Being put in a research environment learning something completely new, reinforced my critical thinking skills

This program provided a phenomenal experience for me to investigate research at the graduate level that has prepared me so well for graduate school and confirmed my desire to pursue a research career. I was able to perform research with facilities and methods that are not available at my own institution.

It was a very fulfilling experience, especially the friendships I made!

SURF was a great way to get started with a research project. The support and structure the program provided helped me to feel comfortable diving into a new area.

This program really helped me realize that I wanted to pursue a PhD in toxicology. For anyone on the fence about which field of research they should pursue, apply to the SURF program. This was the best way I could have spent my summer.

This was an amazing program, I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in the science field. I met so many new people and learned about many different aspects of toxicology and pharmacology.

SURF gave me excellent exposure to the field of research through hands-on experiences in a laboratory setting as well as presentations from professionals with various backgrounds and other professional development activities. Although I started out conducting basic science research through SURF, I realized that my passion lies in conducting clinical research and applying those findings at a patient’s bedside. I am grateful for the experiences I gained through SURF for they helped me discover and understand my research interests.

Rutgers SURF opened up new possibilities for me and encouraged me to think outside the box. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in research and wants to challenge themselves.

Let’s make eye shadow next time! My only complaint about that is that we didn’t get to do it. Lucky next year students~!

I really enjoyed the entire program. It helped me clarify that I want to attend a toxicology graduate program.

This was a very insightful experience and was really well put together. Thanks to all the organizers!

I wish this program was longer! 10 weeks went by in the blink of an eye.

Whether someone is new to or experienced in research, I believe SURF would be a great way to either start or further delve into research. Even though this summer was virtual, I still received valuable mentorship and guidance, career guidance, and the opportunity to interact with intellectuals!

Finally put my scientific knowledge I’ve learned to use!

The SURF program at Rutgers University is such an incredible summer research opportunity! I loved being able to work on a research project that is in the area of my interests and I enjoyed being able to learn more about the COVID-19, lead poisoning in various communities, and the opioid crisis. Being able to network with other toxicologists and pharmacologists who are SURF alumni was a treat as well. SUCH an awesome program!

I had an amazing time! This experience has helped me find my passion, and has definitely made me a better scientist.

Get ready to read about research papers!

I had a really good time meeting other students interested in research and this program gave me the opportunity to gain confidence in the lab.

I loved the sense of comradery and teamwork.

The SURF program made me certain I want to pursue a career in research.

Surf was phenomenal, even when virtual. The home-experiments and break out rooms made it a personal experience and so many new opportunities arose from this program.

I enjoyed it very much, no notes!

The career panels were really engaging and helped with networking! When SURF is in person again I think virtual career panels is a really good way to engage with professionals who may not be near the area but still want to participate.

It was cool to learn about tox as an undergrad in a very different field. The program was really accessible to a wide range of majors.

SURF has been one of the best experiences in my student and academic life. Different research options, methodologies learnt, working in the lab/fields every day for 10 weeks enriched!

Research in the summer is more fun than during the school year because there is more time to focus on research. I enjoyed the career panels and also understanding projects. Overall, SURF was a very enjoyable experience, and I would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in research.

The SURF program provided me with valuable opportunities to work in lab as a full-time member. It allowed me to work on an individual project, which was rewarding and fruitful.

SURF is great to learn about what everyday life of a researcher is like.

SURF is a well-rounded and all-encompassing program. The faculty at Rutgers are enthusiastic about the students and make a great team. Anyone who is considering Toxicology should apply, it helped me make the decision to apply for the PhD program at Rutgers!

Everyone at the lab was very welcoming and patient. They take the time to explain the concepts and procedures and make sure you understand them. SURF was an engaging and educational experience in addition to being a great introduction to research.

Fulfilling experience as an undergraduate; this program helped me confirm my desire to seek PhD program after graduating.

Overall SURF was a very good experience! Glad to have participated!

I really enjoyed this SURF program and the ability to conduct research full time.

SURF allowed me to grow immensely as a young researcher. It pushed me to accomplish things I didn’t think I would be capable of.

The faculty & grad students that I worked with were really awesome and that’s hard to find at other schools/internships.

Great, immersive experience in day to day life in a lab doing research helped to open a lot of doors to things to possibly do in the future and connected back to material from university.

If you are considering going to graduate school or pursuing a career in research, this program will give you a very informative and realistic look into daily activities and career prospects.

It was so fulfilling, got out what I put in.

Overall, I really enjoyed this program, especially getting to meet other students (undergrad and grad) who gave valuable insight on a future in this field!

The networking and bonding activities were very fun and all of us enjoyed the program immensely. All of the instructors should be proud of themselves for their great guidance.

A safe learning environment; I also had the freedom to control the pace of my project and move quickly, efficiently, and rigorously, but I also didn’t feel a pressure to ace an exam but develop myself as an individual and researcher.

I enjoyed the diversity of the presenters: public health, clinicians, online media influences, pharmacy, industry, etc. I was able to learn more about the fields and their importance so I feel like I have a better idea of the possible fields I could go into and I have a better feel for the range of my interests.

A full-time research experience is essential to get a real understanding of the everyday lives of researchers. SURF has provided that experience for me.

A Pleasant, Exciting Surprise!

I was never the biggest fan of research. I never truly understood its immediate relevance for my life or future career. SURF drastically changed my perspective on clinical and laboratory research and how they permeate every aspect of not only my future career as a pharmacist, but society as a whole! I had an amazing, fun time bonding with my co-researchers and learning from my mentors. I would recommend SURF to anyone even remotely interested in science or healthcare! It is full of enjoyable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities – you can’t go wrong!

When SURF first moved online, I was not sure how valuable of an experience it would be. But SURF (even in its virtual format) was an amazing experience – in each session, I learned a lot, and I was able to form connections with my fellow SURFers and presenters.

It’s been a great experience to not only expand my research skills, but foster my overall knowledge about the environment around me. I gained a lot of experience in my networking skills.

The SURF program 100% solidified my love for tox. I would definitely recommend it to a friend.