Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

Thank you for your interest in the 2013  Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP).  SURP  is designed to promote access to graduate education for talented undergraduates from minority groups traditionally underrepresented in the biomedical sciences:  African-American, Hispanic,  Native American/Native Alaskan, and Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian.  SURP is sponsored by the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, a recognized leader in graduate education and biomedical research. The  SURP2013Overview provides a quick snapshot of our program,  a balance of daily research, weekly professional development seminars, and social activities. (Please note:  the application period for SURP is December 1, 2012 – February 15, 2013.)

Research:

During the ten week summer internship students will be mentored in the laboratory by a faculty member from the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences.  Additionally, other members of the  laboratory community (e.g. laboratory manager, postdoctoral fellow, PhD student may be involved in particular aspects of mentorship).    After several weeks  gaining familiarity with the equipment and routine of the laboratory the research intern will gradually be guided toward development of an independent research project. The research intern will present his or her project as part of an  end-of-program symposium which recognizes the  accomplishment of  each member of the SURP cohort.   Biomedical laboratories that participate in SURP reside within the nine departments and programs of the  Program in Biomedical Sciences, the department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, and the department Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.  As part of the internship planning process SURP tries to match research interests of both summer intern and faculty mentor.

Enrichment:

Research interns have the opportunity to  participate in a variety of enrichment and professional development activities offered through the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, departmental affiliation and/or laboratory.  Some of these activities may  include:   journal club,  research seminars,  science talks, career discussions,  graduate school test prep, or workshops focused on building particular skills such as resume or abstract writing.

Social Activities:

SURP is located on the Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC) in the South End of Boston, a  small multicultural neighborhood with a lively arts community.  Boston is defined by its neighborhoods .  As a major college-oriented city Boston offers many cultural and recreational activities to engage the varied interests of  a large and diverse student population.   SURP provides opportunities for research interns  to explore Boston, visit major attractions, and meet other like-minded students enjoying summer in the city.

Eligibility:

Qualified SURP applicants must be a United States citizen or permanent resident. In addition, applicants must be a current sophomore (rising junior)  or junior (rising senior) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and  a declared major in a basic, biomedical or life science. Prior basic science research experience is a plus but not required.  (Please note: If you will be graduating in May 2013 then you are not eligible for SURP.) Students from groups traditionally underrepresented in the biomedical sciences are  encouraged to apply to the  program.  The SURP program does not charge an application fee.

Paid Internship:

SURP program (Wednesday, May 29, 2013- Friday, August 2, 2013) is a paid internship. Research interns will receive a $4,000 stipend for 10 weeks of daily research; housing on the Boston University Campus; and travel expenses to and from Boston. Summer interns are responsible for meals and can choose from several options including a Boston University meal plan, convenience points, cooking or a combination. Boston is a walkable city with an excellent public transportation system. In addition, Boston University offers a frequent shuttle service between the Charles River and Medical campuses. Research interns will not need a car to live and work in Boston over the summer.

Contact Us:

We’d love to hear from you!  Please email a member of our staff at surp@bu.edu or 617-638-5704.