|
ASPB created SURF
to encourage students to pursue advanced degrees and careers in plant
biology. SURF helps students conduct meaningful research in plant biology
at their home institutions early in their college years. Ideally, students
should conduct their SURF-funded research the summer following their sophomore
year. Exceptionally well-prepared first-year students and juniors who
provide evidence of a strong commitment to plant biology will also be
considered. Recipients are expected to present their results at the ASPB
national meeting in the following summer. Some funding to attend the meeting
may be available through the SURF program.
Funding - Each
fellowship provides a $3,000 student stipend; $500 for supplies; a one
year student membership in ASPB; and a travel allowance to attend the
ASPB national meeting. A $500 travel grant has been set aside for each
recipient to offset travel expenses. The student must be a co-author of
an abstract to qualify for the travel grant. Students from overseas or
who have very limited resources for travel may make a case for additional
travel funds.
Eligible Students
- Application is open to students from all countries. Students must be
enrolled full-time and seeking a degree. They must be involved in a research
project in the laboratory of a faculty mentor. Applicants may not receive
other direct financial support for their research (Institutional stipend,
Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research, Council on Undergraduate Research
Fellowship, etc.)
Selection Criteria
- Competitive student applicants should have high academic achievement;
strong motivation for research; skills for conducting the research; and
career objectives relevant to the aims of the fellowship program.
Faculty Mentors
- A mentor must be a member of ASPB and have an ongoing research program.
Mentors should demonstrate a commitment to undergraduate education and
research and be conducting a research program that is of high scientific
merit. Students at institutions not oriented toward plant science research
can seek mentors via ASPB's Diversity Bank at http://www.aspb.org/committees/minorityaffairs/DiversityBank/
or use the contact information below.
Proposal Evaluation
- The proposed SURF project should clearly support and enhance the goals
of the mentor's ongoing research program; be appropriately targeted for
undergraduate work; and be guaranteed regular access to proper research
facilities. Preference is given to proposals that demonstrate the mentor's
close supervision along with the institution's financial commitment to
the work.
ASPB supports undergraduates
at all types of institutions. Therefore, the proposals are grouped according
to the applicant's institution type within the Carnegie classification
scheme. Group A is for research and doctoral universities. Group B is
for all other colleges and universities. The number of proposals awarded
funding in each group will be weighted according to the number of proposals
received.
Form & Questions?
Contact Katie Engen, 301-251-0560
x116. Students and their mentors should apply on-line at www.aspb.org/education/summerundergrad.cfm.
The SURF 2008 application process is now CLOSED!
|
