Program Overview

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Introduction to the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)-Stem Cell

The Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine (CRSM), directed by Dr. Eric Olson, announces the establishment of a new Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program called SURF-Stem Cell. CRSM's mission at UT Southwestern is to decipher fundamental mechanisms and developmental principals of tissue formation, and to pioneer new approaches to rejuvenate and regenerate damaged organs, and most importantly, to educate students about regenerative science and medicine.

Program Dates

The 2025 program dates are June 2 - August 8, 2025.

Program Overview

SURF-Stem Cell will offer students a broad overview of stem cell and regenerative science and medicine, bringing together interdisciplinary resources from across the campus. From the fundamental biology of regenerating planaria to human induced pluripotent stem cells, from the bone marrow transplant hospital wards to stem cell therapy boutiques and to ethical concerns regarding editing the genome of the human embryo, SURF-Stem Cell students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the exciting and important field. Most importantly, SURF-Stem Cell students will gain hands-on experience in stem cell and regenerative science in one of CRSM's faculty laboratories.

Objective

To provide an intensive research training experience that leads to an understanding of the planning, discipline, teamwork, and techniques involved in answering clinically important questions from a basic science perspective in stem cell-related research. Fellows will pursue individual research projects under the direction of a member of the graduate school faculty. Lectures, journal clubs, and seminars will complement the research experience.

Research Experience

Fellows gain experience in modern research techniques and plan and execute an experimental strategy to answer a scientific question. SURF-Stem Cell introduces students to the kinds of projects encountered during postgraduate research training and fosters an understanding of the planning, discipline, and teamwork involved in the pursuit of answers to current questions in the biological sciences. At the end of the SURF-Stem Cell Program, fellows present their research during a poster session.

Program Participation

Approximately 15 fellows participate in the SURF-Stem Cell summer research program. Fellows are assigned to a laboratory and research project according to their previous training and research interests.

Eligibility

Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate science degree program and have completed their sophomore year. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Selection Criteria

Criteria used in selection of fellowship recipients include:

• College grades
• Relevant experience
• Letters of recommendation from faculty who can assess the applicant's potential for advanced training and success in biological research
• Career goals include pursuing Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree

Stipend

The stipend for the 10-week program is $5,000. This support is taxable.

Application Process

To apply for SURF-Stem Cell, applicants must complete the online application and upload their transcripts (official or unofficial) from each college they have attended. Two letters of recommendation are also required, which can come from mentors, professors, employers, or advisers. Letters should discuss the applicant's scientific and intellectual abilities, previous training and experience, and potential for a career in research.

Application Deadline

The application opens on October 1, 2024, and the deadline is February 1, 2025.

Housing

Housing needs for SURF-Stem Cell students are coordinated through the SURF office. SURF-Stem Cell students requiring housing will stay in a local hotel and be transported to and from the UT Southwestern campus daily. SURF-Stem Cell participants with family or friends in the Dallas-Fort Worth area should plan to stay with them.