All students interested are responsible for finding their own SURP supervisor before submitting an application.
We understand that the search for a supervisor can be confusing and intimidating. The information on this page is designed to help guide you in initiating a search for a SURP supervisor.
We recommend that students contact supervisors early. Supervisors often start to accept students for a summer program in December. Click the box below to see a list of IMS faculty members who are accepting SURP students for Summer 2025.
visit the lab website of a supervisor you are interested in working with and look up their recent publications to see if their research interests align with yours
Faculty Appointment Status
all supervisors must hold an active graduate faculty appointment with IMS
Associate, Assistant, and Full Professors can supervise a SURP student
Associate Member Restricted to PACs and/or Teaching cannot supervise a SURP student
Tailor your emails carefully. Things to include:
subject line should include IMS SURP and the year (ex. IMS SURP 2025)
RASI students should also include if they are a RASI student in body the subject line and body of the email
an introduction (your name, academic background, and reason for the email)
express interest in their area of research
explain why/how your background and interests align with the research being conducted by the supervisor
include any relevant skills and experience
attach a CV/resume and your transcript(s)
copy any associated lab managers, admin assistants or research coordinators to the email
keep the email brief
proof read for spelling and grammar
When to follow up
if you don't hear back within a couple of weeks, send a follow-up email
if you don't hear back after a follow-up email, or if the faculty member indicates they are unable to accept you as a student, respect their decision and move onto your next potential supervisor
Found a supervisor? Click here to complete the Application Form.
