Overview

The SURF program allows students to develop a unique research project in collaboration with a potential mentor. Students write research proposals as part of the application process, and faculty members review these proposals to recommend awards. Once awarded, students carry out their research over a 10-week period during the summer. At the conclusion of the program, students submit a technical paper and deliver an oral presentation, simulating a professional technical meeting.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the SURF program at Caltech, students must:

• Be a continuing undergraduate student at Caltech.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
• Complete the third term at Caltech or a program approved by a Dean.
• Be eligible for fall term registration before starting the SURF project and no later than July 1.
• Not be under any academic or disciplinary sanction.

Non-Caltech students must meet the following criteria to apply for SURF:

• Be a continuing undergraduate student at a degree-granting college or university.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.0.
• Complete the second semester or third quarter at your current institution.
• Not be under any academic or disciplinary sanction.
• International students are eligible to participate in SURF at Caltech but may need to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa, depending on their status.

Special Requirements for International Students

International students must follow specific steps to participate in the SURF program, particularly if they plan to work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). U.S. citizens and permanent residents are the only ones eligible for placements at JPL. International students must secure a student visa (F-1 or J-1), and F-1 students must apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). J-1 students need to apply for Academic Training.

Application Procedure

1. Find a Mentor: Identify and contact a research mentor who will guide your project. Mentors must agree to support your application and help define your research project.
2. Submit the Application: Applications are submitted through the SFP Online system, and include the following:
   • An online application form.
   • A research proposal outlining your project.
   • Unofficial transcript (for non-Caltech students).
   • Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member).
3. Evaluation: Applications are evaluated based on the quality of the research proposal, student preparedness, mentor recommendations, and the potential for intellectual ownership of the project.

What Financial Support is Available?

Participants will receive a $7,950 Stipend to Cover:

• Airfare Travel Expenses
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Visa Cost (if any)
• Other Personal Expenses
• Mentors have to bear the full cost of the award for International students.

Other Details

As a Summer Research Fellow, you will:

• Project Development: Work closely with a potential mentor to design and shape a research project.
• Proposal Submission: Prepare and submit a detailed research proposal outlining your project ideas.
• Faculty Review: Your proposal will be reviewed by faculty members who will recommend awards to the most qualified applicants.
• Summer Research: If awarded, you will execute your research project over a 10-week period during the summer.

Activities During the Program

• Weekly seminars by Caltech faculty and JPL scientists/engineers
• Academic and Professional Development Series
• Effective communication workshops
• Social and cultural activities
• Weekly small student-faculty dinners

For More Information

For more information click here.