American Society of Plant Biologists 
   05/13/08 CONTACT US     SITE MAP     SEARCH     PRIVACY POLICY     ADVERTISE  
 About ASPB
 Membership
 Meetings
 Publications
 Committees
 Sections
 Education
 Job Bank
 Public Affairs
 Foundation
 Awards
 Librarians
 HOME
MEMBERS ONLY
 Benefits
 Resources
 Directory
 Newsletter
 Ecards


 ©2007 ASPB
 All rights reserved.
 ASPB Disclaimer


Education

ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

Announcing the 2008 ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow Recipients

The 2008 SURF Application Process closed on February 25, 2008!

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!

2008 Application

SURF Flyer (pdf)

2007 Recipients

2006 Recipients

2005 Recipients
Patrick Still's (Abstract/Publication) - unable to attend Plant Biology

2004 Recipients

2003 Recipients

2002 Recipients

2001 Recipients

We appreciate the contributions of Jon Monroe and Mark Brodl in coordinating the program, the people who reviewed the applications, and the ASPB Executive Committee, which approved funding for the program, and also made important contributions.