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

Information Session

Visit a recorded information session about applying to the summer 2023 research fellowship programs.

Contact a Peer Mentor

Students interested in applying for a summer 2023 research award are invited to reach out to a peer mentor, who can meet with them, provide advice, and review materials for feedback. Peer mentors are senior undergraduate students who previously received summer awards.

Timeline for Summer 2023

  • Applications Open: Thursday, December 1, 2022 
  • All Materials Due: Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 12 PM (noon) ET
  • Results Announced: Mid-March 2023
  • Award Period: Mid-May to Mid-August (subject to change)

Applying for SMURF

The deadline for 2023 has now passed. Applications for the SMURF (full- or part-time) must be submitted in a single .doc or .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 two pages)
  • Transcript (may be unofficial)
  • A letter of support from the faculty mentor; recommenders should directly send letters to undergradresearch@georgetown.edu. Subject line should read: SMURF Recommendation Student Last Name, Student First Name
  • More information for faculty recommender.

(Updated September 2022)