Undergraduate Research Opportunities

We offer research programs that provide undergraduates with opportunities to work in any area of sustainability including the earth, environment, energy, oceans, and engineering. 

Programs are available for both Stanford students and non-Stanford students. Non-Stanford students - please see the SURGE program (info linked in the left hand menu and at the bottom of this page).

Summer research experience 

Our summer sustainability scholars engage in real world research with guided mentorship by Stanford faculty. Throughout the summer, scholars are additionally supported though cross-cohort educational and community building experiences.

Student pro tip:  Your summers are valuable periods of your undergraduate education to engage in real world experiences. While conducting world class research at Stanford, Stanford students are supported with a $7500 stipend for 10 weeks at full time effort with a supplemental stipend available based on financial need. 

Getting started

Students can either choose from summer research projects proposed by faculty, or students can reach out to specific faculty they would like to work with to discuss possible research projects for the summer. Learn more about applications in the "Our Research Programs" section below. 

Student pro tip:  The earlier you begin planning for your summer, the better. Most students begin searching and applying for jobs, internships, and research projects over winter break. Applications for all School of Sustainability summer undergraduate research programs are due February 15, 2024. Application Link.

Mentor pro tip:  Interested in having a paid summer undergraduate researcher in your lab for summer 2024? The call for 2024 summer project teasers is now open! Please submit your 250-word teaser - more information and details can be found on the submission form. The deadline to submit is December 1, 2023. Submit now!

Our research programs

The summer undergraduate research programs in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability vary by research focus, pre-requisites, and intended scholar. Throughout the summer, our programs offer joint programming and cross-cohort experiences.

All the summer programs for Stanford students offer the same stipend and programmatic support for the 10 week summer period. All students participating in the summer research programs are required to present on their research experience at the end of the summer. 

Considering applying?  First, identify who you want to work with. Then, determine which program that faculty member will be affiliated with. Applications vary across programs. See specific requirements through the program links below.