Research Opportunities
This program provides professional students currently enrolled in the PharmD program (in the summer between their P1 and P2 years) with an opportunity to undertake an intensive, introductory research experience with faculty in the College of Pharmacy. These summer research experiences comprise 40 hours per week in a laboratory for a 10-week period (undertaken from late May through early August). Selected Students may choose between a Research Fellowship stipend ($4000) or to receive academic credit towards their in-state residency requirement. The summer experience can also serve as a formal student rotation if the student enters the PharmD/PhD pathway (during their P4 year) in any of the departments within the college.
The PSURF program is available for students who have successfully completed all courses in their P1 year in the PharmD professional program and entered the College of Pharmacy with a Bachelor’s degree. Applications are due Friday, MARCH 27, 2026 by 11:59pm. Successful applicants to this competitive program will be notified in early April. Application requirements include:
- Curriculum vitae
- Undergraduate and PharmD program transcripts
- Statement of Purpose essay for participating in the program (see below for instructions on the essay)
- State of Utah residency status is not considered in the selection process.
An orientation meeting will be held in late May to provide the selected fellows with the program expectations, and deliverables from the summer fellowship. Individual programs of study are at the discretion of the faculty mentor. At the end of the summer (usually in the first few weeks of the Fall Semester) the fellows are required to present their research findings in a College-wide symposium.
Electronic applications for the P-SURF program can be submitted from March 10, 2026 through March 27, 2026 11:59 pm.
Purpose
To provide P1 professional students currently enrolled in the PharmD program with an intensive, introductory research experience with faculty in the College of Pharmacy. These summer research experiences can serve as formal student rotations if the student successfully enters the PharmD/PhD pathway (during their P4 year) in any of the departments within the college.
Who is eligible
P1 Students who have successfully completed their P1 year in the PharmD professional program and entered with a Bachelor’s degree (some exceptions may apply, please reach out to Student Affairs for more information if you do not have a bachelor’s degree). Students interested in the combined PharmD/PhD pathway are required to apply if they cannot document significant formal and relevant research experience. Students may only be accepted to the program once.
How to apply
Applicants will provide the following: (1) updated Curriculum Vitae; (2) undergraduate/PharmD transcripts, and (3) a statement of purpose essay.
Awardees will be notified by Student Affairs in early April.
Stipend Option
The stipend for each student for working 40 hours per week in the lab for a 10-week period (late May through early August) will be $4000. Multiple opportunities will exist across the College departments, and students may identify possible mentors through a CoP research rotation booklet. A $500 supplies stipend will be provided from the CoP Executive Associate Dean for Professional Education to the faculty mentors to offset research expenses.
Academic Credit Option
Students may utilize the PSURF program to gain up to nine (9) credit hours of academic credit. In most circumstances, this is sufficient credit for a non-resident student to meet the total requirement of 40 credit hours to qualify for resident status. Students are responsible for payment of the summer tuition.
Students seeking academic credit would register for PHARM 7920 for the Summer semester. Additional information will be provided to those students who seek academic credit.
Program
An Orientation meeting will be held in mid-summer to discuss their research projects. Mandatory participation in a College-wide symposium at the end of the summer (usually early in the Fall Semester) requires that fellowship students will present their findings in formal poster format.
The program of study will be at the discretion of the faculty Mentor. Mentoring meetings will be held at least every other week during the summer to discuss the various graduate programs, other College faculty research opportunities, career development, and to build camaraderie. Students should interact socially with visiting Juan Diego summer high school students and Pharm/Tox ASPET SURF fellows with an occasional pizza lunch, hike, etc.
Statement of Purpose
Your Statement of Purpose is to be at least 1 page single spaced but no longer than 3 pages single spaced; should include the following:
- Explain why you want to participate in this program;
- What you hope to gain from this program;
- Your career goals, including intended research areas;
- How the P-SURF program will help you reach these goals; and
- A list of up to three College of Pharmacy Mentors.
Questions? Contact Student Affairs
The Prize Name: Established in memory of John and Bertha Wolf who, in the tradition of many poor, immigrant families, valued education highly and ensured that their children would have access to it.
Prize Purpose: To recognize and reward excellence in teaching, research and service by a graduating Ph.D. student in any Department at the College of Pharmacy who demonstrated interest in pursuing an academic career.
Prize Details: The Wolf Prize consists of a $5,000 award and engraved plaque, presented at the annual College Convocation ceremony. The candidate must be present at the convocation to receive the award. The name of the recipient will also be engraved on a permanent plaque displayed in the College.
Application Process: Nomination packet will be developed by the candidate and coordinated through the Department. The packet should include:
- A personal statement outlining the candidate's accomplishments in teaching, research and service with a commitment to an acadmic career. Candidates who do not have a commitment to an academic career will not be considered.
- Two letters of recommendation, one from the student's mentor and an additional letter from a faculty member in the College; and
- Evaluations of teaching commitment and effectiveness (e.g., student and/or faculty evaluations of teaching; completion of CTLE HETS program). A faculty committee that makes a formal recommendation to the Dean will evaluate applications.
For additional information, please discuss with your department chair.