![SURP Promo Video]([{"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 open March 2026
Application Deadline: March 30, 2026
This program is supported in part by grants from:
Current SURP Research Projects
![Exercise as a Protectant Factor in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1617131612/vanguardedu/qvnbskfrtb3fy8lf7kq1/mh.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1617131612/vanguardedu/qvnbskfrtb3fy8lf7kq1/mh.jpg","width":500}])
- 2025 Project
Dr. Michael Hanna
- 2025 Project
Dr. Hien Park
![G Protein Involvement with Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes in the Filamentous Fungus, Neurospora Crassa]([{"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}])
- 2025 Project
Dr. Logan Collier
- 2025 Project
Dr. Jorge Reyes-Ruiz
- 2025 Project
Dr. Itzel Calleja-Macias
- 2025 Project
Dr. Paige Kuhle
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!
![2024 UG Research Symposium]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739244517/vanguardedu/pquwhopotg1gsylxdhbz/UGRS_2024.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739244517/vanguardedu/pquwhopotg1gsylxdhbz/UGRS_2024.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1739244517/vanguardedu/pquwhopotg1gsylxdhbz/UGRS_2024.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1739244517/vanguardedu/pquwhopotg1gsylxdhbz/UGRS_2024.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1739244517/vanguardedu/pquwhopotg1gsylxdhbz/UGRS_2024.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1739244517/vanguardedu/pquwhopotg1gsylxdhbz/UGRS_2024.jpg","width":2200}])
2026 SCHEDULE
Thursday, April 16, 2026
- 11:00-11:50 am
Colloquium #1 - 12:00-1:20 pm
Poster Symposium, Scott Veterans Courtyard - 1:30-2:20 pm
Colloquium #2
Faculty Leadership
Hien Park, PhD
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Research
Associate Professor of Sociology