Become part of a world-class laboratory group conducting exciting research this summer! You can begin using cutting-edge technology and some of the most advanced laboratory equipment in the country. You can be part of the team that pushes the outer limits of knowledge in your field. After all, that’s what we do every day. Come join us!

Why should I participate in an Undergraduate Summer Research Program?

If you’re considering graduate study, participating in an undergraduate summer research program gives you the added edge needed to successfully apply to and complete graduate school. Purdue University offers a wide variety of summer research programs to match your abilities and interests. Many of these programs offer the opportunity to:

• conduct your own research in a modern laboratory
• learn from a faculty mentor
• network with graduate students and scientists in your field
• improve your research skills
• determine if graduate school is right for you
• enhance your writing and presentation skills
• attend scientific conferences or meetings
• attend graduate school seminars, training sessions, and GRE prep classes
• participate in social activities with other students and your lab group

In addition, many programs provide a stipend (i.e., pay) and/or undergraduate credit, PLUS housing, travel, and food allowances. Details vary by program; be sure to visit the program’s Web site or contact the program coordinator for more information.

Application deadlines and eligibility also vary by program, so be sure to review the program’s Web site or contact its coordinator for more information.

Please note that while opportunities are listed by major subject, some programs do not require participants to be majoring in that field. Refer to the individual programs for details.

Review the Programs:

Multi-Subject and Interdisciplinary Programs Click on the program title for more information.

Eligibility:

Undergraduate student; research experience helpful, but not required; available during academic year

Funding: Contact program for details
Keywords: Science education, undergraduate teaching & learning, academic year

Become part of a multi-institutional collaborative effort designed to increase and improve classroom research experiences for younger undergraduate science students. Help develop, test, and refine new laboratory experiments that will become CASPiE modules. Gain an understanding of pedagogy and educational best practices, and contribute to the development of a new method for undergraduate teaching and learning. CASPiE is affiliated with the Discovery Park Undergraduate Research Internship Program (DURI), although students do not have to be DURI interns to work with CASPiE.

Eligibility: Any undergraduate student
Funding: Yes
Keywords: All fields available

Choose an area of interest and be matched with one of the top researchers in your field. Work one-on-one with faculty mentors, develop a paper describing your project, and present your results at a campus symposium. Seminars, workshops, and social gatherings will help prepare you for advanced study.

The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue academic careers. The Committee on Institutional Cooperation, established in 1958, is the academic consortium of 12 major teaching and research universities in the Midwest, including Purdue University. Purdue hosts 40-50 multicultural students each summer through the Purdue Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP), providing them with a stipend in addition to a dual-occupancy apartment, travel expenses, and health insurance.

Eligibility:

Purdue sophomore, junior, or senior; minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0; available during the academic year and summer session (limited space in summer)

Funding: Undergraduate credit (academic year only) and scholarship
Keywords: Interdisciplinary research, Discovery Park, academic year

Experience the excitement, challenge, and power of truly interdisciplinary research in the fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment of Purdue's Discovery Park. Work closely with faculty on cutting edge research that combines two or more disciplinary strengths (such as nanoscience and bioscience, or perhaps information technology, business, and communications). Applications accepted every semester. A list of available internship opportunities and the on-line application are posted on the Web site.

Eligibility:

Purdue students with at least a junior standing, all majors, minimum GPA of 2.8/4.0

Funding: Stipend/Undergraduate credit available
Keywords: Business skills, entrepreneurship, many companies available

Explore a wide variety of fields and learn about the business world through both education and experience. Through a seminar series and other activities, students will explore entrepreneurial issues and skills, have opportunities to network and develop as a community, and earn an academic credit each semester. Participating students will be eligible for placement in a paid internship with a start-up company. Internships are not required, nor are they guaranteed.

Eligibility:

Completed sophomore year (but not graduated) by June and considering future graduate study. Students from social and economic backgrounds that are underrepresented in research careers, including McNair Scholars, are encouraged to apply.

Funding: Yes
Keywords: Most fields available

Pursue research in one of Purdue’s 70+ programs. As an incoming participant, you will be matched with a faculty mentor in your area of interest, and you will undergo an intensive research experience. The program includes a GRE workshop, career seminars, participation in a Midwest summer research opportunities program conference, presentation of posters and oral reports, social activities on weekends, and a closing banquet. Be sure to also check out the partner programs, including the Purdue Cancer Center Summer Research Program.

The goal of the Purdue Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is to enhance diversity in academic, government, and industry positions that require graduate degrees. All qualified students, including but not limited to, African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American, are encouraged to apply.

Supported by the Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP).

Dr. Nicole Gale
Program Coordinator
Email: ngale@purdue.edu
Phone: 765-496-1124
Or, contact your program of interest.

Eligibility:

Incoming Purdue graduate student in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or agricultural science fields

Funding: Yes
Keywords: Accepted students; science, technology, and engineering fields

Participate in a summer research experience with your department, polish math and computer skills, and network with your peers. This summer experience will prepare you for the upcoming year at Purdue University by providing professional development opportunities that will assist you throughout your academic programs. This bridge program is for all qualified students, including but not limited to, underrepresented multicultural students on a path toward success in Purdue’s graduate programs. Come take advantage of this opportunity for mentoring with current Purdue graduate students and faculty.

Eligibility:

A campus-wide program for undergraduate students from all institutions in many areas of engineering, science, and technology

Funded: Stipend OR undergraduate credit available
Keywords: SURF, engineering, science

Many opportunities are available. Work this summer in research laboratories under the guidance of a faculty member and a graduate student mentor. This is an opportunity to learn exciting new skills in cutting edge research fields, and to become familiar with modern and traditional research tools.

Students conduct research full time during the summer, attend professional development activities and social events, and present their research at the SURF Research Symposium.

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Engineering Programs Click on the program title for more information.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizens, undergraduate student status in engineering or science disciplines

Funding: Yes

Keywords:

Interfacial engineering, catalysis, biomaterials, solar cells, biosensors, nanotechnology, polymers, microelectronics

The DAACI program offers research opportunities for undergraduate students with an interest in engineered interfaces and interfacial processes in catalysis, fuel cells, biosensors, microelectronics, biomaterials, polymer and polymer composites, nanostructures, gas-liquid interfaces, self assembled thin films, drug delivery, and buried interfaces.

Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate student with an interest in transportation
Funding: Yes
Keywords: Civil engineering, computer and electrical engineering, transportation

Undergo a competitive selection process to participate in the 10-week Joint Transportation Research Program. If selected, you will participate in research covering almost all disciplines of civil engineering, including related areas such as computer and electrical engineering. You will have the opportunity to attend seminars and field visits. At the conclusion of the program, you will write a report on your experiences.

Eligibility:

Science and engineering undergraduates

Funding: Financial support or course credit

Keywords:

Materials science, materials engineering, SURF, metals, ceramics, biomaterials, polymers, nanomaterials, composites

Materials science examines the processing, structure, and properties of materials. The products of material science research impact every branch of engineering. In two independent research opportunities, interested undergraduates gain useful exposure to the field of materials science and engineering. In the first, undergraduate students participate in a research intensive course (listed as MSE 499) for credit. Interested students are encouraged to visit the MSE website, investigate individual faculty research pages for possible topics, and contact the professors directly about opportunities. Instructions for gaining approval for an independent research topic are found in the materials science undergraduate manual.

The School of Materials Engineering also actively participates in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program or SURF program conducted through the Engineering Administration. Please visit the SURF website for more information.

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Life Sciences, Agriculture, and Medicine Programs Click on the program title for more information.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizen with 2 years of college level study in one of the life sciences; minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0

Funding: Yes
Keywords: Plant biology, plant pathology, weed science

Come make tomorrow’s discoveries! This program is designed for the serious undergraduate student interested in graduate school who wishes to capture the excitement of research in the plant sciences. The department is offering a limited number of 8-week summer internships in plant biology, plant pathology, or weed science. Students will gain experience in conducting research by working on ongoing projects with research faculty, post-doctoral scholars, and graduate students. Special programs will be offered related to laboratory safety, graduate education, and career opportunities. For more information, visit our Web site.

Eligibility: Open to Purdue Students, including non-majors

Funding:

Undergraduate credit through ENTM 498. Limited opportunities for funded employment. It is Department Policy that students may not receive academic credit for paid employment.

Keywords: Entomology, Molecular Biology, Field Ecology, Pest Management

The Department of Entomology has two avenues available for research. Research for course credit is available for Purdue Students (including non-majors) under ENTM 498, in Summer, Fall and Spring Semesters. Undergraduate research projects are mentored by individual faculty members in the areas of molecular biology, field ecology and pest management, insect behavior, urban and industrial pests and genetics. A list of faculty and areas of research interest are found on the Entomology web site. Students must have pre-approval from a faculty mentor and should agree on the scope and expectations of the research prior to enrollment. Opportunities are available to compete for undergraduate research awards regionally and nationally. Our students have a record of success.

Additionally, limited opportunities for undergraduate employment as part of field and laboratory research programs are available. Students should submit a brief statement of their area of research interest and include their employment and academic background (no more than 1 page). Students seeking employment will be notified as opportunities become available.

Eligibility:

Chemistry, biology, chemical engineering, or pharmacy majors in their second or third year of study.

Funding: Yes
Keywords: Pharmacology, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences

These fellowships are intended for students who have a serious interest in research and a desire to explore a research environment in more depth so that an informed career choice will be possible. Research laboratory assignments will be negotiated with each fellow, and will take into account the fellow's research interests and the availability of faculty mentors. For more information, visit our Web site.

Eligibility: Undergraduates who have conducted research during the academic year
Funding: Yes
Keywords: Pharmacy, medicine, research career

The Dean's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program focuses on undergraduate students from both Purdue and other institutions that express serious interest in a research career. Students who have carried out research for credit during the academic year can apply for summer fellowships to work with faculty in the School of Pharmacy for a 10-week period over the summer. Opportunities are available from 3 departments within the School of Pharmacy: Pharmacy Practice, Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, and Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. A stipend of at least $3,200 is available, and in some cases, a housing allowance is also offered.

Marietta Harrison
Coordinator
Email: harrisom@purdue.edu

Eligibility:

Completed sophomore year (but not graduated) by June and considering future graduate study. Students from social and economic backgrounds that are underrepresented in research careers, including McNair Scholars, are encouraged to apply.

Funding: Yes
Keywords: Cancer research, SROP

In association with the Purdue Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) program, the Purdue Cancer Center (PCC) runs a summer undergraduate program for students interested in cancer research. The goal of the program is to enhance diversity in academic, government, and industry programs that focus on cancer research. Students conduct research in the laboratories of Cancer Center members and may participate in seminars by clinical oncologists who treat patients with cancer. Students interested in this program should apply through the Purdue Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) site and indicate an interest in cancer research on the application. All qualified students, including but not limited to, African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American, are encouraged to apply.

Summer Research Fellows spend twelve weeks in a research experience in veterinary and/or comparative medicine. Each student will complete a mini-project leading to a written report and a poster highlighting their research and will participate in a weekly seminar program along with veterinary students participating in the Summer Research Program. Visit the program Web site for more information.

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Science, Mathematics, Computer, and Technology Programs Click on the program title for more information.

Eligibility:

Chemistry majors finishing their sophomore or junior years, especially non-Purdue students

Funded: Yes
Keywords: Chemistry, biology, molecule design

The Research Experience for Undergraduates program in chemical biology involves undergraduate chemistry majors from outside colleges participating in a 10-week long program. Topics of current interest within chemical biology include: design of small molecules to interact with enzymes, hormone receptors, biological transporters, lipid membranes or nucleic acids, drug delivery, and chemical understanding of disease states. Each of the participating faculty members has devised a research project that a motivated undergraduate could accomplish in a 10-week period in the area of chemical biology. Chemistry majors who may not have the opportunity to perform research at their home institution are especially encouraged to apply.

Janice Thomaz
Computer Sciences Undergraduate Research Coordinator
Email: thomaz@cs.purdue.edu
Phone: 765-496-6784

Eligibility:

Undergraduates in computer science or computer engineering, including non-Purdue students.

Funding: Undergraduate credit or pay may be possible
Keywords: Computer sciences

Become part of a working research team! Faculty in Purdue’s Computer Sciences program often hire undergraduates to assist them with various research projects over the summer. These projects and their compensation vary between labs. Available projects will be posted to the Web site.

Eligibility: U.S. citizen/permanent resident
Funding: Yes
Keywords: Physics

Participate in a forefront research project this summer! Highlights of this Research Experience for Undergraduates include: a research project, a stipend, weekly seminars, social programs, student presentations and research symposium, conferences, and ongoing research.

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In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University's educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a disabled or status as a veteran. For a more complete statement of Purdue's policies of equal access and equal opportunity, CLICK HERE. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Human Relations at vphr@purdue.edu or 765-494-5830.