Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF)
What is SURF?
SURF is a program that provides supplemental grants in the amount of $1000 to help support UC Davis undergraduates' summer research and creative scholarly projects. Work must be conducted under the guidance of UC Davis faculty mentors. Funding can be used in support of the research fellow's time and efforts; related travel; and/or direct costs related to the project.
Proposals should support the applicant's educational plan and may include activities such as preparatory work on a 2008-09 senior thesis, field studies, laboratory research, archival work, and creative endeavors in the humanities and arts as appropriate to the student's course of study.
Students are expected to devote a minimum participation in scholarly work equivalent to 15 hours/week, over an 8-week period during the summer months.
Funding support requires projects to be presented at the UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Conference held annually in April.
Who is eligible to apply?
SURF invites applications from continuing UC Davis undergraduates who plan to be enrolled students through the entire academic year that immediately follows the summer sponsorship. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must be in good academic standing and making timely advancement toward the undergraduate degree objective (i.e., taking at least minimum units but not excessive quarters). Funding priority will be given to students who are not simultaneously receiving other funding support.
Students who will be enrolled for 6 or more units per summer session are NOT eligible for this award.
As applicable, summer enrollment and other outside activities should reflect ample opportunity to meet the minimum 15 hours/week engagement in the SURF-sponsored project.
How do I apply?
- Complete the Application Cover Page (click here to download cover page)
- Provide a 2-3 page (double-spaced typed) proposal statement that includes:
- Topic Title
- Short introduction or background
- Method or approach
- Significance of project to applicant's educational goals
- Work plan and timeline to include number and duration of meetings with faculty mentor
- Discussion of an appropriate culmination piece for the summer project
- OR, Description of the tangible "evidence" that will substantiate the project undertaken at an equivalent of 15 hours/week over eight weeks.
- Provide a completed Sponsoring Professor's Recommendation Form (click here to download form)
- Meet the Application Deadline, May 30
- Submit completed application materials to Dr. Gail Martinez, Office of Undergraduate Studies, 5th Floor Mrak Hall
How will I be evaluated?
A favorable review of the application takes into consideration the following:
- The educational opportunity that the project will provide for the applicant
- The applicant's academic preparation that is relevant to the project
- The feasibility of the project
- The faculty sponsor's letter of support
- The overall clarity and quality of the proposal
