The Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) brings college students to Rutgers-Newark for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to conduct original lab research with our award-winning faculty. The program is designed for undergraduates in STEM fields who plan to pursue graduate programs or medical school after graduating.
AlumTestimony
Sydney Whitmore, 2025 SURI, "This experience gave me valuable exposure to different areas of psychological research and helped me develop essential skills, including training in R programming. I also found the GRE preparation sessions extremely helpful in preparing for graduate school applications. I would highly recommend this program to anyone serious about pursuing graduate studies or a career in academia the mentorship, training, and support offered through SURI were truly impactful. I am currently applying to clinical and counseling psychology PhD programs, and I credit much of my preparation and confidence to the foundation this program provided."
The seven-week experience is ideal for those students looking to expand their horizons with hands-on research experience. Participants are assigned to labs in a range of fields, including kinesiology, psychology, mathematics, cell biology, herpetology, geology, neuroscience, and atmospheric chemistry. At the end of the summer, participants share their research and findings with our campus community.
In addition to their research, participants also engage in weekly seminars on cutting-edge topics in scientific discovery, ethics, professional development, and the graduate school admissions process. Participants also engage in activities that immerse students in the scientific and research community in our region. And we also have fun!
This program will be in-person for Summer 2026.
Participants will be required to comply with university health and safety protocols.
2026 Program Dates: May 26 - July 10, 2026
Program Benefits:
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Stipend: $4,000
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Housing + Travel: On-Campus housing provided for participants residing outside the NYC metropolitan area. Those traveling from outside the area may also qualify for up to $500 in travel assistance.
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Application Assistance: Program alumni are eligible for application fee waivers when applying to Rutgers Graduate School-Newark.
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Mentoring and Support for applying to graduate school, including free GRE prep.
Summer 2026 Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
More information about our graduate programs, faculty, and research centers can be found here.
AlumTestimony
Quintilian Fields, 2023 SURI, "Having the opportunity to participate in this program changed my life. It was my first time out of the state of SC, first time on a plane, first time in the Big city, first time getting an Uber, and first time truly away from my family. It was hard at first to adjust to the new area, but I loved making friends, trying new foods, and doing research for the first time in my life. This experience reinforced my confidence in myself that I can do great things. It reminded me that I am chosen and that I can do anything I set my mind to do. And it has given me so many things to talk about in my life."
AlumTestimony
Deuris Pena, 2023 SURI, "SURI gave me valuable hands-on research experience and introduced me to the collaborative environment of academic research. One of the most helpful parts of the program was the chance to connect with faculty and other students while learning what graduate-level research is really like. It helped me explore new possibilities for my future and confirmed my interest in continuing my education. Thanks to this experience, I am now a master’s student in the same lab, continuing the work I started during SURI. I would recommend the program to anyone interested in research or considering graduate school."
AlumTestimony
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Maria Alejandra Conza Orellana, 2024 SURI, "One of the most beneficial aspects of the program was the opportunity to connect with professors in the department. In fact, I’m now pursuing my master’s in Environmental Science at Rutgers in a different lab, thanks to a professor I met during SURI whose research caught my interest. We stayed in touch, and a year later, I joined her group. I would highly recommend SURI to any student interested in research because it provides a great introduction to the life of a Ph.D. student, helps you develop research skills, and even offers helpful GRE preparation for those considering graduate school. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to meet and form friendships with other undergraduates who share your interests. Currently, I’m working as a Graduate Assistant while researching bofedales in Peru and strategies for their preservation."