Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program

The purpose of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program is to introduce undergraduate students to pharmacology research through authentic, mentored research experiences.

Program Outline

Summer research at the Pacific University School of Pharmacy Research Lab is a dynamic experience that brings together undergraduate researchers, third-year pharmacy students, PharmD/MS students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, research lab staff, and visiting scientists. Each summer, four students will be appointed as American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows at Pacific University. This recognition comes with a financial award of $4,600 and the chance to present their work at a national conference.  Each appointed fellow will be matched with a faculty mentor from the Pacific University School of Pharmacy, who will guide them through a learner-centered pharmacology-based research project.

Each fellow is expected to complete a minimum ten-week summer research training program encompassing a diversity of enrichment activities, such as: research seminars, technical demonstrations; elevator pitch competitions, poster presentations, social events, and field trips to local industries and academic institutions. 

Faculty Mentors

Faculty who serve in the ASPET SURF Program engage in active mentorship to support student research across the following specialties.  Prior to applying, we strongly encourage prospective applicants to contact the faculty mentors with whom they are interested in working.  We'd love to hear from you!

Mentor Research Area
Nicola Carter, PhD Parasitology
Mike Espiritu, PhD (Program Director)  Peptide Drug Discovery
Fawzy Elbarbry, PhD, RPh, BCPS Pharmacokinetics
Sigrid Roberts, PhD Parasitology
Brendan Stamper, PhD Toxicology

Admissions Requirements

The following materials are required to be considered for the Pacific University ASPET SURF program:

  • Completed Application Form: Submission deadline of April 1, 2024.
  • Short essay: Allows us to learn more about you and your professional goals
  • Resume/CV

Please mail, drop off, or email all application materials to Dr. Michael Espiritu using the contact information below.
 

Contact Us

Michael Espiritu, PhD | Assistant Professor
503-352-72624 | espi5306@pacificu.edu