The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program is an 11-week summer program to develop students’ research potential. Students participate 40 hours per week during the summer break conducting research activities and attending professional development seminars. SURF matches undergraduate students with a faculty member, graduate student mentor, and a SURF Graduate Assistant who introduce them to the research tools used on the cutting edges of science, engineering, and technology.

Purdue’s College of Engineering launched the program in 2003 to strengthen integrated, research-related, hands-on learning through discovery for participating students. The SURF program aims to provide a hands-on research experience for undergraduate students that will stimulate their interest in advanced education and research careers. SURF students learn how to apply classroom knowledge to real world challenges and advanced-level projects.

The SURF Program focuses on four main goals for its participants:

1. Expose students to cutting-edge research studies by providing a hands-on research experience
2. Develop their knowledge of the research process and tools used by professional researchers
3. Increase their proficiencies in technical communication
4. Help students connect their summer experience with their future goals