Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

CCCR SURF Fellowship

The CCCR Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) supports intensive, mentored summer research experiences for WWU undergraduate students who are interested in the intersection of culture and psychology. The program prioritizes expanding access for students who have been historically underrepresented in psychology or who have not had prior access to research opportunities.

Fellowship Requirements

Fellows will work on a specific research project over the summer that is supervised by a CCCR faculty or staff associate with sufficient resources to mentor the proposed work. Specific requirements include: 

  • Conduct research for at least six weeks during the summer (between mid-June and mid-September), engaging in a minimum of 20 hours/week of research and professional development. Alternative timelines (e.g., longer duration with fewer hours/week) are allowed with justification.
  • Participate in weekly mentor check-ins to discuss research goals and progress and engage in professional development opportunities. 
  • Submit a final written reflection (minimum one page) and give a 30-minute presentation to the CCCR community in the fall quarter following the fellowship.
    • Students should submit their written reflection no later than the end of the first week of the Fall quarter after their summer fellowship. Presentation dates will be selected by the end of the fellowship period.
    • Mentors are expected to support students in preparing their final presentation and reflection.
    • The reflection and presentation should include details on the status of the research project, insights from the research process, lessons learned, and career aspirations.
  • Fellows and mentors will be required to submit a post-fellowship survey to provide the CCCR advisory board with feedback on the experience. 

Financial Support

  • $6,000 student stipend (to defray personal expenses such as housing or food).
  • $1,500 mentor stipend (for time and mentorship support).
  • Up to $500 in additional funds (available upon request and approval) to support research costs (e.g., participant incentives, materials) or professional development (e.g., conference registration or travel).

Funding will be released in two stages: 

  • Stage 1: $3,000 to the student at start of fellowship (upon submission of paperwork and timeline confirmation).
  • Stage 2: $3,000 to the student and $1,500 to the mentor at the end of summer (upon confirmation of participation, final report, and presentation planning). 

Additional approved expenses (up to $500) will be disbursed upon request to CCCR Director. 

SURF Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must: 

  • Be currently enrolled full-time at WWU and in good academic standing as an undergraduate student.
  • Have at least one quarter remaining in their undergraduate degree program following the summer fellowship.
  • Demonstrate an interest in culturally-oriented, psychologically-grounded research that is respectful and inclusive.
  • Identify a faculty or staff research mentor who is a current and active CCCR Associate.
  • Fellowship activities must take place during the summer term (mid-June to mid-September) and outside the regular academic calendar.
  • A psychology major is not required, but proposed activities must focus on research at the intersection of culture and psychology. 

Note: While CCCR student membership is not required, mentorship by a CCCR Associate is mandatory.

 

2026 SURF Applications

2026 Application Process

SURF applications are due May 1, 2026 via email to CCCR Director. Applications must include: 

  1. A written proposal (max 3 pages) prepared jointly by the student and mentor
  2. Mentor letter of support (max 1 page) 

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. 

Review Timeline

  • Applications will be screened by the Director for eligibility and completeness. 
  • Review will take place in the 2-3 weeks post submission. 
  • Funding decisions will be announced within 4-6 weeks, with fellowship activities to begin in accordance with the approved fellowship timeline.  

Fellowship Proposal (max 3 pages)

Your proposal should be no more than three pages. Provide written information for each section below. 

Applicant details: 

  • Full name, major, and anticipated graduation date
  • CCCR faculty/staff mentor’s full name
  • Title of proposed summer project 

Research and Mentorship Plan: 

  • Project Overview: Clear description of research topic including background/rationale for the research and specific goals
  • Methods and Timeline: Activities, research methods, and a weekly summer schedule
  • Mentorship and Professional Development Plan 

Student Background: 

  • Interest in research at the intersection of culture and psychology
  • Relevant skills or coursework
  • Impact Statement: Academic/career goals and access to research opportunities 

Feasibility and Planning: 

  • How you will manage other commitments during the summer
  • Confirmation of availability for summer research (mid-June to mid-September) 

Mentor Letter of Support (max 1 page) 

Request a signed one-page letter from your CCCR mentor. Letters should be emailed directly to the CCCR Director and should speak to: 

  • Why you are a strong candidate for the summer fellowship
  • How research training will support your career development
  • A short summary of key research activities and the mentorship approach 

Submission

  • Send fellowship proposal via email to the CCCR Director by May 30th 
  • Keep a copy of your submission 
  • Mentors should submit their letter of support by email to CCCR Director by May 30th 

Past SURF Recipients

2025 fellows

Hana Koob (Psychology Major)

  • Project: Predicting Power-based White Identity Forms in Emerging Adults Through Identity and Privilege Awareness
  • SURF mentor: Kevin Delucio (Psychology)

Rosemary Gregg (Psychology Major)

  • Project: A Qualitative Study of Very Happy Asian Americans
  • SURF mentor: Christie Scollon (Psychology)

Relevant CCCR Bylaws

  • Overview: The CCCR Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship supports intensive, mentored summer research experiences for WWU undergraduate students who are interested in the intersection of culture and psychology. The program prioritizes expanding access for students who have been historically underrepresented in psychology or who have not had prior access to research opportunities. 
  • Fellowship Structure and Funding. Fellowship recipients will: 
    • Conduct research for at least six weeks during the summer, engaging in a minimum of 20 hours/week of research and professional development. Alternative timelines (e.g., longer duration with fewer hours/week) are allowed with justification. 
    • Participate in weekly mentor check-ins and submit a final reflection and presentation. 
    • Fellowship financial support includes: 
      • Student stipend (to defray personal expenses such as housing or food). 
      • Mentor stipend (for time and mentorship support). 
      • Additional funds (available upon request and approval) to support research costs (e.g., participant incentives, materials) or professional development (e.g., conference registration or travel). 
  • Eligibility. To be eligible, applicants must: 
    • Be currently enrolled full-time at WWU and in good academic standing as an undergraduate student. 
    • Have at least one quarter remaining in their undergraduate degree program following the summer fellowship. 
    • Demonstrate an interest in culturally-oriented, psychologically-grounded research that is respectful and inclusive. 
    • Identify a faculty or staff research mentor who is a current and active CCCR Associate. 
    • Fellowship activities must take place during the summer term (mid-June to mid-September) and outside the regular academic calendar. 
    • A psychology major is not required, but proposed activities must focus on research at the intersection of culture and psychology. 
    • Note: While CCCR student membership is not required, mentorship by a CCCR Associate is mandatory. 
  • Application Process: 
    • The CCCR Director will announce summer fellowship application deadlines and funding limits. The number of fellowships offered each year will be specified according to current CCCR limits and shared with the CCCR community. 
    • The student applicant and research mentor should work together to develop a fellowship plan.  
    • Student applicants should submit a written fellowship application that describes the research project activities and the mentorship and professional development plan. 
    • Applications must also include a mentor letter of support. 
    • Release of fellowship funds are contingent upon completion of required paperwork and confirmation from mentor and mentee about the completion of fellowship goals 
  • Proposal Evaluation: 
    • Proposals will be reviewed by the Director and at least two CCCR Advisory Board members. 
      • If a Board member is listed as a mentor, a substitute reviewer from the CCCR Associate pool will be appointed by the Director. 
    • Proposals will be evaluated based on: 
      • Clarity and feasibility of the research and mentorship plan. 
      • Alignment with the CCCR’s mission. 
      • Anticipated impact on the student’s access to research and future career. 
      • Available program funding. 
    • Priority will be given to: 
      • Students without prior research experience. 
      • Students from underrepresented groups in psychology and related fields. 
      • Students whose financial circumstances create barriers to research access. 
  • Presentation Expectations. Fellows must: 
    • Submit a written reflection (minimum one page) at the end of the fellowship period. 
    • Present at a CCCR meeting in the fall following the fellowship. Presentations should cover: 
      • Research status 
      • Insights from the process 
      • Lessons learned 
      • Career aspirations 
    • Mentors are expected to support students in preparing their final presentation and reflection. Written reflection deadline and presentation date will be set by the end of the summer (e.g., mid-September). 
  • Post Funding: 
    • Approval does not result in immediate funding but carries the understanding that the student and mentee will conduct the fellowship activities within the parameters outlined in the application. 
    • Change Policy. Minor changes to research plans, mentor assignments, or timelines may be approved with written justification and advance notice to the CCCR Director. Changes that significantly alter the intent or scope of the fellowship must be reviewed and approved by the Director in consultation with Advisory Board members. 
    • Noncompliance Policy. Failure to act or carry through the research, mentorship, or post-fellowship requirements will result in the loss of good standing and limit eligibility for future CCCR funding.