SURF program gears up for 2015

Rhode Island NSF EPSCoR is now accepting applications for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program which will run May 26 – July 31, 2015.  SURF is open to undergraduates matriculating at all RI NSF EPSCoR partner institutions interested in an intensive, hands-on research experience investigating questions that address the RI NSF EPSCoR focus of the impacts of climate variability on marine life.

2015 details

• up to forty (40) fellowships will be awarded to qualified undergraduates
• fellows will receive a $4,500 stipend for the 10-week program plus $500 for research supplies
• the program will begin on Tuesday, May 26th with a mandatory orientation at Roger Williams University
• the program will conclude on Friday, July 31st with the annual SURF Conference where fellows will present their work to the larger Rhode Island scientific community
• the SURF program will also include a variety of field trips, seminars, workshops, and networking events

2015 student application

To be considered for a SURF award, students must complete the online application linked below by March 1, 2015.  The application must be completed in one session as it is not possible to save your work.  It is suggested that all application materials and responses be ready prior to beginning the process.  As part of the  application, students will need to respond to the following prompts (responses can be copied and pasted into the application):

1. What are your educational and professional goals and how do you envision the SURF experience contributing to these goals? [700 word maximum]
2. Describe any previous research and/or other experiences that speak to your preparedness and qualifications to enter the SURF program.  Include any personal qualities that would benefit a research team [700 word maximum]
3. (optional) Is there any additional information you feel the SURF selection committee should know while considering your application? [300 word maximum]

Additionally, students will need to be prepared with the following items:

• Students will also be required to upload a copy of their undergraduate transcripts (as a pdf file) as part of the online application.
• Students will also need to rank up to three (3) project choices.  Download the list of 2015 SURF Projects (note: additional projects may be added as additional mentors are identified; list updated 2/6/15)

In addition to the online application, students should have two two letters of recommendation emailed to Jim Lemire (jlemire@rwu.edu) – please have the letter writers send the emails directly.

To learn more about the SURF program, check out the web page and please Contact Jim Lemire with any questions.

Complete the SURF 2015 Student Application (due by March 1, 2015)