Summer Undergrad Research Fellows in Chemistry
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows in Chemistry (SURF-C) Program
Shafon McNeil
Undergraduate Administrator
[email protected]
Frick Laboratory, A22
609-258-5015
Dr. Susan VanderKam
Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies
[email protected]
Frick Laboratory, 284
609-258-1727
The Department of Chemistry offers a research experience program for BOTH Princeton AND non-Princeton undergraduate students who are currently majoring or plan to major in Chemistry.
This selective program provides unique laboratory experiences for qualified undergraduates, placing each student into research groups directed by our well-respected Faculty. For nine weeks the undergraduate summer researcher becomes part of the group, working side-by-side with post-docs, graduate students, and other undergraduates. Each student has the opportunity to play a part in cutting-edge research and be a contributing member of the research team.
In addition to the valuable laboratory experience, each summer student participates in research discussion groups, career opportunity seminars, scientific literacy workshops, and required training. The summer includes a full day visit to an industrial chemistry site and the opportunity to present research at the Summer Research Symposium. Summer researchers have the opportunity to live on campus in the Summer Research Learning Village, where they will find SURF students from other departments and have the opportunity to participate in non-research community activities.
This program will run for nine weeks from 2 June 2025 – 1 August 2025. All program participants are expected to complete the full nine weeks of the program, including all mandatory activities. Since SURF-C is a full-time internship, students may not simultaneously pursue summer coursework that would conflict with a full workweek. Outside employment (other than the research program) or other commitments (e.g. sports clubs) are only permissible during evening hours or weekends and should not interfere with research experiments or program activities. Vacations may not be scheduled during the nine-week period.
Students interested in participating in this program can apply through one of three application systems based on eligibility:
- For Princeton University First Years and Sophomores
For Princeton University Juniors (Rising Seniors)
For Non-Princeton Undergraduates
For Princeton University Freshman and Sophomores: The Charles H. Leach, II Summer Scholars Program
The application for the Charles H. Leach, II Summer Scholars Program will open on December 1 and will be due on February 10.
The Department of Chemistry offers a research experience program for Princeton freshmen and sophomores during the summer of 2025. The program is supported through the Charles Henry Leach, II Endowment Fund for Student Research in the Sciences.
Eligibility:
The eligible student must be an enrolled freshman or sophomore at Princeton University and have an interest in majoring in chemistry.
Stipend:
An educational stipend is provided. Details on the stipend will be provided in the award letter upon acceptance into the program.
Housing and Meals:
Summer housing for Leach Fellows will be provided in the Summer Research Learning Village. Also included is a 14-meal/week meal plan at the SRLV dining hall.
Application:
The application for summer 2025 will be available through the University Global Programs System Portal. Applications for internal students will open on December 1, 2024 and will be due on 10 February 2025.
Summer Research Internships – For Rising Seniors & Early Concentrators
Establishing a summer internship:
The first step is to speak with your faculty mentor to discuss your interest in working on your thesis research project during the summer. The full nine-week commitment is required, and written confirmation of your arrangement should be sent to the program administrator by your faculty mentor.
Deadline:
Summer plans must be in place, including all required paperwork, no later than March 24, 2025.
Housing:
Arrangements for housing are left up to the student. Each intern is welcome to live off campus or on campus, taking full responsibility for housing agreements and payments.
Funding:
Funding for internships may be available through one of the sources listed below. Support must be in place for your internship. In some cases, opportunities will also offer funding for materials for your project. Please contact the department Undergraduate Administrator regarding funding requirements.
- S.A.F.E. (Student Activity Funding Engine) – The various University funding resources are posted on the S.A.F.E. website, each opportunity specifying the type of project it will support. Be careful to choose opportunities listing guidelines that are a good fit with your project. A single application is required; you will then indicate all of the opportunities for which you are applying for that application, including the Department of Chemistry summer thesis funding opportunity. The coordinators of the opportunities will work together to decide whether your application will be funded and, if accepted, the total amount of the award you will receive. Do not submit more than one application/project proposal or you will jeopardize your eligibility for support.
- Faculty Support – In some instances, your faculty mentor may be able to provide an educational stipend. In such cases, written approval of that agreement should be sent via e-mail to the Undergraduate Administrator by your faculty mentor.
Leadership Alliance – Summer Research Early Identification Program (for non-Princeton Students)
The Princeton University Department of Chemistry strongly believes that intellectual and demographic diversity drive science and discovery. We are pleased to partner with The Leadership Alliance to prepare students from historically underrepresented groups for future roles as leaders in the academy, scientific industry, and the public sector.
Eligibility:
Undergraduate students from outside Princeton University may apply for summer internships in the Department of Chemistry through the Leadership Alliance Summer Research – Early Identification Program (SR-EIP). In order to participate in SR-EIP, a student must:
- Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited public or private college or university in the United States or its territories, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better
- Demonstrate a committed interest in pursuing graduate study towards a Ph.D.
- Have completed at least two semesters and have at least one semester remaining of their undergraduate education by the start of the summer program
- Be a documented U.S. citizen or non-citizen national, or permanent resident in possession of an alien registration receipt card (I-551) or other legal document of such status at the time of application. International citizens studying in the United States with an F-1 or J-1 visa are not eligible for the SR-EIP. Individuals seeking asylum or refugees are not eligible.
Requirements & Procedure:
Students who wish to apply for the SR-EIP at Princeton University should apply through the Leadership Alliance portal. Applications for Summer 2025 must be completed by February 3, 2025.
Funding:
The SR-EIP program is fully funded by Princeton Chemistry, and provides housing, travel reimbursement, and a stipend for living expenses. Details of the award will be provided in the acceptance letter.