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UROC Summer Undergraduate Research Institute

UROC SURI

The Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) is a vital component of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center and is designed to introduce scholars to academic research alongside a faculty mentor. SURI provides research enrichment activities that prepare undergraduate students for successful entry into graduate programs. In addition, undergraduate scholars attend weekly graduate preparation and research development workshops, as well as participate in academic-related field trips.

At the end of the 9-week summer program, students present their oral and poster presentations at UC Merced’s Annual Summer Research Symposium. 

The UROC Programs application for students to participate in SURI will open: November 1st, 2023

 

SURI 2024

The dates for SURI 2024 will be Monday, June 2 through Friday, August 2. 
This includes orientation day(s) and optional bootcamp workshops throughout the first week and will end with the summer symposium. Student move-in for those who request on-campus housing will be announced in Spring semester.

Faculty interested in mentoring students in SURI can email uroc@ucmerced.edu.



Week

Theme

Topics/Activities

1

Make the Most of SURI

Team Building; Responsible Research; Lab & Safety Fundamentals; Library Literacy

2

 Becoming a Researcher
 

Beyond the basics; Components of an Abstract; Grad School Admissions

3

Looking Beyond this Summer 

Intro to Grad School; Conflict Resolution; How to Effectively Search for Grad Schools; Professional Networking

4

Cultivating your Message

Personal Statement; Application Statements; Public Speaking; Elevator Pitch Presentation

5

Progress, Not Perfection

Statement Peer Review; Abstract & Poster/Presentation Review; Building a presentation

6

Translating your Research

Developing a CV; How to Communicate your research; Visualization of Data

7

Moving from
Goals to Reality

Research Writing, How to Get Funding for Grad School; Conferences 101

8

 Bringing it all Together

UC Merced Faculty Panel; Letters of Recommendation; The Importance of Research, Presentation Tips

9

Your Best Self

UROC Summer
Research
Symposium

Practice for Symposium

Oral Presentations & Research Poster Presentations

 

SURI Learning Outcomes

The goal of SURI is to provide UROC Scholars with experience in all aspects of the research process.

At the conclusion of this experience, student participants will:

  1. Generate a clear research question or problem by identifying and demonstrating appropriate research methodologies, use of terminology, concepts, and theories in their field.
  2. Identify common ethical challenges and practice responsible research by conveying awareness of cultural values, legal protections, policies, and regulations.
  3. Apply critical thinking skills and be comfortable with the ambiguity of research, whether working autonomously or collaboratively to manage a project.
  4. Gain confidence to communicate constructively with research mentors, graduate students, and faculty.
  5. Develop skills to explain their research to experts in the field and broader audiences through research presentations.
  6. Articulate the relevance of their participation in undergraduate research to make decisions about their future, whether for graduate school or the work force.

 

    UROC Scholars develop critical research skills as well as improve their communication skills through the presentation of their research results in both written and oral forms. The training students receive through SURI will prepare them to succeed in graduate school and jumpstart their careers in research, leadership, and public service.

     

    SURI participating programs include:  

    UROC Programs

    Partner Programs

     

     

     

    Workshops and skill development bootcamps cover several topics including the following:

    • conceptualizing a problem
    • conducting a literature review
    • designing a research project
    • gathering and analyzing data
    • drawing conclusions based on empirical evidence
    • reporting and communicating results
    • improving oral and written communication skills