SURE Science Program

Our Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, known as SURE Science, offers scholarship support so students gain a stimulating research experience that enhances their academic experience.

Take advantage of hundreds of summer research opportunities to work alongside faculty for an engaging, hands-on learning experience. All College of Science undergraduate students are welcome to apply.

What have our students worked on?

• Biosensor research: developing a portable, at-home kidney test
• Biophysics: manipulating highly focused laser beams using holographic optical tweezers to move microscopic objects
• Marine studies: exploring dead zones in coastal marine waters to understand their impacts on ecosystems and people
• Mathematics: using advanced statistical methods to understand maize reproduction
• Zoology: potential benefits of Pycnopodia reintroduction to kelp forests
• Biochemistry and biophysics: development of polymer-coated nanoparticles for nanoplastics research
• BioHealth: the anti-cancer effects of protein p27Kip1 in triple-negative breast cancer
• Chemistry: demystifying the catalytic activity of metal-organic frameworks for the synthesis of drug analogs
• Biochemistry and molecular biology: protecting against liver damage caused by harmful algal blooms using xanthohumol from hops
• Astrophysics: analyzing supernovae light curve data

Who is eligible?

We welcome full-time undergraduate students, who are pursuing a bachelor's degree with a major in the College of Science, and who are in good academic standing to apply. Faculty mentors need to be affiliated with OSU, but need not be in the College of Science.

Please note that students graduating in June are not eligible to participate and students who received SURE Science funding in previous years are not eligible to receive it again.

Additional SURE Science requirements

• If any SURE Science research appears in a publication, students are required to mention that the work was supported with College of Science SURE Science funds.
• Students must attend three professional development workshops during the summer.
• Students must write a thank you letter to the donors who funded the College’s SURE Science program.
• Students must present a poster at a designated event.

SURE Science makes a difference

• Take on an active role in research
• Build connections by working alongside extraordinary scientists and researchers
• Experience a life-changing learning experience
• Gain critical insights into the creation of knowledge that is often not part of classroom learning
• Apply classroom learning in a hands-on, practical way

Make a difference this summer by applying what you’ve learned in the classroom. You can gain valuable insight into the creation of knowledge and develop a mentoring relationship with a professor. By actively participating in research, you can get the experience you need to prepare for medical or graduate school or to enhance your resume and qualifications.