Check out the main SURF homepage

Summer Undergraduate
Research Fellowship Program

SURFing the
Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory

Undergraduate engineers, physicists, computer scientists, mathematicians, and chemists The Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology wants YOU!!

Each summer we conduct a 9 - 11 week Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program that provides you a great opportunity to experience hands-on research along side of world-recognized scientists. Working with an advisor assigned just to you, you will get a project that you can call your own. This program gives you the chance to try out a research career before you make a final commitment to your career. If you aren't sure of what you want to do, this program is still for you - the program has time built into to it to learn about other technical projects from all over NIST. Make sure that you view the SURF video (http://www.surf.nist.gov/video.htm) to hear what former SURF students had to say about the program. If you are interested in reading about previous student projects, view the 2007 SURF Abstract book

MEL is especially interested in students majoring in: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, and Precision Engineering. However, don't hesitate to apply for the program if any of our research opportunities interest you.

NIST is located in Gaithersburg, MD just outside of Washington, DC. and many research opportunities exist including research projects in:

Student projects may be formed in any of the above areas and many more. If you would like to find out more about the ongoing research programs and projects in MEL, check out MEL's Projects and Programs or the project description listed in the NRC Postdoctoral Research Associate book - click through the divisions to see the project descriptions.

The Fellowship includes a $4,000 stipend ($3272.73 for those participating in the 9-week program), and travel and housing allowances. Your school must start the application process - check with your professor, career development advisor, or the chair of your academic department to see who is the right person for your university.

There are several other very successful SURF programs here at NIST - Gaithersburg: 1) NIST SURFing the Physics Laboratory, 2) SURF the Material Science and Engineering Laboratory, 3) SURF the Building and Fire Research Laboratory, 4) SURF the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Laboratory, 5) SURF the Information Technology Laboratory, and the 6) SURF the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory. When you apply, please indicate with a 1st and 2nd notation which labs should review your application; Your application may be considered by any or all of the seven program with a preference given to the programs that you indicate.

Student Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an undergraduate student (seniors are eligible to apply)
• Intent to pursue a graduate degree (PhD) in mathematics, physics, computer science, or engineering
• Recommend a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or better
• Must be a US citizen or permanent resident attending a US college or university

Students Must Provide:

• A resume - this should be a bit broader than a traditional resume, indicate significant classes, hobbies, and outside curricular activities.
• College Transcript(s)
• Two letters of recommendation preferably from the physics, math, computer science or engineering professors or department chair.
• A letter of intent/personal statement - this should include why you think you should get into the program, what you think you will get out of the program and tell where your technical interests lie

Plan of Operation

• SURFers work directly with NIST scientists and/or NIST Research Advisors
• SURFers participate in weekly technical seminar program
• SURFers are encouraged to participate in extramural group activities to enrich the fellowship experience
• SURFers are encouraged to present their research results at local or national Meetings and Conferences
• SURF are encouraged, but not required to pursue their Ph.D.

Download Application

Return to Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) homepage

For more information contact:

Lisa Jean Fronczek
National Institute of Standards and Technology
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8200
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8200
phone: (301) 975-6633
FAX: (301) 948-5668
email:lfronczek@nist.gov

For comments or suggestion on this page, please contact the melwebmaster@nist.gov

Date created: Feb. 20, 2001
Last updated: November 8, 2006

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