Application period: February 24 — March 31, 2023
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) research position that will complement their studies. Student researchers work under the guidance of a faculty member, postdoctoral scholar or research scientist at the University of Washington. For summer 2023, students will also be working with the mentorship of graduate student researchers.
Projects are available in most fields of physical and natural sciences, engineering and earth sciences. For a sense of the range of SURP projects, you can peruse the research posters from our 2022 Poster Session. Some projects may involve off-campus locations or fieldwork.
Students currently working on a research project or interested in working with a specific faculty member may request that project and/or faculty member on their application form.
Applicants are selected by the faculty member supervising the individual projects. Once selected, the student and faculty adviser establish a schedule of work time and goals for the project. Students may apply for either part-time or full-time positions.
SURP — for faculty
University of Washington faculty conducting research in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics are invited to participate in Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium’s 2023 Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). SURP identifies capable students and matches them with faculty, postdocs or research scientists conducting research related to the student’s field of interest. Each faculty-student team will agree on a summer project that presents a meaningful learning experience for the student and contributes to the faculty member’s research efforts.
SURP — for graduate students
For summer 2023, we have an excellent opportunity for UW graduate students to join us as graduate student leaders of SURP. This is a chance for graduate students to gain experience mentoring undergraduates while continuing to work on their own research. The time commitment is only a few hours per week, with the options to work in-person, remote, or hybrid. The stipend for graduate leaders for summer 2023 is $9,000.
The graduate leader application is currently: CLOSED
SURP — for undergraduates
Eligibility
Undergraduate students who are attending a Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium affiliate institution, are in good academic standing, and are interested in research in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM fields) are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens (but do not need to be Washington state residents). As a University of Washington program, SURP has historically focused on providing opportunities for UW students (from any campus), with students from Consortium affiliate schools welcomed as space was available.
For 2023, WA Space Grant is able to nearly double our SURP cohort. Students from all affiliate schools are strongly encouraged to apply for the program — we anticipate having plenty of space for you! If you have any questions about applying, or you wish to schedule an appointment with our student advisor to discuss your resume, please email us at nasa@uw.edu.
Program dates
UW summer quarter annually
[Consult the UW’s academic calendars at this link.]
Research schedule
Each faculty member-student team will develop a schedule that fits their particular time constraints and project needs.
Award rates
- Part-time researchers will receive $3,650 for the nine-week program
- Full-time researchers will receive $7,300
Awards will be disbursed throughout the summer.
Program requirements
- Attendance at the SURP orientation meeting in June (time TBA).
- Responsible adherence to the schedule of work set up between student and research adviser.
- A written project abstract due at the end of the eighth week of the program.
- Respond to requests for research project updates.
- Attendance and participation in a weekly two-hour seminar meeting.
- A 10-minute presentation to seminar participants on the student’s research.
- An “action photo” of the student researcher working on their project.
- A research poster summarizing the student’s project, due upon completion of the program.
SURP students will display their posters at the annual Space Grant poster session and will apply for acceptance to the campus-wide Undergraduate Research Symposium the following spring. The action photo may be used in any of the following (although the student may, of course, opt out): Slide shows on the WA Space Grant / UW Aeronautics & Astronautics television monitors, WA Space Grant (or the student’s home department) social media, or WA Space Grant promotional flyers.
As part of NASA’s requirements for training awards, SURP students will be enrolled in a longitudinal tracking program, used by NASA in the evaluation of SURP and Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium. Student participants and their mentors may also be contacted in the future for information regarding any publications or proposals that result from the students’ research experiences.
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium partners with other organizations and programs to maximize the summer opportunities available to students. SURP awards may be supported by our past partners including the Pacific Northwest Louis Stokes Alliance (PNW LSAMP), Washington Sea Grant, Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS), or others. All participants are considered Space Grant alums.
Application
The following materials complete the application process:
- A completed SURP application form
- A completed SURP faculty mentor form only if you are already working with a faculty member
- A current, unofficial copy of your transcripts
- A brief resume outlining your skills and relevant activities
The undergraduate researcher application is currently: CLOSED
Please note
Any housing or tuition fees are the responsibility of the student participant and are not arranged or funded by SURP or Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium.
Questions should be directed to: nasa@uw.edu.