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Welcome to UNC Chapel Hill Chemistry!

 

Summer 2025 APPLICATION CYCLE:
Application is delayed until at least mid-February due to a pause in NSF funding.
Want to get updates on status?
Send an email, subject line “SUROC”,
with your name, college or university and email address to
suroc@unc.edu

 

 

lab3The Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity in Chemistry (SUROC) provides students from outside* the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill an opportunity to engage in hands-on cutting-edge research in our state of the art facilities. This is an opportunity to experience Carolina Chemistry, recognized by ACS as one of the top ten graduate programs.

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During our 10-week program, students will conduct independent research under the mentorship of one of our world-class research faculty. Students can choose to work in a research laboratory in any of our five divisions: Analytical, Biological, Inorganic, Organic, Physical, or Polymer/Materials. A small cohort of students will work together building a strong scholarly foundation through weekly professional development experiences.  The program will provide additional opportunities outside hands-on laboratory work: site visits to large pharmaceutical and small startup companies; introduction to scientific entrepreneurship; experience presenting scientific research; training in research ethics; and exposure to chemical equipment and facilities. In addition to professional development, our cohorts have no-cost weekend adventures to explore the many activities the Triangle Area of NC has to offer.

 

Dates | Details  

2025 dates will be announced in January 2025. 

  • Hands-on research with UNC Chemistry faculty, postdoctoral associates and graduate students
  • Special seminars related to conducting, presenting and communicating scientific research
  • Workshops related to graduate programs and applications as well as professional development skills
  • Visits to local industries
  • Social activities: Durham Bulls Game, Morehead Planetarium, and more
  • Participation in a research symposium at the end of summer where you will be required to present your research in a poster presentation

Compensation

  • Stipend
  • Food allowance
  • On-campus housing in Ram Village Apartments
  • Coverage of all instructional materials 

 

Eligibility | Requirements 

  • Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident
  • Rising Juniors or Seniors, exceptional rising Sophomores will be considered
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Chemistry Majors or relevant coursework with a strong emphasis in chemistry
  • Women, students with disabilities, and underrepresented minority students (defined by NSF as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions | Application Materials

Please DO NOT send materials to suroc@unc.edu! Once the application is live, it will include instructions on uploading application materials. Please DO NOT request that letter writers send letters to suroc@unc.edu. All materials received by suroc@unc.edu prior to the application being available will be deleted.

  • Instructions to apply can be found here.
  • Deadline will be posted here when application becomes available.

 

*Please note – Any student who is currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (full or part-time) is ineligible to apply.