Fellowship Application

Let’s make sure everyone knows what we mean when we say “fellow” or “participant” in this program!

Definitions:

Chem-SURF Participant:  A participant is a person who participates in the Chem-SURF program meetings.

Chem-SURF Fellow: A fellow is a person who receives financial support so that they are able to participate.  Fellowships are awarded depending on need and availability of funding.

All summer undergraduate researchers are welcome to participate in our weekly workshops between June 1 – July 26. You do not need to be a Chem-SURF Fellow to attend. A limited number of fellowships are available through this program to provide financial support that enables your participation in the program during the summer. Students who are interested in financial support can apply at the link below.

2026 Chem-SURF Fellowship Application

Application window December –  February 15

Chem-SURF Fellowship information:

To be eligible for financial support, you must be a Duke undergraduate student on or near Duke’s campus for the duration of the program, and be able to dedicate your full attention to research. This means that you may not be enrolled in summer courses nor accept other paid work during the program time frame. The amount of support provided to each fellow will depend on the program’s budget approval. 

The program is offered to support new researchers, and financial support through this program is offered to enable students to participate in full-time research internships in lieu of other paid summer work. Thus, students who are early in their research journey will be prioritized for financial support. And, students who receive paid internships through this program should not accept other work nor enroll in summer courses for the duration of the program.  Questions that are not already answered below should be directed to Chem-SURF@duke.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the stipend? The stipend in 2025 was $4,000 for 8 weeks of participation in the program. The stipend for 2026 may be adjusted due to budget limitations.
• Is free housing (room & board) available? Maybe, depending on budget approval. Please indicate on your application if you need additional assistance to afford to live in Durham for this program. In 2025, on-campus housing was provided to all fellows thanks to the Trinity Research Enhancement Fund.
• Are other benefits included (eg. travel assistance for conferences)? Maybe, depending on budget approval. Please indicate on your application if you are interested in travel funding or if there are any other needs that should be met so that you can participate.
• Where would I live over the summer? More information will be available after fellowship award decisions are made. 
• Do I need to arrange a lab position before submitting this form? No. We will help you find a match for your research interests.  If you have already found a research group to host you, please provide the information in your application.If you do not have a research group, plan to engage in matching meetings and to make a final decision about your match at the end of the Spring semester.
• Is it ok that I already have a research group that is planning to host me for the summer? Yes. If you already have a research group please say so in your application and ask your research professor to provide a letter of reference (more detail is provided in the application portal).
• Is it ok that my research group is outside of the chemistry department? Yes, provided that you are engaged in scientific research at the molecular level.  Your professor should indicate this in their letter of support.
• Are the dates fixed? Yes. Participation for at least 8 full-time weeks over the summer is required for Chem-SURF fellows. You must be “on” campus for the duration of the program and you are expected to dedicate full time effort to the program. A full time week consists of approximately 40 hours of work.
• Can I travel for Holidays or weekends? Yes. The schedule does not conflict with any national holidays, and there is a one-week break in activities the week of Independence Day. In addition, if your religious observations or family obligations conflict with the schedule, accommodations will be made upon request.
• I am not a Duke Student – am I eligible? No, this program only supports Duke Undergraduate Students who will be enrolled at Duke the semesters immediately before and after the Chem-SURF experience.
• I am not a Chem Major – am I eligible? This program is for potential chemistry majors and can help you decide whether you want to major in chemistry. If you are sure that you will major in a different discipline (e.g. Biology, Computer Science, Engineering) please contact your home department for research opportunities.
• Am I eligible for a Chem-SURF fellowship if I plan to leave earlier in the summer for Study Abroad?  If your Study Abroad plans conflict with the program, you may still be eligible for a fellowship. Please indicate this on your application and contact the Program Director to discuss.
• When is the concluding poster session? The time and date are not determined yet, but usually in the last week of the program in July.
• I’m a rising second-or third-year student. Can I apply? This program is designed for new and first-time researchers.  All students who are interested in chemistry research, who are considering a chemistry major, and who are early in their research journey are eligible and encouraged to apply. However, if you have already worked for several semesters in a research group and are well on your way, you may be a better candidate for other opportunities.
• I am an experienced research, can I apply. This program is designed for new researchers. If you are already well on your way to completing a research thesis for Graduation with distinction, consider other opportunities for funding from the Duke Office of Undergraduate Research Support, like the T-SUMR Fellowship. Or, if you are experienced and strongly interested in mentoring others, considering applying for Chem-SURF as one of our mentors.
• I’ve never done research before. Can I apply? Yes! This program is designed for you! Apply, and tell us why you want to do research!
• I’ve participated in the Chem SURF before. Can I apply again?  Although we will prioritize first-time researchers, we are also looking for experienced students who are interested in serving as peer mentors in the Chem-SURF program. Peer mentors will help with building community across classes of Chem Majors!  However, if you are an upperclass student with research experience, consider the T-SUMR Fellowship also.
• I am enrolled in Summer Session courses or have other significant obligations like a part-time job over the summer. Am I eligible for a fellowship? No. If you have other obligations over the summer that overlap with the duration of the program, you cannot be paid through this fellowship opportunity. If you are interested in paid part time work for research, discuss your options with the Principle Investigator (PI) of your research group.
• I just want the stipend but I’m not interested in coming to the ChemSURF meetings. Should I still apply? No. If you are interested in a stipend, but not participating in a program, you have other options. Ask your Principle Investigator (PI) if they can pay you for your work. And peruse the other opportunities available through the Duke Undergraduate Research Support Office.