College summers aren’t for sleeping. As future innovators, academics, and professionals, Chapman University undergraduates are encouraged to use semester breaks wisely, pursuing opportunities to aide future development. But what student isn’t tired of countless thankless unpaid internships? Are you ready to take your academic experience into your own hands? Do you have an idea or a question you’re itching to explore with expert guidance?

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity has just the program for bright, motivated, and dedicated Chapman University undergraduate students. The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is an unparalleled opportunity for students to pursue research and creative projects with the support and supervision of a full-time faculty mentor. Students across all majors and disciplines are encouraged to apply!

What does a SURF summer look like? The SURF program is eight weeks long, during which each fellow is expected to conduct an average of 30 hours of research or creative activity weekly. In addition to required research hours, SURF fellows attend weekly faculty lectures and professional development seminars (free lunch is always provided!). Faculty lectures are presented by the faculty mentors overseeing each student fellows, and provide an eye-opening cross-discipline exposure. Past lectures have included topics ranging from algebraic lattices to screenwriting! At SURF, you are given the unique chance to expand global knowledge. The weekly professional development seminars include invaluable professional trainings from Chapman’s Career Development Center and guest lecturers. Learn how to format your resume or CV, curate the perfect LinkedIn profile, apply to graduate school, and secure future fellowships.

But the benefits of a SURF summer do not end with academic rigor and professional development. Each SURF fellow is awarded a fellowship of $3,000 for their work, and offered optional on-campus housing at no cost for the duration of the program. OURCA wants to give its SURF fellows every opportunity for a successful summer immersed in research!

Are you ready to apply and join the ranks of Chapman’s research and creative community? To learn more about application requirements and qualifications, visit OURCA’s page on the Chapman University website. Don’t forget to attend the SURF Information Session on Monday February 12, from 1-2 PM in Argyros Forum 209A. 

Unsure whether SURF is right for you? Here’s what past SURF recipients have to say about their summer with OURCA:

Anastasia Kalyta (SURF Fellow 2016): “SURF gave me lots of valuable research experience, which led me to a research placement in Germany last summer. My SURF project taught me to work independently and troubleshoot on my own, which made transitioning into a new lab much easier!”

Katie Peck (SURF Fellow 2017): “SURF allowed me to broaden my ideas on how I can impact people through my art practice and prepared me for post grad research opportunities. I am most thankful for being apart of a diverse community of forward thinkers that supported and pushed me to continue my work post SURF. I look forward to where my research takes me next!”

Shannon Corenthin (SURF Fellow 2016): “SURF helped me rediscover my passion for learning. It led me to an internship in New York where I got to work on new theatre works and meet people in the community. I thank SURF for an amazing summer!”

Morgan Kindel (SURF Fellow 2017): “The SURF program has been one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in my almost three years at Chapman. Not only did it provide me with invaluable opportunities and knowledge, but it also allowed me to truly and fully immerse myself in what I’m interested in. Thanks to SURF I can now confidently say that a career in research is something that I wish to pursue.”

SURF applications are due Friday March 2nd by 4 PM. 

Make sure to like and follow OURCA on Facebook for updates on SURF and other opportunities for Chapman University undergraduate students!