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2008 Washington Space Grant Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

SURP participant Kenza Sigrid Arraki was part of a Pre-MAP undergraduate team that discovered more than 1,300 asteroids. Read more about Kenza and her team's discoveries here and here.

The Space Grant Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) offers undergraduates the opportunity to work in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics 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.

Projects are available in most fields of physical and natural sciences, engineering and earth sciences. Some projects may involve off-campus locations or fieldwork. (Look here to see projects undertaken by last year's SURP students.) 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 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.

Eligibility: UW undergraduate students in good academic standing who are interested in research in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM fields). Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Students who attend schools belonging to the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium may be admitted on a space-available basis.

Program Dates: June 23 - August 22, 2008

Research Schedule: Each faculty member-student team will develop a schedule that fits their particular time constraints and project needs.

Stipend rates: Part-time researchers will be awarded a stipend of $1,800 for the nine-week program; full-time researchers will be awarded a stipend of $3,600. All stipends will be disbursed throughout the nine-week period.

Program Requirements:

Attendance at the SURP orientation meeting, June 23
Responsible adherence to the schedule of work set up between student and research adviser
A written project abstract due at the end of the first week of the program
Semimonthly project updates (for due dates see calendar)
Attendance and participation in a weekly two-hour seminar meeting
A 10-minute presentation to seminar participants on the student's research
A research poster summarizing the student's project, due upon completion of the program

SURP students will display their posters at a reception held during Fall Quarter and will apply for acceptance to the campus-wide Undergraduate Research Symposium the following spring.

Application: The following materials complete the application process:

A completed SURP application form
A current, unofficial copy of your transcripts
A brief resume outlining your skills and relevant activities
A letter of recommendation addressed to Professor Robert Winglee from an instructor familiar with your course work or prior research experience

(Applicants already working with a faculty mentors do not need a letter of reference, but the faculty member must complete a Faculty Request form.)

Credit: All SURP awardees must register for ESS 490A and attend a weekly seminar to share their research projects with each other and with faculty. Please contact student coordinator J. Carlos Chavez at jcc5@u.washington.edu for details.

Please note: Any housing or tuition fees are the responsibility of the student participant and are not arranged or funded by the Washington Space Grant Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

Questions about the Summer Undergraduate Research Program should be directed to J. Carlos Chavez by calling (206) 543-0213 or sending e-mail to jcc5@u.washington.edu

Revised 4-11-08
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