Sociology Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
The Sociology Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) offers motivated sociology majors who are interested in developing research skills the opportunity to engage in faculty-mentored research in a collaborative setting. The group will meet weekly and support students' academic development through hands-on research, professionalization, and departmental engagement.
The application window has closed for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will be available later in Spring 2026.
Objectives
- To foster undergraduate engagement in sociological research.
- To provide mentorship and collaborative opportunities with faculty and peers.
- To cultivate skills in research design, data collection, analysis, and academic writing.
- To prepare students for graduate study and careers in sociology and related fields.
- To integrate students into the intellectual life of the sociology department at Baylor.
Structure
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Laura Upenieks, Undergraduate Program Director
- Financial Award: $1,000 per student per academic year ($500 payments in December and May)
- Meetings: Weekly during the semester (60 minutes): time/day TBD
- Additional Expectations: Attend department-sponsored research workshops and events (including Friday IDHR workshops and other sponsored talks)
Activities
- Ongoing collaborative research project(s) guided by Dr. Upenieks (topics to vary)
- Emphasis on sociology of religion and sociology of health topics
- Reading and discussion of scholarly literature
- Training in quantitative methods
- Peer/professor feedback on writing and analysis
- Mentorship and guidance through the peer-reviewed publication process
- Presentation opportunities
Eligibility
- Declared sociology majors only
- Demonstrated interest in and proclivity for sociological research
- Recommendation by faculty member who can speak to research acumen
- Preference given to Juniors and Seniors, though Sophomores who have completed SOC 3402 or SOC 4381 will also be considered
Requirements
- Satisfactory contributions to group project
- Regular participation in group meetings
Benefits
- First-hand exposure to research process
- Build data analysis skills
- High-level academic preparation
- Academic writing experience
- Gain familiarity with academic publishing process
- Insight to graduate school experience