Summer Research Experience Programs (R25)

NIH RePORTER · ES · R25 · $129,400 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY This is a competitive renewal application for continued support of the Rutgers Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. The SURF program provides undergraduates with 10-week basic science and translational hands-on research experiences in environmental health sciences, along with weekly networking and career activities. In this renewal application, funds are requested to support fellowships for at least 10 students. Students are admitted to the SURF program after a review of scholastic achievement, letters of rec- ommendation, and personal statements. Recruitment strategies are in place to continue to attract students from across the country and ensure broad participation from various scientific backgrounds. Under the mentorship of NIH-funded Rutgers faculty, SURF students conduct hands-on research projects focused on environmental health sciences and participate in an innovative team-based field study that involves sampling and analysis of traditional and emerging contaminants, including toxic metals, micronanoplastics, or particulate matter from wild- fire smoke. Students meet with mentors weekly to receive one-on-one training, ensure the continued develop- ment of research skills, and evaluate the progress of scientific projects. The SURF program draws upon the resources, infrastructure, and expertise of faculty who are members of the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, and part of our NIEHS T32 Toxicology predoctoral and postdoctoral training grant and NIEHS P30 Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease at Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and School of Public Health. Students also participate in weekly seminars and workshops on topics of career development, responsible conduct of research training, laboratory safety training, and environmental research. Working with SURF leadership, each student develops a customized training experience that leverage

Key facts

NIH application ID
11303566
Project number
2R25ES020721-16
Recipient
RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Principal Investigator
Lauren M Aleksunes; Debra L Laskin
Activity code
R25
Funding institute
ES
Fiscal year
2026
Award amount
$129,400
Award type
2
Project period
2011-08-09T00:00:00 → 2031-04-30T00:00:00