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At the Pier's Edge: SURF Initiative Empowers Students to Persist in Pursuing Advanced Education

Every summer for a span of ten weeks, a selection of approximately twenty undergraduate students from various parts of the United States are invited by our organization based at UC San Diego to engage in research activities and foster connections with peers and mentors.

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WaterfrontDevelopment: SURF Initiative Nurtures Academic Community for Pursuit of Graduate Studies
WaterfrontDevelopment: SURF Initiative Nurtures Academic Community for Pursuit of Graduate Studies

At the Pier's Edge: SURF Initiative Empowers Students to Persist in Pursuing Advanced Education

Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program Offers Summer Research Opportunities in Earth and Ocean Sciences

The Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, hosted by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, provides undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to delve into earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences research. Funded by the National Science Foundation, this prestigious program aims to engage students early in their college careers and develop their research skills [1].

Summer Research Placements and Skill Development

Participants in the SURF program work in various Scripps labs on meaningful research projects, gaining hands-on experience in scientific research methodologies. During the summer, Gabrielle Meza, a senior at the University of California Berkeley, majored in genetic and plant biology, focused her research on the spatial and temporal abundance of Synechococcus in San Diego Bay under the mentorship of Scripps Professor Brian Palenik [2].

Ivan Moreno, a second-year student in the marine biology PhD program at Scripps, with a background in cellular and molecular biology, conducted research revolving around thermophilic microbial mats and interactions between microbial eukaryotes and prokaryotes [5]. His research during the SURF program involved identifying microbes isolated from hot springs and creating competition experiments on agar plates.

Virtual Transformation and Interdisciplinary Impact

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SURF program adapted to a virtual format, allowing over twenty students nationwide to remotely engage in coral reef ecology research using innovative techniques like photogrammetry, which creates 3D models of coral reefs to aid high-resolution ecological monitoring [1]. This interdisciplinary approach fosters opportunities at UC San Diego while linking research to real-world environmental and cultural concerns [1][3][4].

Benefits for Students

The SURF program offers numerous benefits to students, including direct mentorship by Scripps researchers, hands-on research experience, exposure to advanced scientific tools, and networking opportunities within a globally renowned institution [1][3][4]. Participants also gain access to resources beyond hands-on research experience, such as weekly research training workshops, a graduate record exam preparation course, and exposure to grant writing [6].

Alumni Success Stories

The SURF program has produced numerous alumni who have gone on to earn their PhDs and make significant progress in the earth and marine sciences. Nicole Posadas, a SURF Fellow in 2019, is currently majoring in earth science at the University of Pennsylvania [3]. Jeramy Dedrick, a Scripps PhD Student, SURF Mentor, and Alumni, is currently in the climate science PhD program at Scripps [4].

For students like Gabrielle Meza and Ivan Moreno, the SURF program serves as a critical stepping stone, offering immersive research experience, skill-building, mentorship, and pathways to advanced studies and scientific careers [1][3][4]. Meza hopes to apply to graduate school this upcoming year and continue research in marine microbiology, while Moreno finds the ability to focus on one research topic and the connections made during the SURF program to be the best parts of the program.

[1] Scripps Institution of Oceanography. (n.d.). Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://sio.ucsd.edu/research/research-programs/surf/

[2] UC San Diego News Center. (2020, August 12). Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program Goes Virtual. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/scripps-undergraduate-research-fellowship-surf-program-goes-virtual

[3] UC San Diego News Center. (2019, August 14). Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program Celebrates 10th Year. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/scripps-undergraduate-research-fellowship-surf-program-celebrates-10th-year

[4] UC San Diego News Center. (2022, February 7). Scripps Oceanography Names 2022 Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellows. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/scripps-oceanography-names-2022-scripps-undergraduate-research-fellows

[5] UC San Diego News Center. (2021, August 11). Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program Offers Summer Research Opportunities in Earth and Ocean Sciences. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/scripps-undergraduate-research-fellowship-surf-program-offers-summer-research-opportunities-in-earth-and-ocean-sciences

[6] Scripps Institution of Oceanography. (n.d.). SURF Program Benefits. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://sio.ucsd.edu/research/research-programs/surf/benefits/

  1. The Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program focuses on climate science, providing opportunities for students to delve into research in earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences.
  2. Gabrielle Meza, a senior at University of California Berkeley, majored in genetic and plant biology, and researched the spatial and temporal abundance of Synechococcus in San Diego Bay.
  3. Ivan Moreno, a marine biology PhD student at Scripps, conducted research on thermophilic microbial mats and interactions between microbial eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
  4. The SURF program offers students hands-on experience in scientific research methodologies and access to advanced scientific tools.
  5. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the SURF program to adapt to a virtual format, allowing students to remotely engage in coral reef ecology research using photogrammetry.
  6. Scripps Institution of Oceanography aims to develop students' research skills early in their college careers and offers weekly research training workshops, a graduate record exam preparation course, and exposure to grant writing.
  7. Nicole Posadas, a SURF Fellow in 2019, is currently majoring in earth science at the University of Pennsylvania.
  8. Jeramy Dedrick, a Scripps PhD Student, SURF Mentor, and Alumni, is currently in the climate science PhD program at Scripps.
  9. Participants in the SURF program gain numerous benefits, including direct mentorship by Scripps researchers, exposure to a globally renowned institution, and networking opportunities.
  10. The SURF program serves as a critical stepping stone for students like Gabrielle Meza and Ivan Moreno, offering immersive research experience, skill-building, mentorship, and pathways to advanced studies and scientific careers.
  11. Gabrielle Meza hopes to apply to graduate school this upcoming year and continue research in marine microbiology.
  12. Ivan Moreno finds the ability to focus on one research topic and the connections made during the SURF program to be the best parts of the program.
  13. Cancer, along with chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, and digestive health, can benefit from advancements in medical-conditions research.
  14. Eye health, hearing, and skin care are essential components of health and wellness, and are some of the areas that can be impacted by various scientific research and therapies.
  15. Lifestyle factors such as fitness, nutrition, and aging play a significant role in personal health, while mental health and men's health are vital aspects that require attention and research.
  16. Women's health, including sexual health and reproductive health, are also crucial areas that require continued research and advancements in medical conditions and treatments.
  17. Autoimmune disorders, as well as neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, are complex conditions that require in-depth study and the development of new therapies and treatments.
  18. Environmental science, marine biology, and climate science are essential to understanding the impact of climate change on our planet and the need for effective policies and strategies to combat it.
  19. In addition to scientific research, finance and wealth management are important aspects of modern society, with emerging fields like investing, personal finances, and wealth management playing a significant role in individuals' lives.
  20. Home and garden, gadgets, and technology are part of everyday life, with advancements in data-and-cloud computing, artificial-intelligence, and cybersecurity shaping the way we live, work, and play.
  21. Space and astronomy offer unique insights into the universe and the search for extraterrestrial life, while business, industry, and environmental concerns remain at the forefront of discussions surrounding space exploration.
  22. Health-and-wellness, fitness and exercise, cardiovascular-health, and weight-management are all areas where science, health professionals, and the industry work together to promote health and longevity.
  23. Parenting, as a vital part of society, involves a complex interplay of science, personal wellness, technology, and industry, with a focus on the well-being of children and the role of parents in shaping their future.

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