Washington University Department of Biology
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program [SURF]
for Washington University Students

WU/SURF Fellowships are available to WU students for research under the direction of members of the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences or other WU faculty in the natural sciences or engineering. Support is available for research in laboratories/research groups on the Danforth Campus and the Medical School in Biochemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Earth & Planetary Sciences, Evolutionary & Population Biology, Ecology, Immunology, Imaging Sciences, Molecular Genetics, Microbiology & Microbial Pathogenesis, Neurosciences, Plant Biology, and related basic biology and biomedical science topics. PLEASE NOTE that clinical research is NOT funded under SURF. 

Students must be sponsored by a faculty mentor and write a 1-2 page research proposal. Students not engaged in research, who need help in finding a mentor, should consult the Research/Job Opportunities link on Natural Science Learning Center Home Page.

WU Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors with prior research experience, and those new to research, are encouraged to apply. Fellows will be selected on the basis of their interest and aptitude for research in the biological/biomedical sciences and engineering. Ordinarily, previously awarded SURFs are not eligible for a second award. However, if your lab cannot support you or under special circumstances, a second application could be considered. Please inquire about your eligibility before applying for a second SURF.

An important goal of this program is to provide research opportunities for woman and students from groups underrepresented in biomedical research, including American Indians, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Alaskans, Native Pacific Islanders, or persons with disabilities.  All interested Washington University Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors, regardless of gender and ethnic origin, are encouraged to apply.