Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE 2025)

Synopsis

The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) supports a hands-on research experience for undergraduate students at a university within the U.S. for 4-6 weeks funded by Clean Water Science Network (CWSN). SURE program place students in ongoing research projects with potential to tailor the experience to the SURE student’s interests. All projects are centered on either water quality monitoring, water and climate change, water treatment, sanitation, or water resources with applications to underserved communities. The goal is to gain academic and research skills under the supervision of a faculty member, and by working alongside a graduate student, at a top-ranked research institution.

The students will:

●      Engage in fundamental and applied research.

●      Build a network with graduate & undergraduate students and faculties.

●      Gain hands-on laboratory experience.

●      Train on state-of-the-art instruments.

●      Disseminate research findings to a group of peers.

●      Have a glimpse of graduate school life in the U.S.

●      Attend graduate level research seminars.

Eligibility

Applicants must be over 18 years of age, undergraduate or graduate students from a university in Latin America, CWSN mentorship program participants or alumni, hold a valid passport, apply for the appropriate visa*, and carry travelers’ insurance during the experience.

Application Process

Students interested in participating in SURE should provide: a copy of their resume (1-2 pages), a letter of recommendation from a professor at your school, and a short personal statement (500-700 words) that addresses the following questions:

●      What do you hope to gain from the SURE research experience?

●      What water, sanitation, or environmental issue do you feel most strongly about finding a solution to?

●      CWSN’s mission is dedicated to aiding underserved communities with water and sanitation struggles.  How do you envision your career aligning with this mission?

●      What dates, between June and August 2025, are you available for this four-to-six-week research experience?

Application materials and any questions about the program should be emailed to admin@cleanwaterscience.org with the subject line “2025 SURE Application”. 

Timeline

●      The CWSN team will review all applications received before August 31st, 2024, at 11:59 pm Central Time. No late applications will be accepted.

●      Interviews are arranged via email in mid-October 2024. In the interview (phone, Meets, Teams, WhatsApp or Skype), our team will talk with you about you, your goals, and the answers on your personal statements.

●      Finally, we will alert chosen candidates to be part of this program by November 2024.

Logistics*

The 2025 SURE student(s) will participate in research being conducted at a university/college in the U.S. The SURE students will receive funding to cover their housing, airfare, traveler’s insurance, and a stipend for food and local transportation costs. Personal expenses will not be covered by CWSN. The anticipated dates are between June and August 2025, with the specific time discussed after acceptance, and are dependent on your ability to secure a U.S. visa on time. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visa issuance may take at least a year in some countries.