The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program for undergraduate research in biotechnology and bioengineering at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in Claremont, CA provides undergraduate students the opportunity for cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in the areas of applied molecular and cellular biology, bioengineering, computational biology, drug discovery and development, as well as exposure to related ethics and business topics.

Apply Now

2024 Dates (online and in-person)

  • June 17 – July 5 or July 8 – 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Method of delivery and times are subject to change.
  • Students participating in the in-person program sessions are financially responsible for their transportation, housing, and food throughout the program. However, in-person participants will receive a $500 stipend to offset some of these expenses.

2024 Tracks

Drug Discovery, June 17 – July 5 (online) and July 8 – 26 (online)

  • This track will focus on principles of drug discovery, development, and management of the pipeline (from a business perspective) will be introduced through a series of seminars and team-based research project assignments.

Biotech Industry Careers, June 17 – July 5 (online) and July 8 – 26 (in-person)

  • This track will introduce students to the wide range of careers available in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical devices, diagnostics and healthcare IT industries. That will include completing an advanced team project that integrates science, business and regulatory deliverables, and personal career mentorship by faculty and industry professionals to help identify each student’s most promising career opportunities.

Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, June 17 – July 5 (online)

  • This track will focus on precision and predictive health

Public Health and Virology, June 17 – July 5 (in-person)

  • This track will focus on an intro to viruses, pandemics/outbreaks, an overview of viruses (flu, HIV, herpes, poxvirus, coronavirus, filoviruses, e.g., Ebola and Marburg), and vaccines.

Next Generation Sequencing, July 8 – 26 (in-person)

  • This track will focus on the principles of Next Generation Sequencing and its applications in the diagnosis and management of patients with cancer, rare inherited diseases, and infections.

Population Health, July 8 – 26 (in-person)

  • This track will focus on analytics and statistical programs

Individual Projects, June 17 – July 26 (in-person)
Placement into individual research tracks is based on faculty availability. 

Areas of Research

  • Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Development
  • Bioprocessing
  • Medical Diagnostics and Devices
  • Systems Biology and Computational Biology
  • Management Research

Want to find a faculty expert? View our expert directory.   

Application Procedures and Requirements

  • Apply Now

    To return to a previously started application, click here.

    Application Deadline

    • April 15

    Application Requirements 

    An online application form is required that contains questions about your personal and educational background. Additional requirements (below) can be submitted along with your online application or separately:

    • Personal Statement
      • Please provide a brief statement of why you are interested in conducting summer research at KGI. Please also describe what you would like to do once you complete your undergraduate degree. And please briefly describe which SURE tracks you are most interested in and why.
      • Placement into your top selected track is not guaranteed. We will take your preferences into consideration as we work with faculty to ensure they are available to mentor your research.
    • Resume
    • Letter of Recommendation (optional)
      • Contact information for one recommender is optional during the application process. This person should be able to evaluate your qualification and potential for success in our program (such as an instructor, advisor, mentor, etc). More than one recommender can be submitted but is not required. 
      • Recommenders will be contacted via email to submit their recommendation online. If they prefer otherwise they can email or mail a copy to the Admissions Office along with this recommendation form
    • Transcripts
      • Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for evaluation purposes. Official transcripts are not required for admission but may be substituted for unofficial transcripts for admission review.

    Application Review

    The Admissions Committee is made up of faculty and staff who will thoroughly and conscientiously review each application.

  • The SURE program is appropriate for motivated undergraduate students majoring in biology, chemistry, engineering, or related disciplines. One of the program goals is to promote the success of women and underrepresented minorities in science and engineering

  • There is a $20 application fee.

    If you are in need of an application fee waiver, please contact admissions@kgi.edu.

    Students participating in the in-person program sessions are financially responsible for their transportation, housing, and food throughout the program. However, in-person participants will receive a $500 stipend to offset some of these expenses.