Undergraduate Students

Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program [SURP] is an intensive, nine-week internship designed to provide research experience and mentorship for undergraduate students who are interested in biological research. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students will complete an independent research project and present their findings at a competitive poster session. 

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program [SURP] is an intensive, nine-week internship designed to provide research experience and mentorship for undergraduate students who are interested in biological research. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students will complete an independent research project and present their findings at a competitive poster session. 

The program runs from Monday, June 11 through Saturday, August 11, 2012 (Monday, June 11 and Saturday, August 11 are travel days). Students must be able to commit to this entire period in order to participate.

Additional Opportunities

Areas of Research

Students will be paired with a faculty mentor after selecting one of the following areas of interest:

  • Basic Science
  • Human Biology
  • Public Health
  • Clinical Research
  • Vaccine and Infectious Diseases

To learn more about the specific research interests of the faculty at the FHCRC, please visit our Faculty Page.

Photo by Dean Forbes

View slideshow from the 2011 SURP program »

Program Components

In addition to completing a mentored research project, students will participate in professional development workshops designed to facilitate the preparation of competitive applications for graduate/medical school. Workshops include: preparing a personal statement, resume, and abstract; research ethics and issues; a GRE or MCAT test prep session, and preparing and presenting a scientific poster. Students will also attend weekly research seminars regarding a broad array of scientific topics. The program culminates with a competitive poster session.

Photo by Nylkhalid Jungmayer

View slideshow from the 2011 SURP Program »

The SURP program also sponsors a number of social activities to foster interaction among students and their mentors. Activities may include:

  • Attending a Mariner's game at Safeco Field
  • Participating in a tour of Theo Chocolates 
  • Hiking in the Cascade Mountains

Eligibility Requirements

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident currently enrolled in U.S. university or college;
  • Students who are in the summer before their FINAL year of undergraduate studies; and
  • Strong background in the sciences.

Compensation

Students will receive $4,500 (minus taxes) for their participation in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

Travel

Travel costs (up to $450) to and from Seattle are provided. Travel arrangements will be coordinated by FHCRC staff unless otherwise requested.

Housing

Students are responsible for their housing, meals, and transportation. Housing is available at the University of Washington for approximately $1,500 for the duration of the program.

Photo by Clayton Hibbert

View slideshow from the 2011 SURP program »

How to Apply

The application deadline was Friday, January 20, 2012. Notification of acceptance will occur in mid-March.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, please contact Dr. Katie Peichel at: cpeichel@fhcrc.org.

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program is supported in part by the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) CURE Supplement: 5 P30 CA015704-37S1

About the FHCRC

The Hutchinson Center has an international reputation for its pioneering research in basic biological sciences, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, cancer prevention, and epidemiology.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is a world leader in research to prevent, detect and treat cancer and other life-threatening diseases.