The Next Wave: SURF Program Prepares Undergraduate Students for Biomedical Research Careers

By: Debby Teich | August 12, 2026 | 8 min. read |

At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) gives students hands-on research training, mentorship and a path toward careers in science and medicine.

For 30 undergraduate students, the summer was more than an introduction to biomedical research. It was a chance to help advance it.

Through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, students spent 10 weeks immersed in research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, working alongside leading investigators and contributing to discoveries that could advance human health.

Since launching in 2017 with just three students, SURF has grown into a highly competitive program, attracting approximately 300 applicants from institutions across the country this year.

“SURF is designed to cultivate the next generation of biomedical leaders by providing students with the research training, mentorship and hands-on experiences needed to pursue careers in science and medicine,” said Claude-Henry Volmar, Ph.D., SURF program director, director of the research laboratory at the Center for Therapeutic Innovation and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Miller School.

From Laboratory to Leadership

The 2026 SURF cohort included two tracks. Twenty students participated in the National Cancer Institute-funded Comprehensive Research Experiences to Advance Training and Education (CREATE) program, focused on oncology research, and 10 in the Dean’s Scholars program, supported by the Office of Graduate Studies, for non-oncology biomedical research.

“Over the course of the summer, SURF students grow as researchers while gaining confidence, professionalism and a clearer sense of purpose,” said Shandelle Castillo, SURF’s program manager.

Working with faculty mentors across 11 specialties, including cancer biology, genetics, neuroscience, bioinformatics and biomedical engineering, students became part of active research teams while building technical and analytical skills.

Landscape infographic titled “SURF: Building the Next Generation of Biomedical Scientists.” The infographic uses a white background with University of Miami-inspired orange and green accents and is divided into four horizontal sections connected by thin lines. The first panel, “Program Growth,” features an upward orange arrow chart showing growth from 3 students in 2017 to approximately 300 applicants in 2026, alongside research-themed icons. The second panel, “Immersive Summer Experience,” highlights a 10-week research experience with illustrations representing laboratory research, faculty mentorship, scientific workshops and poster presentations, plus a note that students receive hands-on training across 11 biomedical specialties. The third panel, “Research Areas,” displays a circular hub labeled “11 Research Fields,” surrounded by icons representing cancer biology, genetics, neuroscience, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering and additional scientific disciplines. The fourth panel, “Lasting Impact,” emphasizes that more than 180 students have been trained and that 91% continue to graduate school, medical training or science careers, illustrated with education and workforce pathway icons. A green banner across the bottom states that SURF helps undergraduate students gain research experience, scientific skills and mentorship that prepare them for careers in science and medicine.

Beyond the laboratory, students participated in workshops on scientific writing, research ethics, data science, bioinformatics and entrepreneurship while receiving guidance on graduate and professional education. The program concluded with poster and oral presentations, where students shared their research with faculty, peers and evaluators.

“Students leave SURF with a deeper understanding of how research moves from fundamental questions to discoveries that can ultimately improve human health,” said Dr. Volmar, co-principal investigator for CREATE. “They develop the confidence to ask important questions, analyze data and think like scientists, while gaining a broader understanding of biomedical research that helps guide their educational and career paths.”

Mentorship Builds Confidence and Scientific Identity

At the heart of SURF is mentorship, with faculty members providing far more than technical training. They encourage students to think critically, build confidence and see themselves as future scientists and physicians.

Ashish Shah, M.D., mentored Kajol Kalliecharan, a rising sophomore at the University of Miami studying new approaches to treating pediatric brain tumors. Through the project, the student gained hands-on experience evaluating potential therapies that could improve immunotherapy.

“Giving students early access to research is critical to shaping their futures,” said Dr. Shah, assistant professor of neurological surgery at the Miller School. “They’re learning science, building lasting mentoring relationships and discovering how they can make a difference in people’s lives. It changes the way they think about their careers.”

Student Research With Real-World Impact

For Iruoma Francis-Njoku, a rising junior at Augusta University, SURF showed her how research can address real-world health challenges. Working with epidemiologist Erin Kobetz, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate director for community outreach, professor and John K. and Judy H. Schulte Senior Endowed Chair in Cancer Research at Sylvester, Francis-Njoku analyzed barriers to tobacco cessation across Florida, using literature reviews and geographic data to identify communities with the greatest challenges accessing care.

The experience strengthened her commitment to improving health care access. After graduation, Francis-Njoku plans to attend medical school while continuing to grow her nonprofit, Love for Sickle Cell Kids, focused on ensuring every patient receives compassionate care.

A 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) participant stands beside a scientific research poster titled “A Glial Chloride Channel Regulates Systematic Lipid Storage in C. elegans” during a poster presentation session at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The participant poses in front of the display board while the research poster, presentation easel and a digital session screen are visible in the background. — SURF exposes undergraduate students like Iruoma Francis-Njoku (right) interested in biomedical careers the chance to engage in research and present their work.

“This program has given me so much more than research experience,” she said. “It has strengthened my ability to think critically, analyze data and communicate scientific findings, while connecting me with mentors, researchers, physicians and fellow students who have expanded my perspective and will continue to influence my journey long after the summer ends.”

For Fabricio Perez, a rising senior at Florida Atlantic University, SURF demonstrated how basic science can ultimately improve patient care. Working with Flavia Fontanesi, Ph.D., assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Miller School, he studied how fundamental cellular processes influence human health.

Perez says he valued the opportunity to contribute to discoveries that could improve patients’ lives, reinforcing his commitment to science and medicine.

“While this experience provided me with valuable insight into the research process and the challenges of scientific discovery, it also showed me how important research is in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care,” Perez said.

Building Tomorrow’s Biomedical Workforce

SURF’s impact extends far beyond the summer. Since its launch, the program has trained more than 180 undergraduate students, with 91% continuing to graduate school, medical training or careers in science. Many alumni return as mentors and judges, helping inspire future SURF scholars.

“SURF is an investment in the future of biomedical research,” said Dr. Volmar. “By giving students early exposure to rigorous science and exceptional mentorship, we are helping develop the scientists who will make tomorrow’s discoveries.”