UC Irvine - Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

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Program Purpose: 

The program provides students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. degree and enter academic careers with the tools needed to facilitate the application, admission, and enrollment process for graduate school.

Program Description: 

SURF offers an eight-week program for undergraduates from all academic fields to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects. Scholars either assist the faculty mentor in an ongoing research project or work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest. SURF scholars are also assigned to a Graduate Student Mentor for the duration of the summer who serves as a peer mentor. Program provides workshops, presentations, and student-staff meetings. Participants submit a research paper and abstract describing their research, and give an oral presentation at a research symposium.

Program Benefits: 

Students will be awarded a $3,000 stipend. In addition to the stipend students will receive on-campus assigned housing, and travel costs up to $400.

Application Process: 

Applicants are required to identify potential faculty mentors. The program coordinator assists with placement once students have been admitted into the program. Students are encouraged to make early contact with potential mentors to determine the mentors' availability and interest in working with a visiting student over the summer.

Applicant Profile: 

Competitive applicants will be underrepresented students with outstanding academic potential who plan to pursue a Ph.D. and enter academic careers. The program accepts students from all academic fields--including the arts, education, humanities, social sciences, social ecology, biological sciences, engineering, computer science, physical science.

Eligibility: 

Full-time junior, senior, or master's student with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Citizenship: 

U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Program Deadline: 

Usually March 1.

How To Apply: 

Students or alumni, as applicable, may apply directly to this program. Applicants are encouraged, however, to work with SF State's fellowship advisor well in advance of the program deadline to perfect their application essays and other materials.