The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), one of the largest research agencies dedicated to improving human health, has a funded opportunity for underrepresented students at UW to conduct environmental health science-related research alongside faculty in the School of Public Health. 

SURE-EH provides a meaningful opportunity to work with experienced faculty on a research project addressing the relationship between environmental exposures and human health. Work alongside faculty as a paid student researcher for up to 2 years, full-time during summer and part-time during the academic year.

Examples of possible projects include:

   - Developing resources for local communities at high risk of air pollution exposure

   - Developing new methods to detect polio-virus, which is reemerging in Africa

   - Analyzing genetic and environmental factors that may influence health outcomes

SURE-EH will provide academic opportunities to complement the research experience, including course recommendations, seminars, workshops, and research symposia. These educational opportunities will enhance your breadth and depth of the SURE-EH's environmental health science training, and help you become a leader in the field of environmental health sciences.

This program provides up to two years of hourly employment to UW students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to conduct research in areas relevant to the environmental health sciences and the mission of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.  Students will work up to 40 hours per week over the summer, and up to 15 hours per week during the academic year.

SURE-EH trainees are selected on a competitive basis.

Students may apply any time during the second half of their sophomore year through the beginning of their senior year. (It is possible that some research projects will give priority to students who will remain at UW for two more years.)

This program in open to students in all majors. Students who are a good fit for available projects will be the most competitive.

All SURE-EH students must come from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. To be eligible for competitive consideration, an applicant must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. 

2. Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Washington, or be a transfer applicant. Transfer students can apply to SURE-EH while their general application to UW is under review.

3. Has at least 1 full year of undergraduate studies left before graduation (i.e. will NOT graduate before Spring 2024)

4. Meet at least one of the following requirements:

   • Be a low-income student (come from a family with an annual income below established low income thresholds). Students are required to provide documentation of taxable income.

   • Be a first-generation college student (neither parent or legal guardian has a Bachelor's degree).

   • Be a member of a group that is underrepresented in graduate education (African American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Hispanic/Latino or Native Hawaiian, Native Pacific Islander). 

• sophomore
• junior
• senior

• US Citizen
• Permanent Resident

Information about current positions and links to the application can be found HERE.

Questions? Please contact: sure@uw.edu