Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)

UConn's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program is being brought back for the summer of 2027. NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

Modeled off the NSF REU Program, SURF provides opportunities for students from across the country to come to the University of Connecticut for 10 weeks during the summer to participate in cutting-edge research at our state-of-the-art facilities. UConn is home to the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT), one of the nation’s premier research centers supporting the navy and shipbuilders. Participants in the SURF program will have the opportunity to embed in labs across the university engaged in applied research, working closely with faculty and graduate student mentors on projects that may be related to undersea vehicles (UUVs, submarines, guided vehicles). Students will also have opportunities to participate in numerous field trips over the summer such as: the University of Rhode Island light-water nuclear reactor, an active service US Navy fast-attack submarine at Naval Station New London, tours of industry partners, and more.

Participation is limited to US Citizens.

Program Details

  • A stipend of $6,500 is provided to all participants in the program in addition to the below compensation
  • Housing is provided (housing options vary year to year, but past locations have included Werth and Hilltop for reference)
  • Meal plans are provided for all participants; there is a rotating speaker series which will also provide lunch
  • The UConn program runs for 10 weeks from June 1 - August 6, 2027; The URI program runs for 10 weeks from May 24 - July 30, 2027
  • The deadline to apply is January 3, 2027
  • All engineering and computer science majors are invited to apply!
  • SURF will provide up to $500 in travel compensation for participants to help defer the cost of flights/trains/driving to get to Connecticut, and program staff will coordinate transport to/from the airport as necessary

    For any further questions or concerns please contact noah.godino@uconn.edu

    Click here for the printable flyer.

    FAQS

    • What types of research would I be conducting?
      • You will be working in Naval related applied research.
    • Do I need to be a US Citizen to apply?
      • Yes. Due to the nature of the research we conduct, US citizenship is a requirement of participation.
    • Is there a certain GPA minimum needed to participate?
      • No. We conduct a holistic review of all applications we receive. We are looking to recruit talent that matches our research needs, and we understand those talents may not always be reflected purely in transcripts.
    • Do I need to be in Connecticut for the full 10-weeks to participate?
      • If you have other obligations that may delay your start or cause you to leave early by a week, we can discuss those details, but our preference is for those who can participate for the entire duration of the program.