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About St. Mary's College of Maryland

Seahawks Undergraduate Research Fellowships

Research That Starts with You.

The Seahawk Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is an eight-week summer program that gives students the opportunity to work full-time on a faculty-mentored research or creative project. Open to students from all disciplines, SURF provides hands-on experience, professional development, and a collaborative learning community. Fellows share their work throughout the summer and present their projects at the annual SURF Symposium, showcasing their discoveries to the campus community.

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Why Surf?

The Seahawk Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) gives students the opportunity to design and complete an independent research or creative project with the guidance of a faculty mentor. Working alongside an interdisciplinary cohort, fellows develop research, communication, and problem-solving skills while gaining valuable experience collaborating across academic fields.

SURF fellows receive a $4,000 stipend, on-campus housing, and a meal plan during the eight-week program. Additional funding may be available for approved project materials, and faculty mentors receive a $1,200 stipend for their participation.

Student and Mentor Expectations

By being part of SURF, both Fellows and Mentors are expected to meet a set of responsibilities that ensure a productive and enriching research experience. Fellows are required to work full-time over the course of the eight-week program, maintaining consistent attendance, engagement, and a strong commitment to their research projects. This includes regular communication with their mentors and participation in any scheduled workshops or check-ins. Mentors, while not required to be present full-time, are expected to provide meaningful guidance, support, and oversight throughout the program. They are responsible for ensuring that each Fellow is well-supported, making progress, and has access to the necessary resources. If a research project extends beyond the SURF timeline, mentors are also expected to assist Fellows in developing a clear plan for completing or continuing their work after the summer concludes.

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Applications

Before submitting their application, student applicants are strongly encouraged to identify a faculty mentor and engage in a thoughtful discussion about their proposed research project. This conversation should include an overview of the project's goals, timeline, and any relevant expectations or requirements. Establishing this shared understanding early in the process helps ensure that both the student and mentor are aligned in their vision and commitment to the project. Additionally, this collaboration provides the mentor with the necessary context to write a meaningful and informed letter of recommendation in support of the student's application.

Library Support

Library faculty are enthusiastic supporters of SURF projects and bring valuable expertise in research, information literacy, and academic writing. They are an excellent resource for students at all stages of their project development, regardless of discipline.

Library faculty are available year-round to help students refine their project ideas, locate scholarly sources, and craft strong, well-supported proposals. During the SURF program itself, they continue to be available to support students with a wide range of research needs from advanced searching strategies to citation management and organizing written work.

Whether you're just starting to shape your research question or deep in the writing process, library faculty are eager to collaborate and help you succeed.

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Past Fellows

The Seahawk Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a prestigious program available to students across all academic disciplines at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Since its inception in 2013, SURF has provided an invaluable opportunity for undergraduates to engage deeply with research projects spanning a wide array of fields, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This program is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on experience, allowing students to explore their academic passions under the guidance of dedicated faculty mentors.

Over the years, SURF has supported a rich variety of research endeavors, from original literary analyses and historical investigations to innovative scientific experiments and social science studies. These projects not only contribute to the students’ personal and professional growth but also enhance the academic community at SMCM by expanding knowledge and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.

Many bright and talented students have participated in SURF, using the fellowship to develop their skills in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly communication. Their dedication and achievements have brought great pride to St. Mary’s College, highlighting the institution’s commitment to undergraduate research and academic excellence. The program continues to inspire new generations of Seahawk scholars to push boundaries, ask meaningful questions, and contribute thoughtfully to their fields of study.

Scholarly Outcomes

All Seahawk Undergraduate Research Fellows have the valuable opportunity to present the results of their research at a highly anticipated end-of-summer symposium held on campus. This symposium serves as a platform for fellows to showcase their hard work, share their findings with faculty, peers, and the broader college community, and engage in meaningful academic discussions. It provides an excellent experience in public speaking and professional presentation, helping students refine their communication skills while celebrating their scholarly accomplishments.

In addition to this culminating event, many fellows have gone beyond the college walls to share their research more widely. Several participants have successfully published their SURF projects in respected academic journals or have presented at regional, national, and even international conferences and professional venues. These achievements highlight the quality and significance of the research conducted through the SURF program and reflect the strong mentorship and support the fellows receive throughout their projects. By contributing to their academic fields in such meaningful ways, SURF fellows not only elevate their own educational journeys but also enhance the reputation of St. Mary’s College of Maryland as a vibrant hub of undergraduate research excellence.

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The 2026 SURF program is made possible by the generous financial support from the Office of the Provost, the Byrd SURF Fund, the DeSousa-Brent Scholars Program, and the Center for the Study of Democracy.