The College of Pharmacy at UIC invites undergraduate students to apply for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program. The objective of this program is to introduce undergraduate students to biomedical research in order to heighten interest in science as a career and increase the number of young scientists entering the biomedical research disciplines.
The SURF program is located on UIC’s West Campus, in the center of the Illinois Medical District--one of the largest concentrations of advanced health care facilities in the nations-- and just minutes from downtown Chicago. Our location gives us convenient access to a diverse range of cutting-edge research, collaborators, and patient populations.
The SURF Program is funded by an institutional award from the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET).
Program Dates:
The SURF program runs for 10 weeks, starting on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, and ending on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
SURF Program Description:
The ASPET-sponsored SURF program is for undergraduate students interested in biomedical research. Students will work on independent research projects in the laboratories of their faculty mentors. Before beginning work, students will attend relevant laboratory safety training. In addition to individual mentoring, the program offers a number of enrichment activities: research seminars, advanced research instrumentation workshops, career day at a local pharmaceutical company, instructions on how to prepare a scientific presentation, practice talks and a mini-symposium where all the participants present their research projects in front of the College audience. SURF participants will receive compensation of $3,000 for the 10 week period.
The 2021 Application Cycle is now open. Please read the application instructions carefully and apply by January 25, 2021.
Eligibility Requirements:
· Sophomores or juniors majoring in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field.
· GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
· Students should have a strong desire to pursue an advanced degree (Ph.D. or PharmD/Ph.D.) and must be available for the full 10 weeks of the program.
· The program is open to all US Citizens and Permanent Residents. Undergraduate students from groups underrepresented in health-related sciences, i.e. individuals from ethnic or racial groups (African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Alaskan and Hawaiian Natives); individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals with physical or mental disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Components and Process:
· Application form. Download the form and instructions.
· Personal statement
· Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)
· 2 letters of recommendations
Submit completed application form, personal statement, and transcripts as a SINGLE PDF file by e-mail to surf@uic.edu by January 25, 2021.
Request that your letters of reference are e-mailed to surf@uic.edu by January 25, 2021.
Notification:
All efforts will be made to notify applicants no later than April 1, 2021, regarding their status. Applicants chosen to participate in the 2021 SURF program will be sent an offer letter via e-mail.
Contact Information:
Please contact us by e-mail to surf@uic.edu
