Engineering student sits at his computer in front of displayed data

Support for Undergraduate Research Fellows

This program is designed to foster faculty-student research collaborations. We are eager to fund work that allows students to engage in progressively sophisticated work central to an overall project led by the research mentor. We would like to see students engaged in more than one part of the research process.

The UWM Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) invites applications for fall, spring and summer Support for Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF). Faculty and academic staff can apply for the awards to provide an hourly wage ($14/hour) for undergraduate students working as research assistants.

SURF Application
Yearly Funding Deadlines
  • Fall Funding: August 15th
  • Summer Funding: April 1st
  • Spring Funding: December 1st

About the Program

Proposals will be evaluated based on the funding priorities of the SURF initiative, which include providing resources for:

Students

  • who have a record of commitment to research activity (typically, awardees have been involved in the research for credit or as a volunteer before seeking funding)
  • and who see research activity as key to their overall trajectory at UWM

Research programs

  • that provide progressively sophisticated activities for undergraduates in faculty-led research
  • that provide a pipeline for lower-division students
  • that are committed to strong outcomes for undergraduate researchers
  • and that promote inclusive excellence

Faculty, staff, and departments

  • with a demonstrated record of successfully promoting high quality research opportunities for undergraduates
  • and with a record of careful and efficient management of budgets
Student presenting their poster at UWM Symposium

Student Eligibility

  • Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate student
    • Special students are not eligible for SURF funding.
  • All students must be enrolled for a minimum of six credits to be eligible (not required for summer SURF).

Please contact our office with any questions regarding a student’s eligibility for this award.

Terms and Conditions

Please review our Terms and Conditions before applying for SURF funding.

View Terms and Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not covered in our FAQs please reach out to Jessica Schuld for assistance.

Research Mentors Students

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