Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program
Discover a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at Columbia Engineering and propel your STEM career forward.
SURE is a dynamic academic-industry collaboration created to foster career exploration at the frontiers of engineering research. This 10-week summer research program in New York City is designed to introduce talented undergraduate students who have a demonstrated commitment to advancing the needs of historically marginalized groups in STEM to research in this field.
A two-time recipient of the Insight Into Diversity’s Inspiring Programs in STEM Award, SURE has a reputation for helping students jumpstart their careers as researchers and industry leaders.
Image: 2022 SURE Cohort (photo by Jane Nisselson)
SURE Program Overview
Get hands-on experience with cutting-edge research at Columbia Engineering, one of the world’s top Engineering schools. You’ll have the opportunity to be mentored by faculty, researchers, and STEM professionals from academia and industry, expanding your skills, knowledge, and understanding of the profession.
As a participant, you’ll:
- See firsthand how scientific discoveries are transformed into solutions and marketable products.
- Expand your professional network to open doors to new career opportunities and innovative research ideas.
- Participate in personal and professional development programming designed to enrich learning as you navigate the next steps of your career.
- Explore New York through fun, interactive activities across the city.
- Celebrate your achievements in a Summer Research Symposium and showcase your research efforts to peers, faculty, researchers, and industry professionals.
Applications will close on January 10, 2025.
What’s Included?
- 10 weeks of Laboratory Research
- Graduate student and faculty mentoring
- Room and Board
- Summer Stipend
- Weekly professional development and graduate school preparation seminars
- Industry visits
- Social activities across NYC
Student Spotlight
“I had a great experience with my mentors, who were very supportive of my work throughout [the entire program]”
Shivi Jindal
Rising junior at Carnegie Mellon University
Program Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the SURE program, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- A non-Columbia rising junior or rising senior from any U.S.-based college or university in any STEM major
- Have a strong academic record, particularly in STEM coursework
- Not already have a bachelor’s degree or be slated to graduate May 2025 or Summer 2025
- Be interested in attending graduate school
Women, underrepresented minorities, as well as students with community college experience or those attending institutions with limited opportunities for undergraduate research, are encouraged to apply (See National Science Foundation definition of under-represented minority).
Prior research experience is not required, but a strong curiosity about research is recommended.
Any questions related to the Columbia SURE Program can be directed to [email protected].
Program Alumni
Meet previous years’ Fellows and read about their research.