Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Grant

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Hawai‘i Sea Grant
Amount: US $7,000
Last Updated: March 20, 2026

Summary

The Hawaii Sea Grant: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) offers undergraduates the chance to engage in ocean sciences research and environmental studies in Hawaii and the Pacific. Running from June 8 to August 14, this full-time program pairs students with mentors from various institutions. Participants will gain hands-on experience, attend workshops, and present their findings at a symposium, all while receiving a $7,000 stipend to support their research efforts.

Overview

The Hawaiʻi Sea Grant track of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is designed to provide promising undergraduates the opportunity to gain valuable research experience, improve their skills in actionable ocean sciences, and expand their knowledge of environmental issues in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific region. Selected fellows are matched with a mentor – depending on their location, either a faculty researcher or extension agent at the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) at Mānoa, UH Hilo, or the University of Guam (UOG), or a mentor from a relavant federal research center – whose field of expertise and ongoing research complements to the extent possible the expressed interests of the student, and aligns with Hawaiʻi Sea Grant objectives. Hawai‘i Sea Grant conducts an innovative program of research, outreach, and education services toward the improved understanding and stewardship of coastal and marine resources of the state, region, and nation, serving those who live, work, and recreate in coastal communities in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Region. Hawai‘i Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant College Programs nationwide with core funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that, as a network, promote unbiased, evidenced-based understanding, conservation, and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. Funded activities focus in four areas: healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies, and environmental literacy and workforce development. Program Details and Expectations for Students The 2026 SURF Program will run from June 8 to August 14 (10 weeks).Fellows must commit to working full-time (40 hours per week) for the entire program.Fellows must attend an orientation (June 8) and 2 professional development workshops (dates TBD).Fellows are required to present their research at a final SURF Symposium (August 13).Fellows are required to write a short reflection on their summer accomplishments and experiences.A stipend of $7000 ($17.50/hr) will be provided in support of 10 weeks of summer research training.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. This fellowship is open to any undergraduate currently enrolled at any of the UH system campuses, or currently enrolled at another accredited two- or four-year institution but attended a high school in Hawaiʻi.