surf 2025 Survey Report
Recipients of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and their mentors are asked to complete a final survey near the end of the fellowship. This report highlights results of the final surveys from the Summer 2025 SURF program.
overall impact
98%
said their SURF experience contributed to their professional development
87%
said their SURF experience contributed to their personal development
81%
said their SURF experience refined their goals and career path
87%
said their SURF experience increased their self-confidence
89%
said their SURF experience made good use of their time
self efficacy
After completing SURF, participants were confident or very confident in their ability to:
93%
manage their time
compared with 78% of students before SURF.
87%
handle unforseen circumstances
compared with 58% of students before SURF.
85%
communicate effectively
compared with 47% of students before SURF.
93%
work independently
compared with 64% of students before SURF.
89%
work collaboratively
compared with 69% of students before SURF.
80%
apply disciplinary knowledge and skills
compared with 51% of students before SURF.
53%
sustain complex arguments
compared with 35% of students before SURF.
89%
maintain ethical standards
compared with 80% of students before SURF.
“During my SURF experience, I had the opportunity to independently create procedures and design experiments from the ground up, which pushed me to think critically at every stage. Being trusted with this level of responsibility in the lab allowed me to problem-solve in real time, adapt methods, and gain a deeper understanding of how research moves from concept to results. It was an empowering experience that strengthened both my technical skills and my confidence as a researcher.”
– SURF Participant, 2025
Learning Outcomes
After completing SURF, participants were confident or very confident in their ability to:
68%
Understand relevant contemporary concepts in their field of study
compared with 11% of students before SURF.
67%
Make use of relevant primary research literature in their field of study
compared with 22% of students before SURF.
58%
Identify a specific question for investigation based on the literature in their field of study
compared with 18% of students before SURF.
67%
Design an experiment or theoretical test of a hypothesis, critically evaluating methods and materials
compared with 27% of students before SURF.
80%
Organize and synthesize evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities
compared with 38% of students before SURF.
78%
State a conclusion that is a logical extrapolation from project results
compared with 31% of students before SURF.
69%
Relate results to the “bigger picture” in their field of study
compared with 31% of students before SURF.
68%
Assess the limitations and/or implications of their work
compared with 41% of students before SURF.
80%
Orally communicate the results of my project
compared with 13% of students before SURF.
30%
Write a paper for publication, understanding the ethical and legal restrictions on its use
compared with 11% of students before SURF.
Student Evaluation of Mentors
After completing SURF, 98% of participants said they would recommend their mentor to others.
Participants also rated their mentor as being good, very good, or excellent at:
93%
communicating clearly
91%
explaining expectations fully
91%
providing opportunities for input
88%
being available for questions
93%
supporting my professional development
100%
being approachable and friendly
“Participating in authentic research experiences as an undergraduate powerfully contextualizes classroom learning with real-world application. Through faculty-mentored research, students deepen their understanding of their discipline and cultivate a passion for inquiry and discovery. These opportunities bridge curricular knowledge with professional development, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen field of study. As a cornerstone of experiential learning, undergraduate research enriches the educational journey and prepares students to become future leaders and innovators in academia and beyond.”
Lakshmi Krishna, Director of Mines’ Office of Undergraduate Research
Mentor Evaluation of Students
100%
of mentors Would recommend the surf fellowship to others
94%
of mentors Said their Mentee met their expectations
Self Effifacy
Mentors were confident or very confident that their mentees can. . .
Manage their time well (94%)
Handle unforseen circumstances (88%)
Communicate effectively (94%)
Work independently (100%)
Work collaboratively (100%)
Apply disciplinary knowledge/skills (100%)
Sustain complex arguments (94%)
Maintain ethical standards (100%)
Learning Outcomes
Mentors were confident or very confident that their mentees can. . .
Understand relevant contemporary concepts in their field of study (the assumptions, vocabulary, theories, etc.) (100%)
Make use of relevant primary research literature in their field of study (e.g. journal articles), synthesizing in-depth information from sources representing various points of view and approaches (82%)
Identify a specific question for investigation based on the literature in their field of study (76%)
Design an experiment or theoretical test of a hypothesis, critically evaluating methods and materials (82%)
Organize and synthesize evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities (88%)
State a conclusion that is a logical extrapolation from project results (94%)
Relate results/conclusions to the “bigger picture” in their field of study, situating it appropriately with similar studies (76%)
Assess the limitations and/or implications (ethical and otherwise) of their work (76%)
Orally communicate the results of their project (94%)
Write a paper for publication with an understanding of the ethical and legal restrictions on the use of published, confidential, and/or proprietary information (94%)
Testimonials
Student Testimonials
“During my SURF experience, I had the opportunity to independently create procedures and design experiments from the ground up, which pushed me to think critically at every stage. Being trusted with this level of responsibility in the lab allowed me to problem-solve in real time, adapt methods, and gain a deeper understanding of how research moves from concept to results. It was an empowering experience that strengthened both my technical skills and my confidence as a researcher.”
– SURF Participant, 2025
“SURF deepened my passion for research and confirmed my desire to pursue graduate studies. In addition to expanding my technical knowledge, it strengthened my ability to develop solutions and learn through trial while conducting research.”
– SURF Participant, 2025
“SURF allowed me a space to learn and grow in my field of research. It gave me many amazing opportunities to meet other researchers and build connections, as well as build my skills in conducting research, communicating my research, reading papers, and writing.”
– SURF Participant, 2025
“SURF was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to develop multiple skills that will be incredibly relevant in my future career. Getting to work hands on on the field I enjoy was invaluable to my development and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in research or looking to expand their skillset.”
– SURF Participant, 2025
“Before my summer as a SURF student, I had no experience in the world of academia and had little knowledge of what to expect. After 3 months of work I feel exuberantly confident in my ability to understand and conduct research in an academic manor. I also have learned how and what to expect in graduate school admissions and how to best prepare myself to continue my academic career.”
– SURF Participant, 2025
Mentor Testimonials
“SURF and MURF are super valuable programs that encourage Mines undergraduate students to work on cutting edge research with faculty members. The high-quality research publications with faculty members help SURF and MURF scholars reach higher and achieve more in the long run.”
– SURF Research Mentor, 2025
“The SURF is a great program that is very helpful in getting students into the lab!”
– SURF Research Mentor, 2025