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Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Program Structure

The first week of the program is dedicated to orientation and mandatory Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training. These sessions cover essential topics such as animal safety, chemical safety, how to maintain a lab notebook, research ethics, and more. In the following weeks, participants engage in a dynamic schedule that includes:

Mentored Research Experiences: Most of the time in the program is spent conducting cutting-edge research under the guidance of a UMass Chan faculty member. The research mentor and members of their research group guide the students through experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and science communication.
- When there are no scheduled events, participants are expected to be in their assigned labs, working on their research projects or completing assignments provided by their lab host.
- Research Lab Placements: program participants are paired with research lab based on the research interests listed in their application. For examples of previous lab projects, please visit Here.

Research Lecture Series: UMass Chan faculty members provide overviews of their current research and share their personal journeys into science.

Professional Development & Networking Events: Evening social gatherings, professional development workshops, structured networking opportunities that provide information on critical skills, graduate and medical school, as well as exposure to UMass Chan Leaders and trainees.

Small Group Discussions: Participants are grouped into small mentoring cohorts, where experienced leaders guide them through:
- Reading and analyzing scientific journal articles
- Developing components of their posters describing their research projects.
Excursions & Day Trips: Organized outings to promote community-building and exploration outside the lab.

Poster Session: Students present their work during a poster session at the end of the program. The poster session is open to the entire UMass Chan community. All trainees are required to be present at their posters for the duration of the session. Business attire is required.
2024 Poster Prize Winners
Closing Ceremony: An award ceremony is held at the conclusion of the program to recognize and celebrate participants’ accomplishments. A distinguished guest speaker shares insights from their personal journey and research experiences. The event concludes with a formal luncheon. Business attire is required.

A schedule from the previous year is attached for your reference 2024 SURP Schedule.

Selection Process

Application Review Process

o After the application deadline, all completed applications are reviewed by the selection committee.

o Invitations to participate in the program are sent via email to the selected students, beginning in late March.

o Selected applicants must respond to the program invitation via email, indicating whether they accept or decline the offer. Failure to respond by the deadline specified in the invitation letter will be considered as non-acceptance of the invitation. Additional invitations to participate will be extended until all slots in the program are filled.

o Participants who accept the offer must complete and submit all required onboarding paperwork by the specified deadline.

o Participants must provide proof of health insurance coverage before the start of the program.

Financial Support

Travel Information

o Round trip airfare and shuttle transportation will be paid for and scheduled by UMass Chan staff.

o If Trainees choose to make their own travel arrangements, the maximum travel reimbursement is $500. This includes airfare, two pieces of baggage within weight standards of the airline, and mileage/toll expenses for those who are driving.

o Airfare and baggage receipts must include the participant's names.

o Reimbursements require receipts and will be processed after the program ends.

Stipend

o Participants receive a $6,000 stipend, paid in three installments over the ten-week program.

Program Requirements

o Full attendance at all program activities is required.

o Fellows must reside in the provided housing for the duration of the program.

o Participants are expected to attend the entire 10-week program.

o If your final exams conflict with the program’s start date, arrangements can be made to take your exams at UMass Chan using the in-house examination service.

Housing & Transportation

Housing

o Housing is provided at Worcester State University, Wasylean Hall.

o The cost is covered by the program.

o Participants are randomly assigned to rooms prior to the start of the program.

o Each suite accommodates four to six people in double or single rooms.

o Each suite has a furnished kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, sink, two bathrooms and a furnished common area.

o Laundry room is located on the first floor.

o View Wasylean Hall Here

Daily Transportation

o Round-trip bus transportation is provided Monday–Friday between the WSU housing and UMass Chan.

o This transportation is covered by the program.

Contact us for more information

| Email:Summer.Research@umassmed.edu

Dori Zheng in Dr. Kim's Lab