 Each year the Drexel University College of Medicine (Drexel Med) awards Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) to undergraduate students interested in a career in biomedical research.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 SURF program (see below).
The overarching purpose of the SURF program is to provide students with an opportunity to greatly enhance their analytical and technical scientific research skills, while earning a stipend to support their participation. Research interns are mentored by Drexel Med faculty, who work in various disciplines including biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, pathobiology, pharmacology and physiology.
Drexel Med 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. SURF students typically work on a unique project related to the research goals of that particular 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.
At the end of the summer, students give a specific, conference-styled presentation describing their research project to an audience of Drexel Med faculty and graduate/medical students. The students will meet periodically with their mentors to prepare and review the content of their oral presentations. In addition, the students may return in October to present their research at Discovery 2008 – the annual day of research at Drexel Med.
The SURF award includes a $3,000 stipend paid directly to the student during the course of the program.
The ten-week 2008 SURF program begins on June 16 and runs continuously to August 22. SURF students are expected to work 40 hours per week in their assigned laboratory for the duration of the program.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have an interest in pursuing biomedical research as a career and must be in good standing at their school. Students must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Drexel Med during the full term of the program (SURF program does not provide housing). Sophomores and juniors (as of Spring 2008) are given priority, although freshmen may apply. Seniors expected to graduate in 2008 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.
Completed applications are due by Friday, February 1, 2008, although early applications may be considered under our early acceptance policy (see below). The 2008 application can be downloaded below or can be requested by contacting the Office of Biomedical Graduate and Postgraduate Studies.
Early applications are encouraged, as a limited number of fellowships may be awarded prior to the deadline. In all cases, candidates will be notified of fellowship award by email, making it vital that a correct email address be provided in the application.
Application PDF
For Details Contact:
 Tia Dorsey
Academic Coordinator
The Office of Biomedical Graduate,
Postgraduate and Professional Studies
2900 Queen Lane, Suite #239
Philadelphia, PA 19129
Phone (215) 991-8573
Fax (215) 843-5810
E-mail: tia.dorsey@drexelmed.edu
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