RI NSF EPSCoR’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a 10-week introduction to research in marine-based sciences and engineering. Students at any of our eight partner institutions receive hands-on training with faculty and graduate students at colleges and universities across Rhode Island, learning about everything from how diatoms in Narragansett Bay are responding to climate change to developing classroom materials that help middle and high school students understand basic engineering concepts.

*Undergraduate application is now closed!*

2024 SURF Dates

Undergraduate application closes: Friday, February 16, 2024

SURF begins, student orientation: Monday, May 20, 2024

SURF ends, statewide symposium held: Friday, July 26, 2024

Selected undergraduates will be paid a stipend of $6,000 (40 hours per week) and up to $550 for research supplies.

Students who cannot commit to the full 40-hour per week program should still apply for SURF Flex, an opportunity to receive intensive scientific research experience at 20 hours per week.  SURF Flex students are expected to participate in all SURF programming, including the annual SURF conference and poster presentation, and will be paid a half-stipend for 10 weeks.