Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) offers undergraduate students with minimal engagement in research endeavors the opportunity to work in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) research position that will complement their studies.
Purpose
SURP provides paid research opportunities for undergraduate students with little to no prior research experience to explore a new environment and network with mentors in the beginner-friendly program, helping students decide if they want to pursue a research career. SURP aims to make research accessible to a broader audience.
About the program
Students will participate in professional development workshops throughout the summer to broaden their skill sets for their academic and professional journey.
Student researchers work under the guidance of a faculty member, postdoctoral scholar, or research scientist at a Space Grant affiliate institution. Some projects may involve off-campus locations or fieldwork. You can view examples of previous student work here.
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 the application form.
Undergraduate Application
Eligibility
- U.S. Citizen and Washington State resident
- Currently enrolled in any WASG institution
- Available for the entire duration of the 9-week program, June 17 - Aug 16, 2024.
- Priority is given to undergraduate students with little to no prior research experience.
Key Dates
- Priority Deadline: March 4, 2024 @12pm
- Application accepted on a rolling basis until April 1, 2024 @12pm
- Selection notification will begin in late April.
- Info sessions via Zoom, @ 3 - 3:30pm
- Feb 16, Add to calendar
- March 7, Add to calendar
Program Schedule & Expectations
- Program Dates: June 17 - Aug 16, 2024
- Attend a minimum of 2 cohort meetings per week
- Work with the research lead on your group’s specific lab or project hours
- Demonstration of learning:
- Update resume or online professional profile
- Write a research abstract
- Practice and deliver an elevator pitch for your project
- Create an academic research poster
- Present in the Student Research Poster Session on Aug 16, 2024 @ 10a-12p on UW Seattle campus. In-person attendance is required.
Award
Part-time participant (20 hrs/wk) $3,650
Full-time participant (40 hrs/wk) $7,300
Award amount will be distributed over the 9-week program.
Application
To submit an application, have your unofficial school transcript and five short essays prepared to copy and paste into our online application form. We are including our evaluation rubrics below. The review committee may reach out to you for additional information.
| Criteria | Excellent (3) | Satisfactory (2) | Needs Improvement (1) |
| Conflict Resolution | Articulates a nuanced and comprehensive approach that promotes communication and empowerment. Their response reflects a high level of thoughtfulness and empathy | Outlines a somewhat effective approach to conflict resolution in a diverse team. Response is generic and lacks nuance | Provides somewhat vague approach to conflict resolution in a diverse team. The response may lack depth, and it may not clearly convey how understanding and inclusivity are actively promoted |
| Community Building | Demonstrates exceptional understanding of inclusion principles, and actionable strategies, emphasizing active listening and cultural competence | Provides some ideas to build trust and connections in a team with diverse backgrounds. Response is generic or lacks specificity | Response lacks clear or effective approach to building trust and connections |
| Motivation and Learning | Explains well-thought-out learning strategies that shows self-awareness in their learning needs. Provide successful examples in learning. Response includes compelling motivations | Articulates clear motivations in learning. Response include some strategy but lacks specificity | Presents positive attitude for learning but response may lack depth or strategies and study skills |
Essay Questions:
- How do you envision this research experience contributing to your personal and professional development? (150-200 words)
- Give an example of a skill you proactively took the initiative to learn. And how did you go about learning it? Your example does not have to be a lab-related skill. We want to hear HOW you approach learning. (150-200 words)
- SURP students spend the summer in small teams working closely together. In a diverse team, conflicts may arise due to differences in experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and skill levels. How do you approach conflict resolution in a way that promotes understanding and inclusivity? (150-200 words)
- SURP experience includes participating in small teams and cohort group events. What quality or energy will you bring to the Space Grant cohort community? (50-100 words)
- What is your research experience level? Briefly describe your experience and research skills you gained (50- 100 words)
For this question, research experience means working as a research lab assistant or tech, participating in student club projects, or interning in private industry labs. For this question, only count extracurricular activities. Do not count lab experience that is/was part of your regular course load.
- Beginner: less than 1 quarter of experience
- Intermediate: 1 - 4 quarters (1 academic year) of experience
- Advance: 5 or more quarters of experience in lab or research settings
For more information and/or to apply:
https://forms.gle/uX27jvWJhQ5M92Wi6
Deadline: 04/01/2024 12:00 Pacific Time