Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)
About the Program
The Fralin SURF program is a 10-week training program designed to give motivated Virginia Tech undergraduates the opportunity to engage in full time (approx. 40 hrs/wk) research and related professional development activities that mirror graduate training. The goal is to offer students experiences that will help them determine if they want to pursue a career in research while they develop skills for graduate school. The program includes weekly research and professional development seminars, periodic social events, and a final symposium during which students will present their research. Students selected to participate in this training program will receive a $4,000 stipend.
Although all Virginia Tech undergraduates considering a career in life science research are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to rising second and third year undergraduates, students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and students who have yet to engage in a full-time summer research experiences.
Because SURF fellows must commit at least 40 hrs/wk to the training program, fellows are not permitted to enroll in summer classes, participate in MCAT prep courses, engage in activities for pay, or engage in other activities that may interfere with program activities.
Students must identify a faculty mentor working in the life sciences at Virginia Tech before applying to the program. Some faculty member research areas can be found on the Fralin research site; however, the faculty member does not have to be affiliated with Fralin.
SURF in the News
2016
Fralin Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow investigates false pregnancy in black bears
Fralin Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow digs deep to investigate optimal plant production
Fralin Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow aims to help moms with children with autism
2015
Fralin Fellow investigates how environmental stress could promote tumor cell growth
Fralin Fellow examines diets of women and children in Madagascar
2014
Fralin Fellows investigate origin of Lou Gehrig's disease
Fralin Fellow advances collaborative research methods
Undergraduate studies how rhododendrons invade and conquer by disturbing nitrogen cycle
Fralin fellow examines health impacts of Community Supported Agriculture
2013
Students to study invasive fungal infection
Digging for clues to save declining bird populations
Women who steer engineering program
Student wins prestigious fellowship from American Society of Microbiology
Student investigates matters close to the heart
Students develop skills and build relationships through summer undergraduate research programs
Six students to present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research
Four Goldwater nominees announced
Seven undergraduate students awarded 2012-13 ACC Creativity and Innovation Fellowships
2012
Student researcher explored genomic medicine in summer fellowship
Student researchers take a walk on the 'wild' side
Undergraduate researcher examines ways to prevent obesity and reverse effects of metabolic syndrome
Undergraduate student researches methods to regenerate damaged tissue in people and horses
2011
Fralin summer fellowship transforms students into research scientists
Fralin SURF 2019
Program dates: May 28-August 2, 2019
Deadline to apply: February 20, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. for students; February 25, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. for faculty endorsements
For more information, including sample application form, students can visit the OUR webpage or contact Keri Swaby at kswaby@vt.edu
"SURF was a huge stepping stone in my development as a scientist. The program may have only been 10 weeks, but the lessons and friendships I gained from participating in SURF will last a lifetime."
-- Nick Lord, Crop & Soil Environmental Science, 2017
"The Fralin SURF Fellowship allows one to partake in societal changing research and the preparation for the summer research symposium was one of the most transformative experience during my preparation for medical school."
-- Michael Corbin II, Biochemistry, 2017
"SURF was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Through the many hours spent in the laboratory of Dr. Daniel Slade, and the various seminars offered throughout the program, my aspirations of continuing to pursue research as a career was absolutely affirmed."
-- Hans Smith, Biochemistry, 2017