![A female student in white lab coat fills a test tube]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739244489/vanguardedu/syw1pw4gyp7jmby6ple3/SURPVideoThumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739244489/vanguardedu/syw1pw4gyp7jmby6ple3/SURPVideoThumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1739244489/vanguardedu/syw1pw4gyp7jmby6ple3/SURPVideoThumb.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1739244489/vanguardedu/syw1pw4gyp7jmby6ple3/SURPVideoThumb.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1739244489/vanguardedu/syw1pw4gyp7jmby6ple3/SURPVideoThumb.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1739244489/vanguardedu/syw1pw4gyp7jmby6ple3/SURPVideoThumb.png","width":2200}])
Student Research @ VU
Student research is a vibrant part of the academic experience at Vanguard University. Led by dynamic faculty mentors, VU's student research programs aim to support VU faculty and students in developing their empirical research projects and presenting work in a public forum. The benefits of engaging students in undergraduate research include: increased student participation, increased retention, enhanced learning experiences, and a practical example of the integration of faith and learning.
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is Vanguard University’s formal undergraduate research program. SURP is a 9-week summer intensive research immersion experience and provides assistance to faculty and students who are engaged in research, scholarship and creative activity at Vanguard.
A catalyst for campus transformation, offering research and mentorship opportunities for faculty and experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students, SURP supports cross-disciplinary partnerships that engage students, empower collaboration, and promote the achievements of all such scholarship.
Up to 12 students will be selected to receive a SURP Fellowship.
2026 PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates: May 18 - July 16, 2026
Hours: 20-30 hours/week
Stipend: $2,000-3,000
Student Applications will be accepted February 1–28 each year.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
This program is supported in part by grants from:
Current SURP Research Projects
- 2026 Project
Dr. Michael Jimenez
- 2026 Project
Dr. Michael Hanna
- 2026 Project
Dr. Paige Kuhle
- 2026 Project
Dr. Alex Lin
- 2026 Project
Dr. Itzel Calleja-Macias
- 2026 Project
Dr. Joey Torres
![Heterotrimeric G protein Signaling Regulates Plant Cell Wall Degradation in Filamentous Fungi]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741308385/vanguardedu/fjflegnh4v3hkeluaihv/Logan_Collier_0705913.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741308385/vanguardedu/fjflegnh4v3hkeluaihv/Logan_Collier_0705913.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741308385/vanguardedu/fjflegnh4v3hkeluaihv/Logan_Collier_0705913.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741308385/vanguardedu/fjflegnh4v3hkeluaihv/Logan_Collier_0705913.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741308385/vanguardedu/fjflegnh4v3hkeluaihv/Logan_Collier_0705913.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741308385/vanguardedu/fjflegnh4v3hkeluaihv/Logan_Collier_0705913.jpg","width":1815}])
- 2026 Project
Dr. Logan Collier
- 2026 Project
Dr. Jorge Reyes-Ruiz
- 2026 Project
Dr. Isaac Voss
Undergraduate Research Symposium
The Undergraduate Research Symposium welcomes students from all disciplines to present research findings in a poster format from coursework or other faculty-supervised opportunities.
Watch our video featuring students and projects from the 2024 Symposium!
2026 SCHEDULE
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Poster Symposium
- 12–1:20 pm | Veterans Courtyard of Honor in Scott Academic Center