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s a college student, you often hear that the future is full of exciting opportunities. Here at Purdue University, we wonder: Why should you wait until then?
Become part of a world-class laboratory group conducting exciting research this summer! You can begin using cutting-edge technology and some of the most advanced laboratory equipment in the country. You can be part of the team that pushes the outer limits of knowledge in your field. After all, that’s what we do every day. Come join us!
Why should I participate in an Undergraduate Summer Research Program?
If you’re considering graduate study, participating in an undergraduate summer research program gives you the added edge needed to successfully apply to and complete graduate school. Purdue University offers a wide variety of summer research programs to match your abilities and interests. Many of these programs offer the opportunity to:
- conduct your own research in a modern laboratory
- learn from a faculty mentor
- network with graduate students and scientists in your field
- improve your research skills
- determine if graduate school is right for you
- enhance your writing and presentation skills
- attend scientific conferences or meetings
- attend graduate school seminars, training sessions, and GRE prep classes
- participate in social activities with other students and your lab group
In addition, many programs provide a stipend (i.e., pay) and/or undergraduate credit, PLUS housing, travel, and food allowances. Details vary by program; be sure to visit the program’s Web site or contact the program coordinator for more information.
Application deadlines and eligibility also vary by program, so be sure to review the program’s Web site or contact its coordinator for more information.
Please note that while opportunities are listed by major subject, some programs do not require participants to be majoring in that field. Refer to the individual programs for details.
Review the Programs:
- Multi-Subject and Interdisciplinary Programs
- Engineering Programs
- Life Sciences, Agriculture, and Medicine Programs
- Science, Mathematics, Computer, and Technology Programs
Multi-Subject and Interdisciplinary Programs |
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| Click on the program title for more information. | |
CIC SROP 1819 South Neil Street Suite D Champaign, IL 61820-7271 |
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate student
- 3.0 or above GPA
- US citizen or permanent resident
- Enrolled in US or US Territory degree-granting college or university
- Completed at least 2 semesters of undergrad study
- Have 1 semester undergrad study remaining
- Strong interest in PhD
Keywords: All fields available
Choose an area of interest and be matched with one of the top researchers in your field. Work one-on-one with faculty mentors, develop a paper describing your project, and present your results at a campus symposium. Seminars, workshops, and social gatherings will help prepare you for advanced study.
The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue academic careers. The Committee on Institutional Cooperation, established in 1958, is the academic consortium of 12 major teaching and research universities in the Midwest, including Purdue University. Purdue hosts 40-50 multicultural students each summer through the Purdue Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP), providing them with a stipend in addition to a dual-occupancy apartment, travel expenses, and health insurance.
Purdue University Discovery Learning Center Burton Morgan Center Room 246 West Lafayette, IN 47907 |
| Eligibility: Purdue sophomore, junior, or senior; minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0; available during the academic year and summer session (limited space in summer) |
Keywords: Interdisciplinary research, Discovery Park, academic year
Experience the excitement, challenge, and power of truly interdisciplinary research in the fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment of Purdue's Discovery Park. Work closely with faculty on cutting edge research that combines two or more disciplinary strengths (such as nanoscience and bioscience, or perhaps information technology, business, and communications). Applications accepted every semester. A list of available internship opportunities and the on-line application are posted on the Web site.
Purdue University Interns for Indiana Burton D. Morgan Center, 246 1201 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907 |
| Eligibility: Purdue students with at least a junior standing, all majors, minimum GPA of 2.8/4.0 |
Keywords: Business skills, entrepreneurship, many companies available
Explore a wide variety of fields and learn about the business world through both education and experience. Through a seminar series and other activities, students will explore entrepreneurial issues and skills, have opportunities to network and develop as a community, and earn an academic credit each semester. Participating students will be eligible for placement in a paid internship with a start-up company. Internships are not required, nor are they guaranteed.
Purdue University The Graduate School Attn: Purdue SROP Ernest C. Young Hall 170 302 Wood Street West Lafayette, IN 47907-2108 |
| Eligibility: | Completed sophomore year (but not graduated) by June and considering future graduate study. Students from social and economic backgrounds that are underrepresented in research careers, including McNair Scholars, are encouraged to apply. |
Keywords: Most fields available
Pursue research in one of Purdue’s 70+ programs. As an incoming participant, you will be matched with a faculty mentor in your area of interest, and you will undergo an intensive research experience. The program includes a GRE workshop, career seminars, participation in a Midwest summer research opportunities program conference, presentation of posters and oral reports, social activities on weekends, and a closing banquet. Be sure to also check out the partner programs, including the Purdue Cancer Center Summer Research Program.
The goal of the Purdue Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is to enhance diversity in academic, government, and industry positions that require graduate degrees. All qualified students, including but not limited to, African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American, are encouraged to apply.
Supported by the Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP).
Kathy Sears
Program Coordinator
Email: ksears@purdue.edu
Phone: 765-496-7967
Or, contact your program of interest.
Eligibility: Incoming Purdue graduate student in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or agricultural science fields
Funding: Yes
Keywords: Accepted students; science, technology, and engineering fields
Participate in a summer research experience with your department, polish math and computer skills, and network with your peers. This summer experience will prepare you for the upcoming year at Purdue University by providing professional development opportunities that will assist you throughout your academic programs. This bridge program is for all qualified students, including but not limited to, underrepresented multicultural students on a path toward success in Purdue’s graduate programs. Come take advantage of this opportunity for mentoring with current Purdue graduate students and faculty.
Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, Room 2000 Purdue University 701 W. Stadium Ave. West Lafayette, IN 47907-2045 |
| Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently enrolled at US institutions in engineering and science disciplines. |
Keywords: SURF, Engineering, Science, Research
During the summer, undergraduate students conduct research activities under the guidance of a Purdue faculty member and a graduate student mentor. Students gain hands-on experience, learn exciting new skills in cutting-edge research fields, and become familiar with modern and traditional research tools.
In addition to conducting research full time for 11 weeks, students attend professional development activities and social events, network with other researchers and present their results at the end of the summer.
Engineering Programs |
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| Click on the program title for more information. | |
Martin Jischke Hall Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering West Lafayette, IN 47907 |
| Eligibility: Science and engineering undergraduates |
| Funding: Financial support (or course credit available for Purdue undergraduates) |
| Keywords: | Biomedical Engineering, SURF, tissue engineering, biomaterials, imaging, biophotonics, polymers, bionanotechnology, biosensors, neural engineering, orthopaedics, biomechanics, implants, computational biology, systems biology, healthcare systems engineering |
Through independent research opportunities, undergraduates gain useful exposure to the field of biomedical engineering. Interested Purdue students are encouraged to visit the biomedical engineering Web site (https://engineering.purdue.edu/BME/), to investigate individual faculty research pages to identify research projects of interest to them, and to contact the faculty members directly about undergraduate research opportunities throughout the year.
Students from universities outside Purdue who are interested in a summer undergraduate research experience with the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering are encouraged to investigate this program for possible future graduate studies with us. Contact Dr. Mark Garrett, Graduate Program Coordinator for the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering (mdgarret@purdue.edu; 765-494-2982), to learn how to identify an appropriate research advisor in biomedical engineering for the Summer Undergraduate Research (SURF) program. Participants in SURF receive financial support from the College of Engineering and the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering for the summer program. Please also visit the SURF Web site for general information and application materials.
480 Stadium Mall Dr. West Lafayette, IN 47906 |
| Eligibility: U.S. citizens, undergraduate student status in engineering or science disciplines |
| Keywords: Interfacial engineering, catalysis, biomaterials, solar cells, biosensors, nanotechnology, polymers, microelectronics |
The DAACI program offers research opportunities for undergraduate students with an interest in engineered interfaces and interfacial processes in catalysis, fuel cells, biosensors, microelectronics, biomaterials, polymer and polymer composites, nanostructures, gas-liquid interfaces, self assembled thin films, drug delivery, and buried interfaces.
Purdue University Civil Engineering 550 Stadium Mall Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051 |
Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate student with an interest in transportation
Funding: Yes
Keywords: Civil engineering, computer and electrical engineering, transportation
Undergo a competitive selection process to participate in the 10-week Joint Transportation Research Program. If selected, you will participate in research covering almost all disciplines of civil engineering, including related areas such as computer and electrical engineering. You will have the opportunity to attend seminars and field visits. At the conclusion of the program, you will write a report on your experiences.
Life Sciences, Agriculture, and Medicine Programs |
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| Click on the program title for more information. | |
Botany and Plant Pathology Purdue University 915 West State Street West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054 |
| Eligibility: U.S. citizen with 2 years of college level study in one of the life sciences; minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 |
Keywords: Plant biology, plant pathology, weed science
Come make tomorrow’s discoveries! This program is designed for the serious undergraduate student interested in graduate school who wishes to capture the excitement of research in the plant sciences. The department is offering a limited number of 8-week summer internships in plant biology, plant pathology, or weed science. Students will gain experience in conducting research by working on ongoing projects with research faculty, post-doctoral scholars, and graduate students. Special programs will be offered related to laboratory safety, graduate education, and career opportunities. For more information, visit our Web site.
Eligibility: Open to Purdue Students, including non-majors
| Funding: | Undergraduate credit through ENTM 498. Limited opportunities for funded employment. It is Department Policy that students may not receive academic credit for paid employment. |
The Department of Entomology has two avenues available for research. Research for course credit is available for Purdue Students (including non-majors) under ENTM 498, in Summer, Fall and Spring Semesters. Undergraduate research projects are mentored by individual faculty members in the areas of molecular biology, field ecology and pest management, insect behavior, urban and industrial pests and genetics. A list of faculty and areas of research interest are found on the Entomology web site. Students must have pre-approval from a faculty mentor and should agree on the scope and expectations of the research prior to enrollment. Opportunities are available to compete for undergraduate research awards regionally and nationally. Our students have a record of success.
Additionally, limited opportunities for undergraduate employment as part of field and laboratory research programs are available. Students should submit a brief statement of their area of research interest and include their employment and academic background (no more than 1 page). Students seeking employment will be notified as opportunities become available.
Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Purdue University 625 Agriculture Mall Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907 |
| Eligibility: U.S. resident with 2 years of college level study in the life sciences; minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) |
Keywords: Plant biology, plant biochemistry, molecular biology, nutrition and health
Do you think you might like a career in research or go to graduate school? The best way to find out is to do a summer research internship. Every summer, we invite undergraduates to join a lab in our department and find out what it is like to do research at a major research university. We have a variety of projects that range from basic research in biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology to applied research including horticultural market research and field trials in horticultural crops. Students become a real member of the lab they work in and are guided by a faculty mentor assisted by postdoctoral researchers or senior graduate students. We make a particular effort to provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with cutting edge technologies such as spectral scanning confocal microscopy, mass spectroscopy, high throughput DNA sequencing, gene chip transcriptomic profiling, and proteomic technologies. The Purdue Horticulture Department is also the home of one of the most advanced ionomics facilities in the world. Summer researchers will learn how to plan and perform experiments, record their experimental results, and prepare data for publication. At the end of the program, students will also present their work in a short talk - just like the short talks grad students and post-docs present at national and international scientific meetings. The summer internship program is tailored to each person's research interests and can last from 4 to 8 weeks. Participants receive a stipend based on the amount of time spent with the program. Travel costs are also covered for student participants from institutions other than Purdue. Purdue students can choose to receive course credit; students from other institutions need to arrange course credit with their counselors at their home institution.
For more information, visit our Web site.
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 575 Stadium Mall Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907-2091 |
Eligibility: Undergraduates who have conducted research during the academic year
Funding: Yes
Keywords: Pharmacy, Medicine, Research Career, Drug Discovery, Pharmaceutics, Clinical Pharmacy
The Dean's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program focuses on undergraduate students from both Purdue and other institutions who express a serious interest in a research career. Students who have carried out research for credit during the academic year can apply for summer fellowships to work with faculty in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for a 10-week period over the summer. Opportunities are available from three departments within the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Pharmacy Practice, Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, and Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. A total stipend of $4,000 is available, and in some cases, a housing allowance is also offered.
David Riese
Coordinator
Email: driese@purdue.edu
Eligibility: Completed sophomore year (but not graduated) by June and considering future graduate/professional study. Students from social and economic backgrounds that are underrepresented in research careers, including McNair Scholars, are encouraged to apply.
Funding: Yes
Keywords: Cancer research, SROP
In association with the Purdue Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) program, the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research (PCCR) offers a summer undergraduate program for students interested in cancer research. The goal of the program is to enhance diversity in academic, government, and industry programs that focus on cancer research. Students conduct research in the laboratories of Cancer Center members and participate in Clinical Trials Day featuring clinical oncologists who treat patients with cancer. Students interested in this program should apply through the Purdue Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) site and check the box indicating an interest in cancer research on the application. All qualified students, including but not limited to, African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American, are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility: Undergraduate student majoring in preveterinary medicine.
Funding: Yes
Keywords: Student will be paired with a faculty member in the School of Veterinary Medicine with an active research program
Summer Research Fellows spend twelve weeks in a research experience in veterinary and/or comparative medicine. Each student will complete a mini-project leading to a written report and a poster highlighting their research and will participate in a weekly seminar program along with veterinary students participating in the Summer Research Program. Visit the program Web site for more information.
Science, Mathematics, Computer, and Technology Programs |
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| Click on the program title for more information. | |
Hubert Dunsmore
Computer Sciences Undergraduate Research Coordinator
Email: bxd@cs.purdue.edu
Eligibility: Undergraduates in computer science or computer engineering, including non-Purdue students.
Funding: Undergraduate credit or pay may be possible
Keywords: Computer sciences
Become part of a working research team! Faculty in Purdue’s Computer Sciences program often hire undergraduates to assist them with various research projects over the summer. These projects and their compensation vary between labs. Available projects will be posted to the Web site.
Department of Physics 525 Northwestern Avenue Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907-2036 |
Eligibility: U.S. citizen/permanent resident
Funding: Yes
Keywords: Physics
Participate in a forefront research project this summer! Highlights of this Research Experience for Undergraduates include: a research project, a stipend, weekly seminars, social programs, student presentations and research symposium, conferences, and ongoing research.
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