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Undergraduate Programs

What'd You Do This Summer?

Learn how our students took advantage of their Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)

Many students spend their summers as an undergraduate taking time away from the studies and either working a summer job or enjoying the opportunity to spend time with family and friends.  Not these students! 

As recipients of Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (S.U.R.F.) these students spent the summer conducting research, and furthering their future goals of benefiting society through scientific discovery.

Learn more about the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships available through the Department

Benjamin Nasal

Image of Benjamin Nasal



Recipient of the Paul and Mildred Berg Summer Research Endowment

Junior majoring in the Molecular and Cell Biology Option of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Conducts research in the Jose Lab under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Joyce Jose

Receiving his SURF award has not only allowed him to learn more about what is arguably the world’s most infamous pathogen at this time in history but has also helped him to become a better researcher, writer, and critical thinker. 

Read about Benjamin's 2020 SURF experience

Lydia Jordache

Image of Lydia Jordache



Recipient of the Paul and Mildred Berg Summer Research Endowment

Senior majoring in Microbiology

Conducts her research in the Weinert Lab under the direction of

Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

"Receiving the SURF award provided me a huge boost of encouragement.  It has allowed me not only to get a more personalized and unique research experience but has also allowed me to believe that I am capable of producing something of value!"  

Read about Lydia's 2020 SURF experience

Sinyoung Jo

Image of Sinyoung Jo



Recipient of the Edward B. Nelson Undergraduate Research Fund in 

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Senior majoring in the Biochemistry Option of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Faculty Mentors:  Associate Teaching Professor, Gregory BroussardProfessor of Plant Pathology and Systematic Bacteriology, Carolee Bull, and Assistant Professor of Microbial Ecology, Kevin Hockett

“Receiving the SURF award was really helpful for me in preparing for the mushroom phage research.  The award has allowed me to continue to focus on the research and stay in school for the summer.”  

Read about Sinyoung's 2020 SURF experience