SURF Application

The SURF Application Package
The application package includes an application form, three confidential recommendations, and the student's official transcript.
Application Package
Recommendation Forms

Identify a project of interest
In order to match a students interest to on-going research programs, the student chooses a potential mentor and project listed under the Research Opportunities. Because they may be multiple requests for projects, students must select three projects in order of preference (see application form). If a student is selected to participate in the SURF program, a mentor and the corresponding project will be assigned to the student based on there qualifications and interests in the particular area of study.

Recommendations
Students are required to submit three letters of recommendation. At least two must be from faculty in the relevant fields at their institution. The third may be from a former employer or faculty member outside the field.

Transcript
Students are required to have an official transcript mailed in a sealed envelope from the records office at their college or university.

There is a higher preference for students completing their junior (third)year of undergraduate education; however, qualified sophomores and on rare occasions freshman have also been accepted.

Student is prepared for the project (coursework, experience, etc).

Student expresses genuine interest in graduate level research.

Faculty have submitted supportive recommendations and evaluations.

Eligibility
To be eligible for SURF, you must:

Be a continuing undergraduate student

Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.0

Complete the second semester or third quarter in residence at your college or university

Not be under any disciplinary sanction
 

SURF Awards
Awards will be announced on April 1 (unless it falls on a weekend in which case awards are announced on the following Monday). The SURF Director on recommendation by the Graduate Education Committee of the department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology awards SURF fellowships. Students will receive e-mail notification of the outcome of their applications. Awards will be posted on the website.

International Students
Domestic and International students may apply for SURF. For more information, click here.

Requirements
Upon receiving a SURF award, students sign an agreement to fulfill the following requirements: To conduct their SURF project on a full-time basis. (Students are strongly discouraged from taking courses or holding other jobs).

To submit an abstract of their project at the mid-point of the program.

To provide an oral summary of their project at the Mid-Summer Seminar Day.

To submit a written technical report approved and signed and by the mentor.

To give an oral presentation at the SURF Symposium.

Stipend
SURF students receive a $3000 stipend. The stipend is taxable income and will be reported on relevant tax forms. Stipend payments will be distributed in equal installments on the last working day of June, July, and August.

Housing
Students may live in UAMS housing during the ten weeks of SURF. Rates will not be finalized until late spring, and there is no board contract. For more information visit http://www.uams.edu/studentlife