SMURF Program

A researcher uses scientific equipment in a lab setting

The Summer Mentored Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SMURF) is a directly-mentored or supervised summer research opportunity.

Recipients work closely with a faculty member in their research or do research alongside a faculty member on a closely-related project.

Overview

Current first-year, sophomore, and junior students in any major can apply for up to $5,000 for a full-time project. Students working on part-time SMURF awards may receive up to $2,500.
CRF-sponsored summer research fellowships are an equal opportunity to all current Georgetown University undergraduates regardless of immigration status.
Visit eligibility and rules for all CRF-administered summer research programs.
Review our Canvas course on developing a research project.

Timeline for Summer 2024

The application cycle for summer 2024 CRF-sponsored research fellowships is closed. Information about summer 2025 will be posted during the fall 2024 semester.

Contact a Peer Mentor

Students preparing applications for the summer 2024 research fellowships are invited to contact a senior peer mentor who has previously received one of the CRF-sponsored summer fellowships for advice on application and proposal development.

Applying for SMURF

Applications for the SMURF (full- or part-time) must be submitted in a single .pdf via a Google form application.

A SMURF application consists of the following:

Completed Google form application (Note: The Google form application is where applicants will upload their combined .pdf document including, in this order, the cover sheet, proposal, statement, timeline, resume, and transcript.)
Completed cover sheet
A project proposal (max. 600 words) – proposed project of study, the significance of the project in relation to the field, project methodology, relevant credentials. Use this proposal template.
A personal statement (max. 600 words) – detail your personal motivation for pursuing this research experience. Use this statement template.
A ten-week timeline. Use this timeline template.
Resume (no more than one page)
Transcript (via Parchment)
1 letter of support from the faculty mentor; the recommender should directly send the letter to undergradresearch@georgetown.edu. Subject line should read: SMURF Recommendation Student Last Name, Student First Name
More information for faculty recommender.

(Updated October 2023)