SURF-IT is no longer an active program. We may reactivate it in the future and, if so, we will update this web site.
For any other questions or more information, please email surf-it@soe.ucsc.edu.
SURF-IT has been refocused to solve specific research problems in health systems. All projects utilize computing research that facilitates active health and healthy and independent living. Specifically, take a look at the Research Areas.
The University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Information Technology (SURF-IT) offers opportunities for both UCSC students and non-UCSC students. SURF-IT provides an intensive and personalized summer program for women, minority, or disadvantaged undergraduates. SURF-IT includes a research experience supervised by a UCSC Baskin School of Engineering faculty member. Scholars also have weekly meetings focused on graduate school preparation, how to present research results, research ethics, as well as field trips to local neighboring Silicon Valley research laboratories, and of course a number of social activities. SURF-IT is sponsored by the Department of Computer Engineering and the National Science Foundation.
Scholars receive:
- Stipend ($4500) and Meals
- Travel to and from program
- Housing on one of the nation's most beautiful campuses
The 9-week research projects are in areas of IT-based Integrative System Design, including Sensor Systems, Assistive and Rehabilitative Systems, and Computer Systems. Applicants indicate their desired areas of research, and we will do our best to match students with their top choices.
The program concludes with a research poster presentation by the SURF-IT students for the Baskin School of Engineering at UCSC.
To be considered for summer 2015, you must complete your application, including transcripts and letters, by February 15, 2015. The program dates are tentatively Sunday, June 22, through Friday, August 22 (departure Saturday, August 23).
We are seeking domestic (citizen or permanent resident of the United States or its possessions) undergraduates who are juniors or seniors in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, bioinformatics, and related areas. Women, minorities, students with disabilities, and students from disadvantaged communities are particularly encouraged to apply. All applicants:
- Must have completed one or more years of undergraduate course work in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Must be an undergraduate in good standing
- Must be strongly motivated to participate in ongoing research projects
- Must be a US citizen or US permanent resident
- Must complete the on-line application including the brief essay questions by Feburary 15
- Must submit transcripts by February 15
- Must ensure two references have submitted their letters of recommendation by February 15
Letters and copies of your official or unofficial transcript must be submitted in PDF format through the application web site or by emailing:
The SURF-IT program is directed by Professor Matthew Guthaus, of the Department of Computer Engineering. The SURF-IT team includes computer engineering faculty Richard Hughey and Gerald Moulds along with administration by Colt J. Hangen.
SURF-IT is funded by the National Science Foundation, which sponsors many other Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites
We especially encourage students who are also members of a group underrepresented in computing (e.g. low income, first generation higher education, Women, Native American, African American, Latino, or Pacific Islander)
For questions, comments, or more information, please e-mail surf-it@soe.ucsc.edu.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1156606. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.