SURES Program

Undergraduate Research Experience In Environmental Health Sciences Program

The department of pharmacology and nutritional sciences at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine offers a research-training program for undergraduates after their sophomore year.  This program is specifically for students who are interested in a careers in environmental health sciences. 

SURES Program Details

Undergraduate Research Experience in Environmental Health Sciences (SURES) Program 

A multidisciplinary research-training program for undergraduates after their sophomore year. 
This program is specifically for students who are interested in careers in environmental health sciences 
https://surfsures.blogspot.com/

By participating in this program students will::

1) Gain experience the following research areas

  • Environmental exposures
    • Water disinfection byproducts, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, aromatic pollutants, indoor pests, nanomaterials and radon
  • Environmentally induced disease outcomes
    • Cancer, neuroscience and metabolic diseases
  • Endocrine disruptors, reproduction, maternal exposures and development
  • Environmental health field research, community-engagement, environmental health communication and policy
  • Environmental chemistry/engineering and remediation
    • Atmospheric pollution, water treatment and reuse, environmental sorbants, environmental fate and transport

2) Engage in career-building activities

  • Build relationships with peer, near-peer and faculty mentors
  • Participate in group research and learning activities
  • Network with local scientists and professionals in environmental health sciences
  • Attend workshops on careers and professional development skills
  • Present original research

Application Deadline: March 7th, 2026

Program Dates: May 26th - August 1st
The summer stipend totals $5,000 for the 10-week period. On campus housing is provided.
(10 positions available)

Criteria for selection: academic standing, minimum GPA of 3.0 required, commitment to research, and interest in environmental health sciences careers.  Prior research experience which includes course-based laboratories is preferred.

Please contact Julien Thibault if you have any issue submitting your application.

Sponsored by: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Contact Information:
Dr. Hollie Swanson
hollie.swanson@uky.edu
or 859-323-1463

SURES Program Details

Undergraduate Research Experience in Environmental Health Sciences (SURES) Program 

A multidisciplinary research-training program for undergraduates after their sophomore year. 
This program is specifically for students who are interested in careers in environmental health sciences 
https://surfsures.blogspot.com/

By participating in this program students will::

1) Gain experience the following research areas

  • Environmental exposures
    • Water disinfection byproducts, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, aromatic pollutants, indoor pests, nanomaterials and radon
  • Environmentally induced disease outcomes
    • Cancer, neuroscience and metabolic diseases
  • Endocrine disruptors, reproduction, maternal exposures and development
  • Environmental health field research, community-engagement, environmental health communication and policy
  • Environmental chemistry/engineering and remediation
    • Atmospheric pollution, water treatment and reuse, environmental sorbants, environmental fate and transport

2) Engage in career-building activities

  • Build relationships with peer, near-peer and faculty mentors
  • Participate in group research and learning activities
  • Network with local scientists and professionals in environmental health sciences
  • Attend workshops on careers and professional development skills
  • Present original research

Application Deadline: March 7th, 2026

Program Dates: May 26th - August 1st
The summer stipend totals $5,000 for the 10-week period. On campus housing is provided.
(10 positions available)

Criteria for selection: academic standing, minimum GPA of 3.0 required, commitment to research, and interest in environmental health sciences careers.  Prior research experience which includes course-based laboratories is preferred.

Please contact Julien Thibault if you have any issue submitting your application.

Sponsored by: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Contact Information:
Dr. Hollie Swanson
hollie.swanson@uky.edu
or 859-323-1463

Please take a moment to review the information below:

These are a few links to help clarify whether or not applicants qualify for the criteria listed in Question 10 of the survey.

  • Were or currently are homeless, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Definition: https://nche.ed.gov/mckinney-vento/)
  • Were or currently are in the foster care system, as defined by the Administration for Children and Families
  • Were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years
  • Have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree
  • Were or currently are eligible for Federal Pell grants
  • Received support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as a parent or child (Definition:
  • Grew up in a U.S. rural area, as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer (https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/rural-health)
  • Grew up in a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-designated Low-Income and Health Professional Shortage Areas (https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/hpsa-find)

Questions?

Have questions? Email Dr. Hollie Swanson (hswan@uky.edu)

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