The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to engage in hands-on research while using critical thinking combined with collaborative and entrepreneurial skills to help solve major societal challenges.

Students work closely with faculty research leads on projects during the eight-week program and present research findings at a symposium the following school year.

Through SURP, Cal Poly engineering students develop professionally and enhance their portfolios for future employment while faculty advance their research and project agendas over the summer quarter. The lasting student-faculty mentoring relationship and external sponsors working with Cal Poly faculty and students enhance the Learn by Doing method the College of Engineering is known for.

Projects result in student-faculty-authored publications in areas of research related to their projects and allow industrial and other external sponsors to provide university-industry collaborative research and project activities.

Students participating in SURP also have the opportunity to present their posters in the fall.

“Through SURP, I gained super valuable experience exploring the world of research and computer science,” said computer science student Ansh Pandey. “We tried, tested and failed but then tried again. It was fun learning about the academic research world and how it relates to computer science.” 

SURP is a great opportunity for undergraduate students to have the unique experience of publishing their research. There are many ways to help students participate in the program.

Donations can provide faculty support and allow more opportunities for students to participate.

Please consider supporting future SURP projects by contacting Colin Bonnicksen at cbonnick@calpoly.edu or (805) 441-1004.