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Summer Undergraduate Research in Physiology (SURP)

The Summer Undergraduate Research in Physiology (SURP) program offers underrepresented undergraduates the opportunity to conduct intensive research across various disciplines, preparing them for advanced studies in one of the PhD programs at the U-M Medical School.

Participants work on graduate-level research projects with faculty mentors, either individually or as part of a team, and engage in academic, professional, and personal development seminars. The program culminates in a summer research symposium where participants present their findings.

For More Information
Program Overview
MIP SURP fellows smiling at the camera

The program runs from May 28 to August 16, 2024, with a stipend of $7,200 ($15/hr), pre-tax, for twelve weeks of full-time work, and participants may not enroll in classes, other programs, or hold other employment during this period. The program is supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) pending continued funding (Grant #R25HL108842).

Application submissions closes Sunday Feb 2, 2025, 11:59 p.m.

Benefits

  • $7,200 funding in 6 bi-weekly installments (pre-tax).
  • Travel reimbursement up to $500.
  • $1,000 housing assistance.
  • $1,000 research supply assistance for the mentor.
  • Gain knowledge in modern physiology and skills in scientific presentations.
How to Apply

Interested students can apply by completing and submitting an online application form, which requires personal statements, undergraduate transcripts, and three faculty mentor choices.

Application Process

  • Personal statements, undergraduate transcripts (official or unofficial), and three picks for faculty mentors (in order) will be required before applying.
  • Complete and submit an online application. (Only US citizens or permanent residents are eligible.)
  • Arrange for two confidential recommendations. (Enter the recommenders' email addresses in the online application to support this process. A link for the recommendation form will be sent by email directly to the recommenders for completion.)

Eligibility Requirements 

  • Be full-time college students
  • Have completed their freshman year and not graduate before December 2024.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Pay for housing during their fellowship from their stipend. Several opportunities for summer housing exist, with subletting off-campus being the most reasonable and cost-effective.
  • Devote 12 consecutive weeks to full-time (40 hours/week) laboratory research ( excluding July 4). The faculty member and the student must agree upon vacation days, and any missed hours must be made up before the end of summer.
  • Not hold other employment, join concurrent fellowships or enroll in classes during the fellowship period
  • Be interested in pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Michigan.
  • Have personal medical/health insurance throughout the program.
  • Attend a Summer Symposium at the end of the program to report their research findings.
  • Be a member of an underrepresented group*

*Groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences include: A) individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups shown to be underrepresented nationally defined as Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, and B) individuals with disabilities, defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Application Information

Learn more how to apply to the SURP fellowship.

Student Responsibilities

SURP students are expected to commit full-time to their research projects, attend mandatory weekly meetings, seminars, and events, and give a research presentation at the Summer Symposium in August. Networking opportunities with faculty, students, and staff will also be available throughout the summer.

Faculty Mentors
Program Leadership
Jimo Borjigin Jimo Borjigin
Associate Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Associate Professor of Neurology
Justus Anumonwo, PhD Justus M Anumonwo
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Associate Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology