Home / Undergrads / Summer Undergrad Research Fellows in Chemistry

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 and safety training, and has the opportunity to participate in social activities with SURF students from other departments, summer field trips, including an industrial chemistry laboratory tour, and an end-of-summer research poster session.

This program will run for nine weeks, from 3 June 2024 – 2 August 2024. All program participants are expected to complete the full nine weeks of the program, including all mandatory activities.

Students interested in participating in this program can apply through one of three application systems based on eligibility:

  • For Princeton University Freshman and Sophomores
    For Princeton University Rising Seniors & Early Concentrators
    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 15.

The Department of Chemistry offers a research experience program for Princeton freshmen and sophomores during the summer of 2024. 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:

Summer housing for Leach Fellows will be provided in on-campus air-conditioned facilities. Students are responsible for their own dining arrangements and meal planning.

Application:

The application for summer 2024 will be available through the University Global Programs System Portal. Applications for internal students will open on December 1, 2023 and will be due on 15 February 2024. 

 

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 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, 2024.

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. 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.
  • Outside Resources – Some online diligence may produce a source of funding for your internship. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an example. Such opportunities tend to be few, but may be worth the time spent to identify them and apply. A discussion with your faculty mentor may help you identify funding resources used by prior undergraduates in your lab.
  • 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 to pursue graduate study toward a Ph.D. or M.D.-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.

Funding:

The SR-EIP program is fully funded and provides housing, travel reimbursement, and a stipend for living expenses.