Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

About the Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is an opportunity for students to fully engage in a hands-on educational experience of scholarship, research, and creative activity with a faculty mentor.

Through the support of the Brockport foundation and the generosity of a diverse group of amazing donors, the University sponsors faculty-supervised student research for up to eight weeks during the summer. (As part of the program, on-campus housing and a stipend for full or part time effort for up to eight weeks is available.)

To get started the student should identify a faculty mentor and ask if they can participate in their work during the summer of 2026, and if they are willing to act as a mentor. If the mentor is willing, a discussion of the project and how the student will participate will take place. If a decision is made to move forward with the project then an application is co-written; one part by the student and one part by the mentor. The mentor should help the student with writing the application but not write it for the student. A committee of faculty will then review and rank applications. Students will be interviewed as a part of the application process. SURP fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis.

Successful student awardees and faculty mentors are required to attend the SURP orientation session. Students are encouraged to complete weekly reflective journals during their summer research and if on-campus to present their research at a mid-summer luncheon. Students are also required to present at a Fall Poster Gallery, as well as at Scholars Day in spring 2027. A weekly workshop series focused on developing professional skills is also provided for students who are encouraged to attend.

Projects

Check out our SURP Project page to learn more about research projects that are sponsored by the Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

Evelyn Patterson with a fragmented roof tile from SPU 7. Photo by Dr. Alex Smith.

Student Research

Evelyn Patterson ’24 received research funding from SURP that she used to travel to Spain to conduct archaeological fieldwork with Dr. Alexander Smith.

Read Evelyn’s story

SURP 2026

Student Applications are due February 20, 2026.

Application Process:

Student Application: This should be written by the student applicant in the student’s words, and should involve a collaboration effort between the student and faculty mentor.
Mentor Recommendation: A link to this form will be emailed to a student’s identified faculty mentor once the student application is submitted. This should be written and submitted by the faculty mentor. Note: Mentor Recommendations are due February 27, 2026.
Interview: Once your application has been submitted, you will be contacted to arrange for your interview. During this interview students will be asked about the project and the potential impact this experience will have on their future goals.
Orientation Meeting: Once selected for the program, student fellows and faculty mentors will attend a one-hour mandatory meeting scheduled before the semester ends. Important details will be shared at each meeting.

Evaluation Criteria

Questions: Contact Professor Jennifer Ramsay, Director of Undergraduate Research, su_ugresearch@brockport.edu.

Research Fellowships

The SUNY Brockport Undergraduate Research Program is made possible by our donors:

Donald ’80 and Diana ’81 Hallenbeck Research Scholars Fund
Donald Nelson-Nasca Research Scholars Fund
George & Carol Bott Research Scholars Fund
James & Carol Haynes Research Scholars Fund
LoBracco Family Research Scholars Award
Morris Fellowships
NSF Award to Dr. Zachary Robinson
Ralph P. and Elizabeth S. Gennarino Research Awards
Richard V. Mancuso Undergraduate Research Award in Physics
Robinson Family Research Fund
Undergraduate Research Fellowships in Chemistry

Interested in Supporting SURP?

Donate to SURP Today

Designate your gift by selecting “Other” and writing “SURP” to ensure your contribution supports this program.