Student Research Opportunities
Students are encouraged to participate in research. Our department offers many opportunities for students to become involved a variety of research including basic science, translational, clinical outcomes, educational, global health and public health.
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
The UNMC Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a collaboration between UNMC departments, institutes, colleges, student success, and graduate specialty areas to provide summer opportunities for undergraduate students to become members of research teams and discover first-hand the broad spectrum of research activities occurring at UNMC.
Summer Undergraduate Research Program for the Study of Institutional and Structural Disparities in Healthcare and Academies of Higher Education
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program for the Study of Institutional and Structural Disparities in Healthcare and Academies of Higher Education offers a clinical research experience in kidney disease and transplantation. The program accepts 2 students per year who are planning a career in Medicine or Public Health. The program is under the direction of Arika Hoffman, MD.
Summer Student Research Program of Excellence
Funds are available for student research scholarships within our department through the Summer Student Research Program of Excellence. This is a full-time program geared towards students who are interested in pursuing a surgical career. The purpose is to provide students within the College of Medicine the opportunity to enhance their ability to seek out information, analyze and apply a solution to a surgically defined problem. Research positions are eight weeks, unless otherwise approved by the department and the primary investigator.
Howard R. and Marilyn B. McCollister Memorial Fund Rural Surgery Research Program
The Howard R. and Marilyn B. McCollister Memorial Fund Rural Surgery Research Program is made possible through generous gifts from donors. Students selected for this program will spend their summer with a faculty sponsor at a rural partner site(s) in Nebraska. The application process, guidelines and expectations for this program are the same. Benefits are also the same, with the addition of reimbursement for one round-trip mileage. The department will assist as much as possible to secure housing. Ideal candidates will have connections to the rural site.
Guidelines, Expectations, and Application Information
The 2026 application cycle will open December 1.
Additional information about the programs including participant guidelines and expectations is outlined in a program flyer. Before you apply, you will need to identify a mentor, within the Department of Surgery, and a research project. If you need assistance finding a mentor, contact us.
There is one application form used for both programs. All applications must be submitted using this online form. You will need to:
- Complete the online application form
- Upload your CV*
- Upload your research proposal*
*Documents may be uploaded at a later date, but must be received prior to the application deadline.
NOTE: These positions are full-time paid positions within the Department of Surgery, where you are considered an employee of UNMC during the dates of your program. The department will not support applicants who have any other paid appointment within the university system (UNMC, UNO, UNL, UNK) which will overlap employment dates in surgery. Your application will not be accepted if you choose to accept another paid position at the university. One example of this would be serving as a mentor for the Summer Health Professions Education Program. We understand you may not know what positions you will be offered, and therefore, we still invite you to apply.
General Timeline
Application cycle opens December
Application cycle closes February
Notification of awards no later than late March.
Completion of research can be done anytime from end of school year (early May) to beginning of next school year (mid-August)
Questions?
If you have questions regarding student research programs for our department, email our Education Administrator Stefani Coleman.