We regret to inform you that the 2026 ANCHOR SURF program has been canceled at the University of Connecticut and University of Rhode Island.

We appreciate the time, effort, and thoughtfulness demonstrated through your applications. We regret that we are unable to support your research and professional development through this program at this time but encourage you to watch our website in future years for similar opportunities.  

Thank you for your interest in the ANCHOR SURF program and for your understanding.

If you plan on applying to Graduate school you can apply for a application fee waiver using this form for URI.

Sincerely,

UConn-URI Navy STEM Team

 

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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 in 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 navyand shipbuilder. Participants in SURF 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 the opportunity to participate in a number of 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 to all participants; there is a rotating speaker series which will also provide lunch
-The program runs for 10 weeks from June 1 – August 7
-All engineering and computer science majors are invited to apply!
-SURF will provide travel compensation for participants to defer the cost of flights/trains/driving to get to Connecticut, and program staff will arrange transport to/from the airport as necessary

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, 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.

 

FOR ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE PROGRAM AT ENGR-NAVYSTEM@UCONN.EDU