SURF Program

The 2017 SURF application period is now closed. Deadline: February 17th.

Read more about the program in the 2015 SURF Program report.

Watch our video to learn what students and faculty say about their SURF experience:

Stipends, Housing, and Meals

SURF Fellows conduct research for 8-10 weeks, beginning  as early as Monday, June 5th, and ending as late as Friday, August 11th. Different start and end dates are possible, depending on the summer schedule of the particular faculty advisor. Fellows receive a $440/wk stipend and free housing in a dormitory. No meal plan will be provided in 2017 but fellows are free to purchase meals at Valentine Hall, or in town. We try to house summer fellows in a dormitory with kitchen facilties.

Safety and Ethics Training

Each SURF student is required to attend a group discussion on research ethics, and complete Amherst’s lab safety and RCR online ethics training before beginning research. Learn more about CITI RCR training.

Research Description Submission

As part of the terms of a SURF Fellowship, students are required to submit a research discription at the end of the summer with their research results. The abstract may be posted on Amherst's web site or in some cases, shared with donors who have supported your research. 

Program Assessment

SURF Fellows are also required to complete an online program assessment before they begin the program and at the conclusion of their fellowship experience. Completing this survey should take approximately 15 minutes and offers important feedback for Amherst College on the success of the SURF program. 

Fall Poster Presentation

SURF Fellows share their research findings with the greater campus community through a poster session, held in early fall. Go here for tips and guidance in developing your poster presentation.

CONTACT

SURF Program Director: Professor John-Paul Baird, jpbaird@amherst.edu

SURF Program Coordinator: Maureen Manning, mgmanning@amherst.edu