Boston Medical Center is proud to partner with Boston University on two programs — Summer Training as Research Scholars (STaRS) and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) — that increase undergraduate access to high-quality summer programming in the medical sciences.
Summer Training as Research Scholars (STaRS)
The Summer Training as Research Scholars (STaRS) program is designed to promote access to graduate education for talented undergraduates from minority groups traditionally underrepresented in the biomedical sciences: African-American, Hispanic, Native American/Native Alaskan, and Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian. STaRS is funded by a grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the U.S. National Institutes of Health and is run by Boston University's Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, a recognized leader in graduate education and biomedical research.
STaRS is a dynamic and focused program that is designed specifically for the enhancement of skills required for successful entrance and completion of a graduate program or an MD/PhD program in the biomedical sciences. It offers motivated and academically talented students a valuable opportunity to confirm a strong interest in doctoral studies, particularly in the areas of heart, lung, and blood research.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Boston University is designed to promote access to graduate education for talented undergraduate students, especially those from minority groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences — African-American, Hispanic, Native American/Native Alaskan, and Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian/Polynesian — or persons living with disabilities.
SURF is also open to non-BU students who are rising juniors or rising seniors and wish to conduct research in the sciences or technology. The program consists of ten weeks of full-time research in a Boston University lab, mentored by a BU faculty member. On-campus housing, a stipend, weekly enrichment activities, social events, and an October weekend trip to present findings at the Boston University Undergraduate Research Symposium are also included.
SURF is supported by funds from the National Science Foundation (NSF-REU), the Department of Defense (ASSURE), and Boston University.