Undergraduate Research
SURF—Southwestern Undergraduate Research with Faculty
SURF students spend the summer carrying out paid,
full-time research and creative works alongside Southwestern faculty mentors.
MAD MONDAYS CALENDAR
Summer Research Presentations
Social Events for a Learning Community
Through SU’s Summer Undergraduate Research with Faculty program, or SURF, students partner with faculty and fellow undergraduates from across the disciplines—including the natural and social sciences, the humanities, and the fine arts—to engage in scholarly and creative inquiry. While living on campus or off (depending upon the nature of the project), students receive a stipend to collaborate full-time on SU faculty research projects and artistic works, from conducting archival research in Paris on migrant rights, to developing artificial intelligence for video games and identifying mollusks using environmental DNA, examining the leadership styles of CEOs, and investigating the racial history of the University. They also engage in weekly social and academic events, fostering a tight-knit learning community as well as individual professional development. This intensive experience culminates in the presentation of projects at a fall High-Impact Experiences Celebration as well as at our annual Research and Creative Works Symposium in the spring—both exciting opportunities for students to share their work with the Southwestern community.
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Research & Creative Works Symposium
One of Southwestern’s most exhilarating events is the annual Research and Creative Works Symposium. This conference celebrates students’ devotion to technological and aesthetic innovation, original research in many fields, and community-engaged learning.
Academic Student Travel
Student Travel Grants enable Southwestern undergraduates to enhance their professional development and network with thought leaders in their fields.
* Fleming Student Travel
* Sarofim School of Fine Arts Travel Funds
For Faculty
By engaging undergraduates in their research and creative programs, Southwestern faculty provide the mentorship that is crucial for student success and makes the Southwestern Experience truly memorable.
Undergraduate Research
Every student at Southwestern University engages in research and creative projects, whether it’s writing a literature review for a final sociology essay or designing a theatrical performance for a capstone course. But undergraduate research goes well beyond the classroom…