Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

SURFing the
Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory

Undergraduate engineers, physicists, computer scientists, mathematicians, and chemists The Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology wants YOU!!

Each summer we conduct a 9 - 11 week Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program that provides you a great opportunity to experience hands-on research along side of world-recognized scientists. Working with an advisor assigned just to you, you will get a project that you can call your own. This program gives you the chance to try out a research career before you make a final commitment to your career. If you aren't sure of what you want to do, this program is still for you - the program has time built into to it to learn about other technical projects from all over NIST. If you are interested in reading about previous student projects, view the 2008 SURF Abstract book

MEL is especially interested in students majoring in: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, and Precision Engineering. However, don't hesitate to apply for the program if any of our research opportunities interest you.

NIST is located in Gaithersburg, MD just outside of Washington, DC. and many research opportunities exist including research projects in:

Student projects may be formed in any of the above areas and many more. If you would like to find out more about the ongoing research programs and projects in MEL, check out MEL's Projects and Programs or the project description listed in the NRC Postdoctoral Research Associate book - click through the divisions to see the project descriptions.

The Fellowship includes a $4,000 stipend ($3272.73 for those participating in the 9-week program), and travel and housing allowances. Your school must start the application process - check with your professor, career development advisor, or the chair of your academic department to see who is the right person for your university.

There are several other very successful SURF programs here at NIST - Gaithersburg: 1) NIST SURFing the Physics Laboratory, 2) SURF the Material Science and Engineering Laboratory, 3) SURF the Building and Fire Research Laboratory, 4) SURF the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Laboratory, 5) SURF the Information Technology Laboratory, and the 6) SURF the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory. When you apply, please indicate with a 1st and 2nd notation which labs should review your application; Your application may be considered by any or all of the seven program with a preference given to the programs that you indicate.

NIST Boulder has a active SURF program too. Applications to the Boulder program and Gaithersburg program will be processed separately. Applications will not be shared.