Summer Science Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program

The SURF Program is an 8-week program held on-campus every summer (typically starting in early June). SURF's mission is to provide students with their first immersive research experience.  

Students in the SURF program work closely with a STEM faculty mentor on a research project which culminates in a poster presentation during the start of the Fall Session. 

To be eligible, at the time of the application deadline in Spring Semester 2024, students must be in: 

  • The Class of 2026, or

  • The Class of 2027, or 

  • The first semester of their Junior Year (in other words, students in the Class of 2025, who are on track to graduate in May 2025, are not eligible for SURF).

If you have a question about your eligibility, please reach out to the SURF Program Coordinator, Jess Martin and/or SURF Program Faculty Director, Professor David Hansen (Chemistry).

  • The 2024 SURF application will open on January 30, 2024 in Workday.
  • To apply to the program, you must be a currently enrolled Amherst College Student (see above).
  • The 2024 program will run from Monday, June 10th through Friday, August 2nd, 2024.
  • 2024 STEM Summer Research Poster Session will be held on the first Friday of the 2024-2025 Academic Year.
  • Access our Amherst College Summer Research Abstract Book 2023 here!
Attachment Size
Amherst College Summer Research Abstract Book 2023 1.32 MB
Eleanor Lee, Fiona Yohannes, and Dorothy Nketia hold a poster describing their summer research project.

2022 Summer Research Poster Session

Photos

See photos of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program’s poster presentation, showing projects from nine STEM departments. Students from all disciplines were invited to present on their summer projects.

Watch our video to learn what students and faculty say about their SURF experience:

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Exterior of a Residence Hall on the campus of Amherst College

Stipends, Housing, and Meals

SURF Fellows conduct full time research for 8 weeks, typically starting in June. Fellows receive current Massachusetts minimum wage for 40 hours/week as well as on-campus housing and a meal plan. 

a gloved hand holding a pair of tongs over a dry ice container

Safety and Ethics Training

Each SURF student is required to attend a group discussion on research ethics, and complete Amherst’s lab safety and RCR online ethics training before beginning research. Learn more about CITI RCR training.

Exterior view of the Science Center

STEM Summer Research Poster Session

As part of the terms of a SURF Fellowship, students will participate in a program-wide STEM Summer Research Poster Session on the first Friday of the Fall Semester. 

Each fall, SURF Fellows share their research findings with the campus community through a poster session.

Students: See tips and guidance for developing your poster presentation.

Andres Nino

Program Assessment

SURF Fellows are also required to complete an online program assessment at the conclusion of their fellowship experience. Completing this survey should take approximately 15 minutes and offers important feedback for Amherst College on the success of the SURF program. 

CONTACT

SURF Program Administrative Director: Jess Martin, jemartin@amherst.edu