SURF Program

Stay tuned for more information about Summer 2027. 

Each year, C-CAS awards a number undergraduate summer research fellowships.  Students awarded a fellowship will conduct their cutting-edge research on topics of organic synthesis, computational chemistry, and artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). These students will be placed in the lab of a C-CAS faculty advisor at one of the thirteen partner universities listed below and work closely with a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher as their immediate mentor. 

Each SURF position is full time (40 hours/week maximum) and provides a total stipend of $7,000 over a 10-week period and a $3,000 housing allowance. Students awarded a paid fellowship are responsible for securing their own transportation to the University, housing, and food for the summer. For students placed at Notre Dame, the University offers summer housing and meal plans (detailed information is available at summersession.nd.edu/student-services-resources/), or students can opt to live off campus. 

Fellowship recipients will be part of the C-CAS research community and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of social and professional development activities. At the conclusion of their research, each SURF recipient is required to prepare a short presentation of their project accomplishments to be presented during the final week of the program.

Eligibility

This research experience for undergraduates (REU) program is open to undergraduate students whose research interests are aligned with the topics covered by the C-CAS (organic mechanism and synthesis, computational chemistry,  computer science, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning). In order to be elligible for this program, studetns must either be a current US citizen/permanent resident, or must be studying at a US-based institution. 

Benefits

The fellowship provides a stipend and housing to support a 10-week program performing state-of-the-art research during the summer in any of the PI research groups. Students also participate in weekly professional development sessions with other SURF students. 

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted from Nov. 3, 2025 - Jan. 30, 2026. The review process will begin on February 2, 2026  and applicants will be notified on Feb. 27, 2026.
• Fellowship Duration: June 1, 2026 – August 7, 2026.

Applications Requirements

Applications will require a personal statement describing your motivation for participating in this program; a research statement describing your areas of research interest; a copy of your transcript; a recent CV; and two letters of recommendation.

For more information on the SURF program please contact ccas-surf@nd.edu