SURE

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Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

 

SURE Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program logo.

About the Program

The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) is a summer internship program designed to train undergraduate students in biomedical science research. During the summer program, selected participants are assigned a mentor, placed in a laboratory, and are provided a hands-on opportunity to train and learn more about our degree programs in the School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences.

Application Process and Requirements

Please read the instructions and eligibility requirements thoroughly before starting your application. Along with the application, the student is required to submit the following:

  • Names and valid e-mail addresses for two faculty recommendations
  • Scanned copy of current unofficial transcripts
Review Application Process and Requirements

Duration

The summer program generally begins in June and concludes in early August each year. At the end of the program, a celebratory ceremony is held in which students give oral and poster presentations on their research. Tentative dates for the 2025 SURE Program are Monday, June 9th through Friday, August 1st.

Financial Information

Participants receive a stipend of $4,000 and are required to work the full length of the summer program.

Deadline

Complete applications with faculty recommendations must be received by Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. Applicants must meet all program requirements in addition to submitting a completed application by the deadline in order to be eligible for consideration.

Contact

  • Melody Turner
    Project Manager II
    Director of Discovery U Programs
    School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences
    (601) 984-1204

SURE Participant Photos and Testimonials

SURE student poster presentation.
“I felt like I was actually doing something important and worthwhile; doing the research, analyzing the data, and putting together [a] poster all gave me a sense of direction and passion, and I'm so happy to get to look back upon everything I've done this summer and think "Wow. I did that."
SURE classroom lecture.
"I loved that the SURE program really let me obtain research hands-on experience. I would have not been able to have the independent component at my school, but I was able to have my own research project and expand my personal skillset. I also am very appreciative that I had the ability to work with other students in the lab such as medical students and PhD students alongside my mentor, which helped me make connections and gain valuable insight."
SURE Group photo.
"My favorite thing was learning how to perform different protocols throughout the summer. I came in not knowing how to work a pipette and in a short amount of time, I was performing procedures on my own. I even got the chance to edit and rewrite a protocol."
SURE students in lab doing hands-on activities.
"My mentor and others in my lab were amazing! They were so supportive and really cared about my experience here. I also got a chance to learn more about the clinical integration of research as opposed to pure bench science."
SURE student poster presentation.
"It was an eye opening learning experience. I was able to work hands on with some amazing team mates and I [walked] away with a new eye for research."
SURE student poster presentation.
"I loved the work and the environment I was in. I felt like I learned a lot and had a lot of fun doing it."
SURE student poster presentation.
"I absolutely fell in love with the SURE program experience! It was so much fun and I found myself looking forward to what new concept or skill I would learn everyday. The lab I worked in had such amazing people! I will definitely try to come back again next year."
SURE student certificate ceremony.
"The thing I liked best about the summer research experience was meeting a diverse group of people and befriending them. I went to a predominantly white high school and it was inspiring and motivating to see a diverse group of student, mentors, and PhD students in the research at UMMC."
SURE student poster presentation.
"I loved how I was thrown into hands-on lab experience. There is truly no better way to know if research is for you than by participating in what I was able to do."
SURE student poster presentation.
"The SURE program was such an enriching academic and personal experience. The level of hands-on lab work and student independence far exceeded my expectations. I cannot thank my mentor and this program enough for the many techniques I have now become comfortable with the expansive access to resources and professional advice and teachings, and the opportunity to be a true scientist."