The Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs)

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs) is a paid, mentored summer research and creative scholarship experience for undergraduate students across all academic disciplines.

Photo of SURPASs Summer 2023 Cohort.
Photo of SURPASs Summer 2023 Cohort. Faculty Mentors: Elizabeth Donovan (Psychology), Heather Hole (Art), Valerie Leiter (Public Health), Nanette Veilleux (Computer Science & Informatics), Arpita Saha (Chemistry & Physics). Scholars: Ari Metcalf '26, Kaz Gebhardt '25, Caitlin Curry '24, Aiman Mehboob Mandli '25, Abigail Rothstein '25, Leila Aydibi '24, Reagan Cleversey '26, Cassidy Beyer '25, Bella Santos '25.

The SURPASs intensive takes place for six weeks from the end of May to June. Students receive a $3,000 stipend, a budget of up to $1,000, supplies, and room and board on campus. In addition, faculty mentors receive a stipend of $2,000.

SURPASs is made possible by generous gifts from many alumni, including Trustee Regina Pisa and Trustee Pamela Toulopoulos '73, as well as support from the Office of the Provost.

Additional Benefits:

  • One-on-one faculty to student mentorship
  • Hands-on research experience, such as: acquiring/interpreting data, interviewing subjects, learning new technology, exploring archives, or writing a report
  • Strengthen your resume and grad school application
  • Develop the skills and confidence to present your work to an audience

Eligibility

Open to full-time, on-the-ground, first year undergraduates, sophomores, and juniors in good academic standing, as well as seniors in a 3+1 or 4+1 program.

Info Sessions

Info sessions will be held on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, November 8 from 5 - 6 PM | A-070 (Special Functions Room, MCB)
  • Wednesday, January 24 from 5 - 6 PM | Zoom

Zoom links are available for virtual attendees. Please RSVP to reserve a spot or receive the virtual link.

How to Apply

Prior to applying, students proactively identify and work with a faculty mentor to design a project proposal for the summer intensive. Interested students are encouraged to approach prospective faculty mentors early in the process (between November/December) to begin planning and preparing their proposal.

A complete submission includes:

  • Proposal Narrative
  • Budget
  • Resume
  • Faculty/Scholar Mentoring Plan

Read the attached guidelines for a detailed description of the SURPASs application elements.

Applications for the 2024 SURPASs Program will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Monday, February 26.

Apply Now

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

SURPASs in the News

Photo of SURPASs Summer 2023 Cohort.

Introducing the 2023 SURPASs Scholars

These students will gain hands-on research experience in their field of interest, including: critical reading of literature, acquiring and interpreting data, learning relevant technology, writing, and presenting before an audience.


Photo of student Dan Nguyen

Dan Nguyen ’23 Receives Robert Y. Young Award

Physics major Dan Nguyen has received a prestigious award from the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). Nguyen began her research as a SURPASs (Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons) scholar and is now testing her theories at the new science building. She spoke with us about her project, what drew her to Simmons, and her future plans.


Headshot of Tabitha Miles

Tabitha Miles ’22 Awarded SURPASs Grant to Research Gender Gap in Computer Science Education

Computer science student Tabitha Miles ‘22 has been accepted into the Summer Undergraduate Research Program to research gender disparities in coding bootcamps versus traditional computer science degrees.