and I'm not interested enough to drive an hour to and back for that.
So, do any of you know of any research programs in NC dealing with physical science? Or even in Tennessee or Virginia (if during the summer)? </p>

<p>Also, sorry if this is in the wrong place. I really wasn't sure where to put it.</p>