Why should I apply to this program?

The SURE program offers hands-on research experience, and

• can help a student determine if he/she is truly interested in research.
• can help a student decide what field of research they would like topursue.
• can allow a student to have an insider's look at Emory University to which some students will apply for postgraduate work).
• can make the student a more desirable candidate for graduate school
• can help the student meet individuals attending other universities, and these contacts can last a lifetime.
• can expose students to mentors that can make a big difference in the student's future academic development.
• allows students to work on a project that eventually becomes their senior thesis.
• allows students exposure to all aspects of research (planning experiments, managing their time, writing up their results, and presenting their work).
• exposes participants to ethical issues in research.
• helps students understand the rights and responsibilities of individuals at different levels of seniority in the research environment.
• gives students a chance to experience some of the diversity of that large field we call science.

SURE exposes its participants to the culture and issues of research: it is a "sneak preview" into a world most students do not experience as undergraduates.

What kind of schedule should I expect?

The program schedule can be summarized as follows:

Weeks 1-2: Fellows arrive to campus, and are invited to attend a welcome picnic and a welcome luncheon for students and their mentors. Students complete training on Emory resources (library, Internet access) and any necessary lab safety and training they require.

Weeks 3-9: Fellows work full-time at their respective labs and meet as a group for weekly activities that discuss careers in science and research. Fellows meet weekly in smaller groups to discuss the progress of their research and to discuss issues in research ethics. On the 3rd week, fellows post a description of their research project. In the 8th week, fellows submit a title and abstract for their upcoming poster presentation.

Week 10: The Research Poster Symposium and Banquet take place. The Symposium is open to the Emory community, and all SURE fellows present the results of their summer work. Fellows move out of their dorms (usually, Fellows move out during the weekend following the poster session). Before the program ends, Fellows also submit materials for creating a web poster based on their research.

What about the research program at the Yerkes Primate Research Center?

If you are interested in doing research at this Center, complete the application as stated, and indicate your interest in your essay. For research area of interest, select an area that reflects your interest. For additional information on the Yerkes Primate Research Center, visit their web pages.

Will I have any spare time during the SURE program?

Yes you will. Each year, we have several Emory students serve as resident advisors who coordinate fun activities for the SURE group. If you would like additional information about our campus or city, please visit the following web pages: