Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (SURF)

The Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to conduct laboratory research at The Rockefeller University. SURF students work with leading scientists in a broad range of areas including biochemistry; structural biology and chemistry; molecular, cell and developmental biology; immunology; virology and microbiology; neuroscience; physics; and mathematical biology.

College sophomores and juniors are eligible to spend 10 weeks during the summer in a Rockefeller University laboratory. The program begins in early June and ends in mid-August. Placement in laboratories is centralized through the Dean’s Office. Students are matched with laboratories according to their stated research interests, and work on projects under the direct supervision of faculty, postdoctoral fellows and/or senior graduate students.

I enjoyed meeting the people with high interests in science and biology the most. It was so amazing to interact with people that are so passionate about science, and that environment made me feel belong to the community.-SURF Alumnus

Each year, students are chosen from a wide variety of applicants with diverse scientific backgrounds and training. Annually, more than 700 students apply for admission into the SURF Program and approximately 25 are accepted. International students are eligible to apply.

In order to fully experience the world of scientific research, SURF students are required to present and discuss scientific publications at weekly Journal Club meetings. This exposure allows participants to familiarize themselves with speaking to a scientific audience. SURF students also attend a special lecture series where Rockefeller faculty discuss their research and the evolution of their scientific interests. At the end of the program, SURF students will present their research results to fellow students and mentors at a poster session.

I had so much fun during the poster session and getting to see what everyone else was up to in their own labs! Also, I really enjoyed truly being a part of a lab and living the life of a graduate student for 10 weeks. It was a very unique experience that I needed before my senior year! -SURF Alumnus

SURF students receive a stipend of $6,500.00. Free housing will be provided for students who cannot commute. Campus facilities include a tennis court, a recently renovated gym and adjacent east west esplanade for jogging, running, walking, or roller blading. SURF students are encouraged to attend social and cultural events occurring both on and off campus. Organized outings for SURF students have included trips to see a Broadway show and professional baseball game.

The Rockefeller University’s campus, located on New York City’s Upper East Side, is set among beautifully kept gardens and trees on a 15-acre campus overlooking the East River. A diversity of restaurants, shops and entertainment adds to this culturally enriched area of Manhattan. The rest of New York City is conveniently accessible by train, bus or taxicab.