Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) student Peter Musenge, a junior from Zambia majoring in biology and engineering mathematics, was chosen to participate in the Stanford Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Stanford University. Musenge is one of the thirty students selected globally.

SURF is an eight-week summer residential program that brings undergraduate students from across the country to Stanford Engineering for immersive research. The program is fully funded and prepares students for graduate school experience.

“Stanford is a great place to engage in research and innovation,” said Peter Musenge. “I received numerous offers for internships from top-tier institutions. However, I chose Stanford because it integrated biological, engineering, and computational sciences.”

SURF students will have the opportunity to participate in a robust graduate school preparation program, including GRE preparation, excursions around the Bay Area, community-building activities, a research poster symposium, and a vital mentorship component.

“Through this internship, I will learn advanced coding. Biopolymer engineering and physiochemical characterization I will learn as well,” Musenge says. “Though it was a lengthy application process, I am glad I pushed through.”

SURF gives scholars a real-life perspective on what it means to conduct research at the graduate level. In addition, the program provides students with housing, a meal plan, a travel stipend, and a stipend upon completion of the program.

I am thankful to my professors who provided letters of recommendation and support,” Musenge says. “I am also thankful to NSYP and Saint Augustine’s University for providing a platform for me to find internship opportunities like at Stanford’s School of Engineering.”

To learn more about Stanford University’s SURF program, click here.