SURF-REU Program

The SURF program entails a 10-week Summer Undergraduate Research experience at the University of Florida strictly for students 1) considering Ph.D. enrollment to UF and/or 2) participating in a UF Engineering REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) in one of our engineering departments. The Summer 2027 SURF model will only be supporting students from REU programs. This includes our engineering departments, faculty, and PIs who have already received a REU grant for a small cohort of students, or REU supplements for individual students. SURF-REU support provides the opportunity to work with a premier faculty adviser and a senior Ph.D. student mentor or Postdoc mentor. Students will engage in research and spend in-depth time furthering their career path, which may include applying and enrolling in a Ph.D. program at the University of Florida. All costs for SURF-REU support are paid by UF, which typically include a $5,000 – $7,000 summer stipend, UF Residence Hall housing, potential meal plans, summer workshops, social events/activities, etc.

The Summer Undergraduate Research at Florida (SURF-REU) program is a 10-week summer research experience at the University of Florida designed for students participating in National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs hosted by the University of Florida. The Summer 2027 program dates are May 22 – July 31, 2027.

Eligible participants include students supported through REU site grants or REU supplemental awards administered by UF departments, faculty members, and principal investigators.

Through SURF-REU, students work closely with a distinguished UF faculty mentor and receive additional guidance from a senior Ph.D. student or postdoctoral mentor. Participants gain hands-on research experience, develop advanced technical and professional skills, and explore pathways to graduate education, including potential enrollment in a Ph.D. program at the University of Florida.

The University of Florida covers most costs associated with the SURF-REU experience. Support typically includes:

• A summer stipend of approximately $5,000 to $7,000
• University apartment-style housing
• Potential meal plan support
• Professional development and research workshops
• Social, networking, and community-building activities

SURF-REU provides an immersive research experience that helps students deepen their academic interests, build mentoring relationships, and prepare for future success in graduate school and research careers.