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Undergrads! No one told me so I'm telling you. Did you know you can get flown out, offered lodging & PAID to do summer research (even w/ no experience)?
First, I want you to learn these two terms:
REU=research experience for undergrads
SURF=summer undergrad research fellowship
First, I want you to learn these two terms:
REU=research experience for undergrads
SURF=summer undergrad research fellowship
REUs & SURFs are terms usually used for paid summer research programs. Typically REUs are funded by @NSF and SURFs are funded by @NIH. The point of these programs is to expose you to research, train you, and have you work on a research project at a different university than yours
Let me reword that. The @NSF and the @NIH give money to all these universities to create summer research opportunities to pay, train, and support YOU.
How much? It varies by program and duration. They're usually 10-12 weeks long and I've seen stipends range from $3000-$5000.
How much? It varies by program and duration. They're usually 10-12 weeks long and I've seen stipends range from $3000-$5000.
Summer research programs also span so many fields, from neuroscience to ecology to math to astrophysics to chemistry, etc. And one institution can even have multiple programs.
For example, my research institution ( @FralinBiomed) has two: @neuroSURF_VTC & @MolViz_VTC.
For example, my research institution ( @FralinBiomed) has two: @neuroSURF_VTC & @MolViz_VTC.
Okay, so where can you find these opportunities?
Sadly there's not one place you can look that has ALL opportunities, but there are good lists out there. For REUs, the @NSF does a good job of keeping a database here: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp
Again, this list isn't *everything*
Sadly there's not one place you can look that has ALL opportunities, but there are good lists out there. For REUs, the @NSF does a good job of keeping a database here: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp
Again, this list isn't *everything*
More lists for PAID summer research programs that I like to share with students:
- @AAMCtoday: https://www.aamc.org/professional-development/affinity-groups/great/summer-undergrad-research-programs
- @cientificolatin: https://www.cientificolatino.com/reu
- @IBParticipation: https://www.pathwaystoscience.org/programs.aspx?descriptorhub=SummerResearch_Summer%20Research%20Opportunity
If you know other good databases/lists please post them under this tweet!
- @AAMCtoday: https://www.aamc.org/professional-development/affinity-groups/great/summer-undergrad-research-programs
- @cientificolatin: https://www.cientificolatino.com/reu
- @IBParticipation: https://www.pathwaystoscience.org/programs.aspx?descriptorhub=SummerResearch_Summer%20Research%20Opportunity
If you know other good databases/lists please post them under this tweet!
If anyone reading this has recommendations for a paid summer research program for undergrads, please post it under this tweet!
If you've attended a program yourself and enjoyed it, post it under this tweet so others can check it out.
If you've attended a program yourself and enjoyed it, post it under this tweet so others can check it out.
Reasons you might want to apply to these PAID summer research fellowships:
- your school doesn't have the kind of research experience you're interested in
- you want to try doing research but can't afford doing it unpaid
- you want to build up your cv for full time research jobs
- your school doesn't have the kind of research experience you're interested in
- you want to try doing research but can't afford doing it unpaid
- you want to build up your cv for full time research jobs
Reasons you might want to apply to these PAID summer research fellowships (cont'd):
- you want to experience doing research in a more diverse environment
- you want to meet other scientists & expand your network
- you already have some experience but wanna try a different field
- you want to experience doing research in a more diverse environment
- you want to meet other scientists & expand your network
- you already have some experience but wanna try a different field
I want to be clear that the reasons I'm mentioning above are not all the possible ones, it's just what I can think of right now. It really can open doors for you, especially if you're thinking about going to grad school (a topic that needs a whole thread on its own lol)
If it feels like I'm trying to sell you something it's because I literally found out about these programs when it was too late. I literally didn't even know what the words "stipend" and "fellowship" meant at the time.
So I just want students to be aware of these opportunities.
So I just want students to be aware of these opportunities.
smh I just said literally twice in a row, hate that 
I'm bringing this up now because I was talking to yet another student who didn't know this was a thing. Due dates are coming up (usually Jan-Mar)
Some programs can be competitive, yes. My advice is make a short list of programs you're into, note the deadlines & apply to several
Some programs can be competitive, yes. My advice is make a short list of programs you're into, note the deadlines & apply to several
Also, diff programs require diff things (number of refs, different kinds of short essays, etc). My advice is if you have a faculty mentor, grad student mentor, or even just a professor you like, ask them if they'd be willing to read over your essays and give you feedback.
Okay caveats to this thread:
- most of these programs are US-based
- i have no idea how this will work out this summer pandemic-wise but that shouldn't stop you from applying
- not every program will pay travel+lodging+stipend, but it's not uncommon to find that
- most of these programs are US-based
- i have no idea how this will work out this summer pandemic-wise but that shouldn't stop you from applying
- not every program will pay travel+lodging+stipend, but it's not uncommon to find that
Btw, even if you don't find lists/databases you like, I swear sometimes googling is the best option. Make yourself a cup of your favorite beverage (but NOT sweet tea), sit down, do your searches, make your list
example: "[field of interest] summer undergraduate research program"
example: "[field of interest] summer undergraduate research program"
Shoot your shot! If you get in, great. If you don't, it's ok I promise you.
Plenty of scientists never got into a summer research programs either, inc me. There are many ways to get into research, this is just one. Besides, you can apply again next year if you're still eligible.
Plenty of scientists never got into a summer research programs either, inc me. There are many ways to get into research, this is just one. Besides, you can apply again next year if you're still eligible.
I want to highlight this wonderful and informative video from @Kim_RoadtoPhD. But honestly just go and check out their youtube channel and subscribe because there's a ton of helpful content there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=XHb6X9t8U3s&list=PL2rqOxaUX_MfXxmYefWNIBlqplIoOiX_Y&index=1&ab_channel=Kimberly%27sRoadtoPhD
Daniel is a PhD scientist with $1M+ in grant funding. He's also a first generation student. He just found out what a SURF is.
We talk about these things out-loud so first-gen students & those from marginalized backgrounds know about them at the right time https://twitter.com/dgonzales1990/status/1353889607193133057?s=20
We talk about these things out-loud so first-gen students & those from marginalized backgrounds know about them at the right time https://twitter.com/dgonzales1990/status/1353889607193133057?s=20
Ooh for those interested in cognitive neuroscience, here's a great list from @maureenritchey! https://twitter.com/maureenritchey/status/1353783408799993861?s=20
