UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)

Program Purpose

The UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) offer upper division undergraduate students with outstanding academic potential the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects. The programs are designed for students who wish to learn more about the graduate school experience and possibly pursue an academic career in teaching and research. Opportunities are available in virtually all academic fields (e.g., arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, health sciences, physical sciences, etc.).

Each student participant will be working with a faculty mentor with special expertise and interests matched, as closely as possible, to the student's research interests and career goals. Students will either assist the faculty member in an ongoing research project or work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest.

A directory of UCLA faculty research interests is available online should you wish to suggest a faculty member with whom to work. Note that this would only be a suggestion. Each program makes the final decisions about the faculty mentor assignment.

The program features seminars on:

writing and research skills
strategies for enhancing success in applying to graduate school
graduate school funding opportunities
opportunities for informal discussion with UCLA graduate students
academic career opportunities
GRE test preparation
cultural and educational activities

For further details about specific programs, please refer to the UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate and Graduate Research Booklet.

As a condition of acceptance into the program, program participants will be asked after their departure to update information on their educational and career activities. This tracking is done solely to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. It is critical that we be able to conduct this long-term evaluation in order to maintain continuing funding for the programs. The information collected remains strictly confidential.

Program Dates

Most programs run eight weeks, Sunday, June 20, 2010 to Saturday, August 14, 2010. Some programs in the sciences, technological, engineering and mathematics fields run 10 weeks, Sunday, June 20, 2010 to Friday, August 27, 2010.

Participating Programs

Twelve programs are associated with UCLA SPUR. Three focus on the social sciences, arts and humanities; eight deal with the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields; and one is a partnership with the California State University Sally Casanova Pre-doctoral Scholars Program. Below are brief summaries of each program. The summaries include the specific program components, eligibility requirements and length of the summer program. Please view the chart of participating summer programs at UCLA for a quick reference of programs and their related academic fields.

Please click on the links to learn about each program. You will be able to apply to a maximum of two (first choice and second choice) in our online application.

Amgen Scholars Program
Application Deadline: Monday, February 2, 2010
The Amgen Scholars Program is a national program to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing a career in science or engineering. For Summer 2010, UCLA will host 26 Amgen Scholars. 13 will be undergraduates from UCLA and 13 will be from other 4-year colleges and universities. Students interested in summer research in any area of biomedical science, chemistry, bioengineering or chemical engineering are encouraged to apply. Students will be paired with a UCLA faculty mentor if the student does not already have one. Program includes: stipend; housing; meals; 3-day Biotechnology Conference; GRE test preparation; luncheons with faculty; workshops; seminars and poster presentations.
- For undergraduates enrolled in four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories.
- For Sophomores (with 4 quarters or 3 semesters of college experience), Juniors and non-graduating Seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue their undergraduate experience).
- Must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.2 or above.
- Must be interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
- 10 weeks, June 20-August 27 (all participants must be able to attend the program for its entire duration).
- To learn more about how to apply to this program, please visit the Amgen Scholars at UCLA Website or contact Mike Flaxman at AmgenSch@lifesci.ucla.edu.
Brain Research Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BRI-SURE)
Application Deadline: Monday, March 15, 2010
The UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI) is sponsoring a summer undergraduate research experience (BRI-SURE) program for Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Scholars. This program solicits applications from students in MARC training programs from universities and colleges across the nation. BRI-SURE is a 10-week summer research-training program for exceptional students interested in pursuing Neuroscience research careers. The program is designed to provide a rigorous, in-depth research experience to prepare participants for top-quality Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs in the Neurosciences. The 10-week program includes weekly lectures given by BRI scientists tailored to our students. We also provide training in scientific writing and poster preparation and presentation. The program is under the UCLA SPUR/GR umbrella and participates in many of their campus wide summer activities such as the culminating summer poster day. Continuation of this program in Summer 2010 is contingent upon funding availability.
- Strong academic records
- underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- students interested in pursuing Neuroscience research careers
- To learn more about how to apply to this program, please contact Dr. Dwayne D. Simmons at BRISURE@mednet.ucla.edu
- 10 weeks.
Bunche Center Summer Humanities Institute (SHI)
Application Deadline: Monday, February 1, 2010
This eight-week preparatory program is designed to enhance the competencies of students who plan to pursue an MA or Ph.D. in the humanities or humanistic social sciences (anthropology, art history, cultural/critical studies, ethnomusicology, history, literature, political science, sociology). With the help of a faculty mentor (selected by the Program), students take seminars and workshops, go on field trips, write a research paper and present a conference paper. Program includes seminars, skills workshops, research, immersion activities in Los Angeles African-American culture, stipend, funds toward travel, meal allowance and on-campus housing.
- Students must apply separately to BOTH the SHI and SPUR programs. See the Bunche Center for more information and deadlines.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Primarily directed toward students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and toward other historically underrepresented students.
- Must have relevant undergraduate training.
- Submit two-page research proposal and six- to eight-page writing sample in addition to other supplemental materials.
- One letter of recommendation from faculty member or administrator.
- SHI does not accept students who plan to go into law, business, science, psychology or medicine.
- 8 weeks residential program from June 20 through August 14, 2010.
California State University (CSU) Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program
Application Deadline: Friday, February 5, 2010
This program is restricted to undergraduate and master's-level students in the California State University Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Program. The Program is designed to increase the pool of potential university faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. Each of the selected CSU Sally Casanova pre-doctoral scholars works closely during the academic year with a CSU faculty sponsor to develop an overall plan leading ultimately to enrollment in a doctoral program. Each of these plans is tailored to specific goals and educational objectives of the student. The Program places special emphasis on increasing the number of CSU students who enter doctoral programs at one of the University of California institutions. Summer Program includes: stipend, on-campus housing or housing allowance, meal allowance, funds toward roundtrip transportation cost, GRE test preparation, workshops and oral presentations.
- Open to all current CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars, both graduate and undergraduate.
- 8 to 10 weeks.
- CSU Scholars complete only the UCLA SPUR on-line application after they have approval from the UCLA SPUR Coordinator; do not submit supplemental materials.
CARE Science, Engineering and Math (SEM) Summer Research Program
Application Deadline: Monday, March 15, 2010
The Center for Academic & Research Excellence (CARE) SEM Summer Research Program offers hands-on research experience working in the laboratory of a distinguished UCLA faculty member. Each student is matched with a faculty mentor and works as a member of the mentor’s research group. Program includes: stipend, housing or housing allowance, meal allowance, GRE test preparation, workshops, seminars and poster presentations.
- For UCLA students only who are interested in pursuing research careers in the life sciences, health sciences, physical sciences or engineering.
- Students entering junior or senior year with a GPA > 2.8.
- Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- A goal of the CARE SEM Summer Research Program is to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups in biomedical and behavioral research who progress towards the attainment of a Ph.D. degree. African American, Hispanic American, American Indian and Pacific Islander students are encouraged to apply.
- 10 weeks.
Center for Research, Education, Training, and Strategic Communication on Minority Health Disparities (CRETSCMHD) Summer Program
Application Deadline: Friday, February 5, 2010
This National Institutes of Health-funded program is designed for traditionally underrepresented racial/ethnic minority students who plan to pursue advanced degrees in health-related fields with a focus on research and a commitment to helping reduce or eliminate health disparities in racial/ethnic minority populations in the United States. Student participants should be prepared to participate full-time in a research project under the supervision of Center faculty who are from the life sciences (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics; Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology; Physiological Science; and Psychology), Public Health, Psychiatry, Urban Planning, Chicano Studies, Social Welfare and Medicine. The program includes: stipend, on-campus housing, housing allowance, meal allowance, GRE test preparation, workshops, seminars and poster presentations.
- Applicants must be juniors during the 2009-2010 academic year.
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Previous research experience.
- Plan to attend graduate or medical school in a science/health-related discipline with the intention of research being a significant part of one's career.
- 8-10 weeks.
Center for Scalable and Integrated Nano-Manufacturing (SINAM)
Application Deadline: Monday, March 1, 2010
The Nano-Manufacturing Summer Academy provides undergraduates an opportunity to conduct research in the area of Nano-manufacturing. This program provides an excellent opportunity to be paired with a distinguished faculty mentor based on the student's area of research interest. At the completion of the program, students will be better prepared to attend graduate school and pursue research careers in the field of engineering. Program includes: stipend, housing or housing allowance, meal allowance, GRE test preparation, workshops, seminars and poster presentations.
- Students entering their junior or senior year and not graduating before March 2010.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Students with a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.80 or greater.
- This program seeks to address the need of a critical shortage existing in the high tech work force. We strongly encourage students from underrepresented groups to apply.
- 8 weeks.
Graduate Division Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (GDSPUR)
Application Deadline: Friday, February 5, 2010
The UCLA Graduate Division Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) is designed to target students who plan to pursue the PhD degree and enter academic or research careers. It offers undergraduates opportunities to work closely with UCLA faculty on a research project. Selection of participants will be based on academic merit and availability of appropriate faculty mentors. Program includes: stipend, on-campus housing or housing allowance, meal allowance, funds toward roundtrip transportation cost, GRE test preparation, workshops and oral presentations. Continuation of this program in Summer 2010 is contingent upon funding availability.
- For undergraduates who are interested in the arts, humanities, social sciences and professional schools (except dentistry, law, and medicine).
- Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Must be juniors during the 2009-2010 academic year with a cumulative, minimum GPA of 2.80.
- A long-term goal of this program is to help broaden and expand the pool of academically talented young scholars committed to careers in university teaching and research. Applicants from groups historically underrepresented in higher education are encouraged to apply.
- 8 weeks.
Master the Doctorate (MTD)
Application Deadline: Friday, February 5, 2010
The UCLA Master The Doctorate (MTD) program offers master's students with outstanding academic potential the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects. The program is designed for master's students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree and an academic career in teaching and research. Open to both UCLA and non-UCLA students. Continuation of this program in Summer 2010 is contingent upon funding availability.
Nanosystems Chemistry and Engineering Research (NanoCER) Program
Application Deadline: Friday, February 12, 2010
The Nanosystems Chemistry and Engineering Research (NanoCER) program is a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Undergraduates interested in chemistry and engineering will learn how to be scientists and engineers by participating in teams that develop new materials, devices and applications of nanotechnology. The 10-week summer program includes: weekly stipend, on-campus housing, workshops and seminars. Participants will have access to and be trained in the use of sophisticated instrumentation and fabrication facilities. To apply, participants must:
- Students must apply separately to BOTH the REU-NanoCER and SPUR programs. See the How to Apply for NanoCER page for more information
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Have a GPA of 3.0 or greater.
- Have completed their junior year and not graduating before March 2010.
- Clearly articulate an interest in nanotechnology in their personal statement.
- Previous research experience is not required.
- NanoCER strives to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who continue on to doctoral study in science and engineering. Women, African-American, Chicano(a)/Latino(a), American Indian, and Pacific Islander students are encouraged to apply.
- 10 weeks.
Summer Nursing Program: School of Nursing
Application Deadline: Friday, February 5, 2010
This program offers nursing undergraduates in their junior year with outstanding academic potential the opportunity to work on research projects with School of Nursing faculty mentors. It is designed for students who plan to pursue the PhD degree and enter academic careers in nursing. Program includes stipend, on-campus housing, meal allowance, funds toward roundtrip transportation cost, GRE test preparation, formal and informal discussion on career options and other activities. Each student participant will be assigned to a faculty mentor matched as closely as possible to the student's research interests and career goals. Participants will either assist the faculty member in an ongoing research project or, with approval of faculty, work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest.
- Research areas: Biobehavioral Sciences, Biologic Sciences, Health Disparities/Vulnerable Populations and Health Services Research.
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- For qualified nursing students currently holding undergraduate junior status.
- Preference given to first-generation college students and applicants who are attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), Tribal Colleges and Universities Programs (TCUP).
- Cumulative, minimum GPA of 2.80.
- 8 weeks.
UCLA NSF Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Summer Research Scholars
Application Deadline: Friday, February 5, 2010
AGEP Summer Research Scholars (SRS), funded by a National Science Foundation AGEP grant, sponsors underrepresented undergraduates to participate in hands-on research with leading UCLA faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Program includes: stipend, travel reimbursement, on-campus housing, meal allowance, GRE test preparation, workshops, seminars and poster presentations. Continuation of this program in Summer 2010 is contingent upon funding availability.
- For undergraduates currently in their junior year.
- Must be interested in pursuing a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) doctoral degree.
- Must be from backgrounds that are underrepresented in STEM doctoral fields and in accordance with the NSF (African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders).
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Priority will be given to applicants who are attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), Tribal Colleges and Universities Programs (TCUP) or California State Universities (CSU).
- To learn more about how to apply to this program, please contact Anna Guzman at aguzman@gdnet.ucla.edu or (310) 825-3953.
- 8-10 weeks

UC LEADS scholars should not submit an application. Contact your UC LEADS coordinator to find out how to be considered for the UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research.

Deadline

All application materials and supporting documents must be received by February 5, 2010 unless otherwise stated in the program description. Preference will be given to applications that are completed by the program’s deadline. Notification of decisions will be made by the end of May 2010.

For Further Information Contact

Please contact Ms. Gloria Dial at gdial@gdnet.ucla.edu or (310) 825-3521. Also, please read the UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate and Graduate Research Booklet.

How To Apply

You must submit an Online Application & Support Materials. Please make sure you submit a complete application by sending all pertinent supporting materials via mail or private carrier.

Additional Opportunities

Other Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research at UCLA.