Purpose

To create meaningful research (by “research” we mean research and creative activities) and professional development opportunities for students who are working on faculty-centered, faculty-mentored research projects.

Students Benefits

  • Engaging in an intensive and meaningful research experience
  • Professional development opportunities throughout the Summer
  • Presenting their research on campus and at an appropriate conference
  • SURF Students receive a stipend ($3,000)
  • Students may be able to forgo less meaningful Summer employment and focus on research

Student Eligibility

Any student who plans to return to CI in Fall 2021 is eligible to be a Summer SURFer. Graduating Seniors are not eligible. Graduate students are not eligible.

Summer SURFers will be selected by SURF Faculty Fellows. We will publicize Faculty Fellow projects and allow for applications from any eligible student. However, the choice of Student SURFers is at the sole discretion of the Faculty Fellow.

The number of SURFers is subject to budgetary constraints. We expect to fund no more than 45 students.

Application Process

To apply you will need:

  • A copy of your unofficial transcript (use the unofficial transcript generated in CIRecords)
  • A resume. Be sure to emphasize courses, skills, and experiences that might be attractive to the faculty member looking at the resume. Click here to view resume resources from CI's Career Development.
  • An essay describing your interest in the research project. Explain your interest by referencing your preparation, experience, personal, and career goals (maximum 2000 characters, about 300 words). Click here for advice on writing a personal statement for summer research programs.
  • You may apply for multiple projects. However, you will need to fill out an application for each project separately. If you are applying for multiple projects you should strongly consider editing your essay to fit each research project.

The deadline for applications is Sunday, February 28th. Successful candidates will be informed of their status on or before March 15th.

When you are ready to apply, visit this page and the application link will be provided at the end of each faculty member's project description.

If you have already reviewed the faculty projects, we also provide the application links for each research project:

Dr. Reza Abdolee (Computer Science)
Dr. Theresa Avila (Art History)
Dr. Ahmed Awad (Chemistry)
Dr. Maricela Becerra Garcia (Spanish)
Dr. Karina Chavarria (Sociology)
Dr. Thomas Clobes (Health Sciences)
Dr. Emily Fairfax (ESRM)
Dr. Jacob Jenkins (Communication)
Dr. Eric Kaltman (Computer Science)
Dr. HyeSun Lee (Psychology)
Dr. Jennie Luna (Chicana/o Studies)
Dr. Francisco Magdaleno (Psychology)
Dr. William Munroe (Chemistry)
Dr. Cynthia Wyels (Mathematics)
Dr. Hyunsook Youn (Communication)

Student Roles & Expectations

Students are expected to devote the majority of their effort during the Summer to their faculty-mentored research. Students should avoid additional work responsibilities that conflict with the purposes of the program.

Students must:

  • Attend a virtual meeting with the Faculty Learning Community on (mid-April).
  • Attend the SURF Orientation Program on (early June).
  • Be available Monday through Friday, June 7- July 30th to engage in their research project
  • Participate fully in the Summer Interdisciplinary Research Learning Community (IRLC)
  • Complete all work assigned by faculty mentors and the IRLC faculty leads
  • Participate in assessment activities associated with Summer SURF
  • Present their research in the Fall Faculty-Student Research Showcase (September 2021)
  • Go to the SURF 2021 project descriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I get paid?

Students will be paid in two installments mid-summer and upon completion of the program.

I am graduating in May 2021. Can I participate?

No. This program is aimed at students with AT LEAST one semester left at CI.

I don’t have any research experience. Should I apply?

Of course! This program is meant to create opportunities to gain experience.

Who chooses the Summer SURF Students?

Students are chosen by the faculty who are running the research projects.

Do I have to be a rising Senior?

No. In fact, choosing students who are Sophomores and Juniors allows students to have more than one student research experience before graduating.

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