Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
The Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) is one of the longest-running programs of its kind. Started in 1982, SPUR has provided significant, hands-on research experience to over 1,000 participants, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to science and healthcare. Many former participants are currently or were previously enrolled in a graduate/professional education program at MCW.
The SPUR application is generally available online from October 1st through February 1st. Applicants are selected to participate by the mentor of the lab they are placed in. Typically, participants must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or master-level graduate program and must be at least 18 years of age. Additionally, we prefer participants who have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, are a rising junior or senior, enrolled in a STEM-related major, and have interest in pursuing a health-related graduate/professional degree program. We invite international students who are currently studying in the United States on a F1 visa to apply, as they are eligible for selection/participation.
Those selected to participate will be expected to a) contribute for the full duration of the program and b) provide a full-time (40 hours/week) effort. Our participants receive a stipend of $3,500 and are provided with fully-furnished housing accommodations (including parking) on an as-needed basis. SPUR does not cover or provide compensation for any travel needed to get to and from Milwaukee, and participants are expected to cover food and any other miscellaneous costs associated with living/working in Milwaukee during the summer months.
Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE)
The Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) is similar to SPUR in that it provides an opportunity to get hands-on research experience under the guidance of an experienced faculty mentor. However, PURE is only offered during the academic year months (mid-August – early May), is unpaid, and only requires a part-time effort (8-20 hours/week).
We accept applications to PURE year-round. Those selected to participate can only do so within the dates of their home institution’s academic term dates. Further, participation in PURE is limited to the equivalent of one full academic year, though it does not have to be in consecutive terms. Although compensation is not provided, participants are often able to apply their experience in PURE to obtain some form of educational credit from their home institution.
