Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Summer Research Opportunities for Undergraduates
The Department of Pharmacology offers a ten-week summer research program to a select group of undergraduate students. The summer program offers students a variety of experiences that will help prepare them for success in research-intensive doctoral programs, as well as for other professional school programs. Students will work on an on-going research project in the laboratory of a Principal Investigator in the Pharmacology department and have the opportunity to participate in seminars, journal clubs and take various graduate level classes.
At the end of the program, students will deliver a short oral presentation about their work to the department faculty, staff and students. A list of potential Principal Investigators with whom students can work can be found at these links: Faculty and Cross-Appointed Faculty. While we will do our best to place students in a laboratory of their choice, we cannot guarantee that the preferred laboratory will be available.
Prior research experience is not necessary, and students of all undergraduate levels are encouraged to apply. Foreign students are eligible to apply but must be enrolled in an undergraduate program in the United States and hold an active F1 visa that will allow them to participate in the summer program. The program allows students to return for a second summer to continue the research conducted during the first summer fellowship, or to conduct research in a different laboratory.
The summer program is made possible by a grant from the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), funds provided by the Department of Pharmacology, as well as from federal grants awarded to members of the faculty. Selected students will receive a stipend ($4,000) to help defray the cost of participation in the program. This amount, intended to help cover the cost of lodging and meals, will be divided into two payments, which will be distributed at the first of July and the first of August.
On-campus housing is not available at UT Health San Antonio, however, we will work with summer participants to find appropriate housing, and roommates if desired. Extended-stay hotels are typically the best option and there are several extended-stay hotels within walking distance of campus.
In addition to a personal statement, unofficial transcripts and one letter of recommendation are required. The application deadline is early March. In general, applicants must be classified as undergraduate students, have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and have completed at least one semester each of college level Biology and Chemistry by the end of the spring semester of the year of application. Proof of COVID vaccination is required for participation in the program. Please direct any questions to the program director Dr. Bill Clarke.
Click here to submit an application. Deadline for submission is March 3, 2023.