Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering in cooperation with the Graduate School, and NSF’s Materials Research Science and Engineering Center hosts a summer research experience for undergraduate students. Participants will spend ten weeks conducting laboratory research in an area of engineering or the physical sciences. Students are exposed to other research available on campus through weekly meetings and faculty seminars, and participate in social activities with current graduate students. At the conclusion of the program, students present their research in an interdisciplinary poster session.
SURE 2025: May 27, 2025 (travel day) through August 2, 2025.
When to apply: November 1, 2024 – February 15, 2025
Program Information
Benefits
The program provides students with opportunities that build on their interest in science and engineering careers. Participants conduct a research project under the direction of faculty mentors and work as members of laboratory research teams investigating problems in engineering and the physical sciences in an academic environment.
The program professionally develops the student through seminars, interaction with faculty members, staff, post-doctoral scholars, and graduate students at the UW-Madison College of Engineering. Seminars include but are not limited to: How to apply to graduate school; Fellowships; Career options with graduate degrees in engineering; How to know if graduate school is right for you.
All participants receive a financial support package worth approximately $8,000. This package consists of a $6,500 stipend for the 10-week period, travel expenses to and from the program, housing, and a meal allowance.
Environment
The College of Engineering is made up of eight departments and is known internationally for its research in engineering and the physical sciences.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is located in the city of Madison on the south shore of Lake Mendota, one of several lakes in the area. The UW campus offers opportunities for interdisciplinary work between its superb undergraduate and graduate programs and other schools such as the School of Medicine and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, and more.
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin with a population of 200,000 and offers a wide variety of social, cultural, educational and recreational opportunities. The city is 1-1/2 hours northwest of Chicago and 1 hour west of Milwaukee. Students were able to explore both Chicago, Milwaukee, water-theme parks, Devil’s Lake and other State/National parks with current graduate students on program-sponsored trips.
Apply
Eligibility
Eligible students are undergraduates who have a strong desire to complete a Ph.D. and meet the following criteria:
- majoring in engineering, math, chemistry, physics, computer science, or other physical sciences.
- completed their sophomore or junior years of college.
- has an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enrolling in an accredited college or university
Application Deadline
Rolling placements will begin December 1, 2024 with an absolute program deadline for receipt of materials of February 15, 2025. Apply early to increase the likelihood of placement in the laboratory of your choice.
Application
Please note that the applicant is responsible for submitting a complete application consisting of the following:
- The application form: APPLY NOW
- A statement of research interest. Be sure to include information on previous laboratory research experience, postgraduation (undergraduate) plans, any experiences you have had that have prepared you for this experience, along with your reasons for applying to the program.
- College transcripts. “Unofficial” transcripts printed from the college website are acceptable.
- One letter of recommendation from a professor in your major area or a former research advisor/supervisor.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Program Contact:
Eve Williams
Graduate Student Success & Engagement Manager
College of Engineering, UW-Madison
Email: sure-reu@engr.wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 890-4502