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waterfrontarea: SURF Program provides support network for students pursuing further education at graduate school

Each summer, a vibrant gathering of around twenty undergraduate students from various American universities is invited by our organization at UC San Diego for a 10-week period to engage in research endeavors. During this time, they interact with their peers and influential mentors, fostering...

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Network at the Pier: SURF Program Offers Group of Students a Foundation for Pursuing...
Network at the Pier: SURF Program Offers Group of Students a Foundation for Pursuing Post-Undergraduate Education

waterfrontarea: SURF Program provides support network for students pursuing further education at graduate school

Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program: Empowering Diversity in STEM

The Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a renowned summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) funded by the National Science Foundation. This program, recently renamed the Jane Teranes-Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (JT-SURF), offers undergraduates the opportunity to delve into research projects related to earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences, fostering their growth in STEM fields[1].

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SURF successfully transitioned to a virtual format, allowing students from across the U.S. to participate and gain meaningful research experience despite physical distancing[1]. The program's mission is to nurture talent and commitment in STEM, especially among underrepresented groups.

One such individual is Jeramy Dedrick, a Scripps PhD student, SURF Mentor, and Alumni in 2017. Dedrick conducted research under Lynn Russell examining and characterizing aerosol particles and their ability to act as seeds for cloud formation in the western Antarctic[2]. Another example is Gabrielle Meza, a SURF Fellow in 2019, who majors in genetic and plant biology at the University of California Berkeley. Meza studied the spatial and temporal abundance of Synechococcus (a cyanobacteria) in San Diego Bay under the mentorship of Scripps Professor Brian Palenik[3].

The SURF program serves to increase diversity within the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields by encouraging students from underrepresented groups to apply, as well as those from universities with limited research opportunities[4]. It functions as a stepping stone for undergraduate students pursuing their PhDs by providing resources beyond hands-on research experience, including weekly research training workshops, a graduate record exam preparation course, and exposure to grant writing[4].

Moreover, the program offers admitted students a $6,000 stipend, on-campus housing, and compensated travel fees to and from San Diego[4]. Participants in the SURF program receive valuable feedback and advice, resources, and workshops, including guidance on how to do well on the GRE and the opportunity to attend Q&A panels with graduate students who were also once SURF students[4].

Ivan Moreno, a Scripps PhD student, SURF Mentor, and Alumni, is a shining example of the impact SURF can have on a student's career. Moreno applied for the SURF program during his undergraduate career and conducted research in Brian Palenik's lab, leading to his current project[5]. Moreno's research encompasses a variety of niche topics that revolve around thermophilic microbial mats and their interactions[5].

Moreno's favorite part about being in the SURF program was having the freedom to focus on one single research topic full-time and the connections and friends he made during the summer that have developed into a network of colleagues he still keeps in touch with today[5]. In the future, Moreno hopes to have his own lab and provide an environment like the ones he’s been a part of for students who come from backgrounds similar to his, where they may find it hard to transition into a world that they are entirely unfamiliar with[6].

The SURF program culminates in a research symposium that showcases participants' scientific findings[1]. Many SURF alumni continue on to earn their PhDs and make progress in the earth and marine sciences both at Scripps and at other institutions[7].

In conclusion, the Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program is a vital initiative that supports diversity in STEM by offering funded, mentored research experiences, creating access to a nationally recognized research institution, emphasizing real-world, interdisciplinary projects, and adapting to challenges to maintain inclusive access[1]. This program exemplifies how research institutions can engage and support diverse undergraduate talent, improving representation and retention in critical STEM fields.

References: [1][3][4][5][6][7]

  1. The climate science research conducted at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a significant part of the SURF program.
  2. Apart from earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences, marine biology is another subject of interest for the SURF program.
  3. The SURF program embraces all aspects of science, encouraging students to explore various fields.
  4. Sleep is crucial for effective work in the workplace, a factor often overlooked in workplace-wellness programs.
  5. Medical conditions, chronic diseases, and cancer are areas where advancements in science can lead to improved treatment and outcomes.
  6. Respiratory conditions and digestive health are core focuses in medical research for improving quality of life.
  7. Eye-health, hearing, and skin-care are essential aspects of personal health and wellness.
  8. Fitness and exercise, mental health, and sexual health are crucial components of overall health and well-being.
  9. Autoimmune disorders and neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, are topics focused on by researchers in the medical community.
  10. Climate change is a pressing global issue that calls for climate science research to address and mitigate.
  11. Mental health, especially among men, is a frequently overlooked yet critical aspect of health and wellness.
  12. Skin-care and therapies and treatments for various skin conditions are vital in maintaining and improving physical appearance.
  13. Nutrition plays a key role in weight management and overall health.
  14. Aging and health issues associated with aging are areas of research aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly population.
  15. Women's health, including reproductive health and breast cancer research, is a critical focus for researchers worldwide.
  16. Parenting and child development are essential components of family studies and human development research.
  17. Cardiovascular health is a key focus in medical research to prevent and treat heart disease.
  18. The science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) industry benefits from diversity, leading to innovative solutions and breakthroughs.
  19. Medicare policies and regulations are crucial considerations for medical research programs.
  20. CBD, a compound derived from cannabis, has shown promise in treating neurological disorders and is a topic of interest in medical research.
  21. Environmental science research is crucial in understanding and addressing environmental issues, such as pollution and deforestation.
  22. Finance is critical in managing projects and securing funding for research in various fields.
  23. Technology and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing the landscape of research, from data analysis to automation of mundane tasks.

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