Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF)

Apply by Friday, April 7, 2023, for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program in the Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

SURF students earn a stipend of approximately $6,750 for this 12-week program ($15/hour).

Talented undergraduate students are invited to discover the excitement of conducting research in faculty laboratories during this summer intern program that begins in early May. Openings are available in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Pharmaceutics (drug delivery) laboratories.

In addition to hands-on research mentoring by Wayne State faculty members, SURF students build camaraderie while exploring the city of Detroit. 

Applications must include a 200-300 word candidate statement, and two letters of recommendation are required. Undergraduate students from any college or university may apply. 

A day in the life of SURF

Each Monday through Thursday, SURF students work on an original research project in their mentor’s lab. Typically, these are independent projects within the larger scope of that lab’s goals, conducted under close supervision and guidance.

On Fridays, the Meet the Mentors lunch program allows time for students to get acquainted with faculty during informal outings — including a recent trip to Detroit’s renowned Heidelberg Project, the outdoor art gallery designed by urban environmental artist Tyree Guyton to draw attention to Detroit's forgotten neighborhoods. After lunch, students complete mini-rotations in laboratories beyond those they’ve been assigned, led by their SURF colleagues.

Each week, SURF students attend a special topics seminar presented by faculty members, with topics ranging from Training for a Research Career and Bibliographic Searching Techniques to Publication of Research Results. Various group activities keep things fun, including the annual Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences trip to Comerica Park for a Tigers game in July.

The program concludes in early August.

Contact

Randall L. Commissaris, Ph.D.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows Program Coordinator
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Wayne State University
commissaris@wayne.edu