Drexel University College of Medicine

Each year Drexel University College of Medicine (Drexel Med) awards Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) to undergraduate students interested in biomedical research careers.  

Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 SURF program (see below). Online applications can be filled out here:

https://www2.drexelmed.edu/SURF2013/

The purpose of the SURF program is to provide students with an opportunity to 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 specific, conference-styled presentations describing their research projects 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 2013 – 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 2013 SURF program begins June 10 and runs to August 16. 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.  The SURF program does not provide housing. Residents of Philadelphia and its immediate PA and NJ suburbs will be given preference; if you do not reside in this area but can make your own arrangements for housing (e.g., with a relative) please indicate your summer address on the application. Sophomores and juniors (as of Spring 2013) are given priority, although freshmen may apply. Seniors expected to graduate in 2013 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.
 

Application Instructions
Completed applications must be submitted by Friday, February 1, 2013.  Along with the online application we require two letters of recommendation and an official transcript from your current college/university. Online applications will be available soon.

Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of reference are required and must be submitted via email directly to biomedresearch@drexelmed.edu.  Letters should be on official letterhead and must be sent directly from the recommender.  Please put “SURF Program, name of applicant” in the subject line.