Duke Summer Research Opportunity Program

The Duke University Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) is a 9-week training program designed to give motivated undergraduate students hands-on experience in graduate-level biomedical research. We welcome applicants from around the United States and Puerto Rico who are seriously considering joining a Ph.D. graduate program after completing their undergraduate degree. Students who have already graduated with a Bachelor's degree are not eligible; Students must have at least 1 semester left to complete before graduating. 

The Duke SROP emphasizes direct laboratory experience. Students spend a majority of their time learning research techniques in the laboratory, acquiring data, troubleshooting methods, attending lab meetings, presenting data, interacting with members of other labs, -- in  other words, conducting themselves just as if they were in graduate school! Each student is mentored by a faculty mentor, solving real research problems in an active biomedical research laboratory. (See our PBS NewsHour profile)

In addition to laboratory research, the program features:

• Weekly research seminars and roundtable discussions
• Academic and career-planning workshops
• Research ethics topics and motivating success in graduate school
• Advice preparing applications and interview techniques for graduate school
• Weekly social activities, including dinner outings, movies, and games
• Closing symposia where the students present their research in oral presentations and an interdisciplinary campus poster session

Students receive shared on-campus apartment accommodation, travel assistance, and a competitive stipend.