They have demonstrated academic excellence in high school and generally expect to develop careers in fields of science and technology. Most students choose Caltech, in part, because of the opportunities to get involved in research during their undergraduate careers, and there are many ways for them to get started. The SURF program, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in the summer of 1998, was created to encourage students and faculty to work together on research problems of mutual interest. The tutorial relationship between mentor and student remains the essence of the program. The SURF program is modeled on the grant-seeking process.
Students collaborate with potential mentors.
Students carry out the work during ten weeks in the summer. At the conclusion, they submit a technical paper and give an oral presentation. In addition to working on their projects, students may participate in a wealth of enrichment activities to help them balance their research activities. Mentor-student dinners give students the opportunity to meet informally with faculty at local restaurants. Weekly research seminars given by faculty or JPL technical staff provide an overview of the research carried out at the Institute at a level accessible to students at all levels and all disciplines.