The California Interfacial Science Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (CISI SURF) program provides support for two summers of research in two different groups at CISI affiliated universities. CISI SURFers are expected to work one summer in an experimental group and one summer in a theory group, so please keep this in mind when denoting your research group preferences. A list of faculty involved in CISI can be found here. Students from underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Please note that we are currently only able to offer awards to students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. If you have any questions, please reach out via email (cisisurf@berkeley.edu).
Applications are due February 15, 2024 by 11:59 pm PST.
Award Term
Summer research will take place over an eight week period per summer within the following date ranges. The specific dates of the research award are flexible and will be coordinated with your CISI research advisors.
First Summer: May 13, 2024 – August 16, 2024
Second Summer: May 12, 2025 – August 15, 2025
Compensation
Students will be awarded a living stipend of $4,000 per summer for two consecutive summers.
Application Materials Instructions
1.) Application in the Google Form
Application submission is through the CISI SURF Google Form. Please fill out the short responses on the application form and upload your Statement of Purpose and Academic Transcripts at the end of the form based on the instructions included below.
2.) Statement of Purpose
Prepare a short, 1 page statement of purpose describing your background, academic preparation (e.g., research experience if you have any), interests in the area of interfacial science, and why you are interested in joining the CISI SURF program. The statement should be written in single-spaced, 12-pt Arial font with 1 inch margins.
Upload your statement of purpose as a PDF at the end of the Google form using the following file naming convention: ApplicantLastName_ApplicantFirstName_statement.pdf
3.) Academic Transcripts
Upload your transcripts (either official or unofficial) as a PDF at the end of the Google form using the following file naming convention: ApplicantLastName_ApplicantFirstName_transcript.pdf
4.) Letters of Recommendation
Please arrange for one or two confidential letters of recommendation to be submitted on your behalf. Letters of recommendation should be submitted as a PDF via email to cisisurf@berkeley.edu using the following file naming convention: ApplicantLastName_ApplicantFirstName_LetterWriterLastName_LetterWriterFirstName.pdf