Rhode Island NSF EPSCoR is now accepting mentor applications for the 2017 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, which will run from Monday, May 22, through the 10th Annual RI SURF Conference Friday, July 28.

The RI SURF program is a collaboration between Rhode Island NSF EPSCoR and Rhode Island NIH INBRE that provides valuable training and career development for undergraduates with opportunities to engage in full-time, independent research during the summer. Students earn fellowship awards through a competitive application process, which will begin in late January 2017.

Since 2007, Rhode Island NSF EPSCoR has supported over 280 SURF fellows under the mentorship of more than 90 different faculty members at all nine EPSCoR partner institutions. The SURF program also provides workshops on leadership and communication to help students build the skills needed for successful careers. Students wrap up their work with a poster conference that showcases their accomplishments.

The key to a successful program rests on having dedicated mentors who can give SURF students outstanding research experiences. Although there is no direct compensation to SURF mentors, the RI NSF EPSCoR program will provide a generous stipend to selected students, as well as funds for research supplies.

We are looking for mentors and project proposals that exemplify the spirit and mission of the EPSCoR program and can help us understand the growing influence of climate change on the marine environment. If you are interested in being a mentor for the 2017 program, please submit a project proposal linked below.

All proposals should be submitted by January 15, 2017. Please email Jim Lemire (or call at 401-254-5718) with any questions.

Attention returning mentors
Please ensure that your all your information is up to date within the Rhode Island EPSCoR Reporting Database. Your SURF project will not be accepted until all previous reporting requirements have been met. Please contact Sally Beauman (or call at 401-874-6880) with any issues accessing the reporting database.