Caltech, like many places of prominence, has a problem. Many people who would be perfectly at home there, and who could bring strong talents and creativity, will talk themselves out of applying. Here are two announcement for summer research at Caltech. First, WAVE fellows.
The WAVE Fellows program aims to foster diversity by increasing the participation of underrepresented students in science and engineering Ph.D. programs and to make Caltech’s programs more visible and accessible to students not traditionally exposed to Caltech. The program is extended, but not limited, to underrepresented minorities, women, first-generation college students, geographically underrepresented students, educationally and financially disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities.
Eligibility: Students must be current sophomores through non-graduating seniors and must be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or students with DACA status. A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required.
Competitive applicants will have completed sophomore-level courses in desired research field, have demonstrated through academic and/or co-curricular activities a passion for research, and can articulate how their research interests align with Caltech’s research areas. The most competitive applicants will have prior research experience.
Support: WAVE Fellows will receive a $6350 award for the ten-week program. An additional housing/travel supplement will be provided.
Application: Online applications are due January 12, 2019.
For more information, visit http://www.sfp.caltech.edu/programs/wavefellows
Second, the SURF program, which means Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) program is one of the “crown jewels” of Caltech. Since 1979, SURF students have had the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of experienced mentors working at the frontier of their fields. Students experience the process of research as a creative intellectual activity from beginning (defining and developing a project) to end (presenting their results at SURF Seminar Day).
For this program, the interested student has to contact a potential research advisor and propose a project. Full details are found at http://www.sfp.caltech.edu/programs/surf Read all the material carefully, since the application process is more complex than for other summer programs. The deadline for applying is February 22, 2019.