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Thank you for your interest in SUROC.
Update 3/4/2025:
Unfortunately, the program will not be held in Summer 2025
pending the renewal of funding by
the National Science Foundation.

 

If you are a rising sophomore or junior, we encourage you to keep SUROC in mind for Summer 2026,
when we hope to have better news about continued funding.

Welcome to UNC Chapel Hill Chemistry!

 

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.

Lab1

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  

  • 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

Application Instructions | Application Materials

  • Update 3/4/2025: If you are a rising sophomore or junior, we encourage you to keep SUROC in mind for Summer 2026, when we hope to have better news about continued funding.

 

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