Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) 2025 in USA – Purdue University

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program offers a unique, immersive, 11-week research experience designed to encourage undergraduate students in their pursuit of advanced educational and career opportunities in research. Eligibility includes undergraduate students at Purdue University, other U.S. institutions, and international institutions. Students selected will conduct research on either the Purdue’s West Lafayette or Indianapolis campus under the guidance of a faculty, graduate student, or postdoctoral mentor.

This competitive fellowship is a paid opportunity complemented with weekly professional development workshops and seminars to help build the technical and communication skills of participants. The program culminates with a student research symposium in which participants present their findings. All participants must submit a final report detailing their outcomes to both their project advisor and the Engineering Undergraduate Research Office (EURO).

Benefits:

• $6500 StipendReceive a generous stipend of $6500 paid bi-weekly for your dedicated participation in the 11-week immersive research program.
• Expert MentorshipGain access to seasoned faculty and graduate student mentors who offer valuable guidance, ensuring a supportive and enriching research experience.
• Professional Development SeminarsAttend specialized seminars designed to enhance your professional skills, providing insights into various aspects of academic and research careers.
• Symposium PresentationShowcase your research findings by presenting at the prestigious SURF Symposium, offering a platform to share your work with peers, faculty, and professionals.
• Social EngagementEnjoy a vibrant social community by participating in activities designed for bonding with fellow participants, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.
• Networking OpportunitiesEngage in networking events, workshops, and seminars that connect you with professionals, researchers, and peers, expanding your professional network and creating lasting connections.
• Enhanced Communication SkillsDevelop and refine your technical communication proficiency, a crucial skill for effectively conveying complex ideas, research findings, and insights in a professional context.
• $2500 Housing AllowanceAll Non-Purdue students receive the housing allowance. For Purdue students, they must apply by the priority deadline to be considered. If selected, they will be notified in their offer letter and the amount added to their bi-weekly compensation.

Eligibility:

• Current Undergraduate Enrollment: Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Purdue, another U.S. institution, or an international institution.
• First-Time Participation Restriction: Participants must be first-time students in the Purdue SURF program, as the program is generally designed for single-time engagement. However, students may participate a second time with the explicit support of their Principal Investigator (PI). PIs should note that funding preferences are given to first-time participants. Specifically:
  • Second-time participants are ineligible for the EURO housing or travel subsidy.
  • In the event of departmental funding limits, priority will be given to first-time participants.
• Semester Completion and Continuation: Have completed at least one academic semester/quarter by the time of the SURF application.Maintain undergraduate enrollment for at least one academic semester/quarter following the conclusion of the SURF program.
• Eligible Academic Standing: To be eligible, you must be a rising junior or senior. While preference is given to rising juniors and seniors, this preference is waived for Purdue-affiliated students.
• Minimum GPA Requirement: Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0 or equivalent at the time of application.
• Participation Availability: Demonstrate the ability to actively participate in the majority of program activities. Requests for alternate start dates, up to one week post-program commencement, can be accommodated with faculty permission.

Application Requirements:

• Required Documents: Upload an academic CV or resume and an unofficial university transcript.
• Letter of Recommendation (Non-Purdue Students ONLY): Non-Purdue students are required to request a letter of recommendation from a Professor/Professional who you have worked closely with. The letter should be uploaded by the application deadline.
• Statement of Purpose (Guidelines): Briefly describe to us what instances or experiences have led you to pursue your current field of study, and why you continue to pursue it. Mention any significant questions or problems in the field that you find particularly intriguing and that motivate you to delve deeper. If you are part of multiple fields, or at the intersection of them, feel free to comment on that.
  There are many programs that offer summer research opportunities, what attracted you to SURF and the resources it offers? Moreover, how would participation in SURF contribute toward the pursuit of your career goals? Please outline your long-term career aspirations within STEM.
  Explain how the research experience gained through the SURF program will contribute to your career goals. You may mention any specific skills, knowledge, or connections you hope to gain during this program that will be valuable in your future career.
  What have you done so far to explore the field of study you are interested in? This could include coursework, independent projects, internships, or participation in relevant clubs or organizations. Highlight any achievements or experiences that demonstrate your commitment and readiness for research.
  If you have encountered any obstacles or challenges in your pursuit of higher education or research, please discuss how you have addressed or overcome these obstacles. This could include seeking guidance from professors, taking additional courses, or refining your research question.
• Explore Research Opportunities with Purdue Professors: Connect with Purdue professors to discuss your research interests and explore potential opportunities in their labs. Browse the SURF project list to discover available undergraduate research positions. You can express your interest in these projects directly in your application by selecting up to three projects.
  New projects will continue to be added, so check back regularly for updates. Keep in mind that not all available SURF projects may be listed here. This information can be updated through April 15.

Deadline: January 15th, 2025