Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
In light of the continuing threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Drexel University’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies has made the decision not to proceed with the 2020 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program.
We understand that canceling a summer program is disappointing for our students and their families, and we share the same disappointment. The top priority is the safety of you the student and the other members of the Drexel University community, and this decision was based on the latest guidance of government and public health authorities.
We will miss the presence of an increasingly diverse and inclusive community on our campus this summer, but nothing is more important than the health and safety of our participants. We recognize these difficult decisions have a profound impact on our students. Drexel remains committed to providing the necessary support to our community members to be successful during these extraordinary circumstances.
We thank you for your understanding as we respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of our community. Please reach out if you have any questions.
About the Fellowship
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies offers challenging summer programs for qualified undergraduates:
- Cross-disciplinary
- Innovation-driven
- Renowned faculty
- Close mentoring
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies awards 10-week Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) to undergraduate students wishing to explore biomedical research careers.
Enhance your analytical and technical scientific research skills while working with and receiving mentoring from College of Medicine faculty in various disciplines:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular and cell biology and genetics
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology and immunology
- Pharmacology and physiology
SURF fellows earn a stipend of $3,000 based on 40 hours' work per week in an assigned laboratory.
Housing: Only students who reside within reasonable commuting distance to Philadelphia will be considered (please indicate your summer address on the application).
Drexel University College of Medicine faculty and members of their laboratories guide students through the planning and practice of daily research experiments and activities. Each student is assigned to work in a specific laboratory for the duration of the program, typically on a project unique to the research goals of that laboratory. Students are integrated into the daily work of the laboratory, participating in laboratory meetings and gaining exposure to different facets of the laboratory's research. Mentors help students apply their current knowledge and skills and assist them in making the connection between laboratory experiences and their academic studies. Successful applicants will be matched with a participating faculty member according to their research interests.
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Research Presentations
End-of-summer presentations: At the conclusion of their project, students give formal, conference-style presentations describing their research projects to an audience of Drexel faculty and graduate/medical students. Students meet with their mentors periodically throughout the summer to develop their presentations.
Discovery Day: SURF fellows may also be invited to return in the fall to present their research in poster form at Discovery Day, the annual day of research at Drexel University College of Medicine.
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SURF Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must have an interest in pursuing biomedical research (i.e., PhD or MD/PhD) in graduate school and must be in good standing at their respective undergraduate institutions.
- Sophomores and juniors (as of spring 2020) are given priority, although freshmen may apply.
- Seniors expected to graduate in 2020 are not eligible.
- Selection will be based on the student's academic undergraduate record, research experience, letters of recommendation, and statements of research interests and career goals.
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How to Apply
- Submit your application.
- Be sure that the email address you enter on the application is valid, as all notifications from the program will be by email. Include a summer address.
- Application deadline (for completed applications): Monday, February 10, 2020.
- Admission notifications: early March.
- Early applications are encouraged, as a limited number of fellowships may be awarded prior to the deadline.
- Applications and all materials must be received by the deadline.
A complete application consists of your CV, two letters of recommendation and official transcripts.
Your CV and official transcripts can be uploaded within your application.
Letters of recommendation should come from science faculty who has taught you, and be on official letterhead with the author's contact information. Letters can be sent via email to biomedresearch@drexelmed.edu.
If you experience problems uploading any items to your application, those items can also be emailed to biomedresearch@drexelmed.edu.
If you should have any questions about the application process, please contact Tsz Kwok, EdD, at 215.571.4526.
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2018 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Participants
Layna Majer, a 2018 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) participant, in the lab of her mentor, Dr. Libby Blankenhorn. Layna is a student at Lehigh University.
Jensine Coudriet, a 2018 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowshp (SURF) participant, in the lab of her mentor, Dr. Jessica Barson. Jensine is an undergraduate student at Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.
Fawwaz Siddiqui, a 2018 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) participant, in the lab of his mentor, Dr. Ole Mortensen. Fawwaz is an undergraduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Justus Martin, a 2018 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) participant, in the lab of his mentor, Dr. Michael Bouchard. Justus is an undergraduate student at Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Isabella Agyapong, a 2018 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) participant, in the lab of her mentor, Dr. Jacqueline Barker. Isabella is an undergraduate student at California State University, Northridge.
Erik Serrano, a 2018 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) participant, in the lab of his mentor, Dr. Eishi Noguchi. Erik is an undergraduate student at California State University, Northridge.
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