Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program

SURF is grateful to Johnson & Johnson Vison Care, UNF College of Arts & Sciences, and UNF Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for their support of the SURF 2022 and 2023 cohorts. This program would not be possible without donor generosity.

Sponsors of SURF enable transformational summer research experiences for the next generation of scientists, teachers, physicians, pharmacists, and more. Donor contributions enable student stipends and professional development programming, which prepare UNF students to become the next generation of leaders in their chosen career fields.

We are continuing to increase the number of students that SURF can support, and we need your help. To join our donor list, please email Chemistry@unf.edu or donate here.

SURF 2022 student Elise Ballash discusses her research experiences with local media. 

Applications are closed for Summer 2025.

Check back in early Spring 2026 for information about joining the UNF Chemistry and Biochemistry SURF 2026 cohort!

Am I eligible for SURF?

Students interested in chemistry and biochemistry research and currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline at UNF are eligible to apply. Students at all levels (freshman-senior) are welcome. Students graduating in Spring remain eligible to participate in SURF immediately after graduation (e.g. Spring 2026 graduates are eligible for Summer 2026 program).

Do I need to already be conducting research to join SURF?

No! You may apply before you begin conducting research at UNF. However, you must identify a consenting research mentor in the UNF Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and work with them to complete the research statement for your SURF application (see next FAQ).

How do I find a research mentor for SURF?

Explore the UNF Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty research page to find research areas and potential mentors. Contact mentors directly about research opportunities for SURF students in their group. It is best to contact prospective mentors early, since some research groups fill up quickly.

What are the requirements of SURF?

SURF participants are required to devote 20 compensated hours each week to research throughout the ten-week program. Working hours are determined by the participant in collaboration with their research mentor. Working hours can usually be coordinated around limited summer coursework, but typically not around a full-time job.

Research expectations vary by project and mentor. Typical expectations include safety training, hands-on laboratory work, record keeping (lab notebook), literature and database searches, data analyses, scientific writing, and more.

SURF participants are required to participate in a workshop series, which meets most Fridays at 12 - 1 pm throughout the program. Workshops are aimed to maximize the benefits of the SURF experience, and focus on essential research skills, networking, career exploration, and more.

As a capstone experience, SURF participants develop a poster of their research project and present their poster near the end of the program.

Additional details of the SURF requirements can be found in the SURF Participation Agreement.

When is the SURF program?

The program runs for ten weeks each summer. The Summer 2026 dates will be determined in early 2026.

How and when do I apply?

Check out the Apply tab for SURF. Applications are typically due mid-Spring semester each year.

Who should I contact to learn more about SURF?

Reach out to Chemistry@unf.edu, or visit Dr. Ciesielski’s scheduled office hours (hours posted on his door at 50/3114).

SURF 2025 Participants

	Cody Bishir is a rising senior biomedical sciences major planning to pursue a PhD program in organic chemistry after his time at UNF. As a SURF fellow, Cody currently works with the Mei group focusing on organic photoredox catalysis and asymmetric catalysis generating biologically significant indole based scaffolds.
	Abigail Crossman is a rising senior majoring in biochemistry and minoring in mathematics and leadership. She will pursue a PhD in chemistry after undergrad. Abigail is currently working in Dr. Jones lab doing analytical chemistry method development for the determination of trace metals in solutions.
	Micah DeCourcey is a rising senior who will be graduating in Fall 2025. He is a Biochemistry major with plans on going to graduate school for organic/analytical chemistry. Micah is working in Dr. Willis Jones’s lab where he is improving analytical methods for trace metal determination on instruments such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and LIBS.
	Taylor Dessoffy is a chemistry major with plans to get a PhD in materials science. Her ultimate goal is to become a professor and research materials for energy storage devices. As a SURF fellow, she is working in Dr. William’s lab to create metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticle composite catalysts for renewable energy applications.
	Jessica Galub is a junior majoring in biomedical sciences planning to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research. As a SURF fellow, she is working in Dr. Hannah Malcolm’s lab to investigate how the E. coli mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (MscS) senses and responds to tension. Point mutations of F127 and K60, which have potential lipid interactions, are used to understand MscS gating in response to tension.
	Lauren Gledhill is a rising senior majoring in molecular and cellular biology and minoring in chemistry, environmental studies, and leadership. She plans to pursue a PhD after graduation and a career in biomedical research. She is currently working in Dr. Szymon Ciesielski’s lab researching molecular chaperone proteins and their role in the disaggregation of amyloid fibrils associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
	Robbie Huff is a recent chemistry graduate from UNF. He is going to begin pursuing his Ph.D. in chemistry in the fall. As a research fellow, Robbie is continuing his research under Dr. Willis Jones, working on calibration method development on a prototype liquid laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy instrument.
	Derika Kwansah is a rising junior Biomedical Sciences major with ambitions of pursuing a PhD specializing in pharmaceutical research. Her research in Dr. Ciesielski’s lab explores the interactions between molecular chaperones and their role in potentially reversing protein misfolding related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. In the future, she hopes to make significant advancements in pharmaceutical research.
	Trang Le is a rising junior majoring in Biochemistry at the University of North Florida (UNF). She plans to attend medical school in the future. As a SURF fellow, she is working in Dr. Szymon Ciesielski’s lab to study the interaction between Hsp70 and Hsp40, two proteins involved in molecular chaperone activity.
	Jamie Ly is a biochemistry major in his junior year. Working under Dr. Eirin Sullivan, he is investigating a novel therapeutic treatment for Leishmaniasis. His research focuses on the response of the protozoan Leishmania tarentolae to the solid-state synthesis of (M = Al, Ga) where x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25. Jamie aspires to further his education and pursue a Ph.D in biochemistry, with the goal of using his experience from SURF to develop novel approaches to treating disease.
	Linh McClure is a rising senior biochemistry major who plans to pursue graduate school and a career as a medical researcher. As a SURF fellow, she is working in Dr. Knuckley’s biochemistry lab to attach a warhead probe onto a PRMT1 protein identifying its location in cells.
	Samuel Milton is an incoming junior majoring in Biomedical Sciences, with plans to attend dental school and pursue a career in dentistry. As a SURF fellow, he is working in the Mei lab to develop novel organic synthetic methodologies, particularly in photocatalysis and asymmetric catalysis. They target indole compounds as the product due to their widespread existence in natural products and pharmaceutical compounds.
	Jeffrey Wilke is pursuing a career in environmental chemistry with a focus on emergency chemical clean-up at the University of North Florida. As a senior chemistry student and working under Dr. Benjamin Williams, Jeffrey is studying the catalytic decomposition of tetrafluoromethane, a hazardous byproduct formed in manufacturing. He is gaining experience needed to understand future problems involving environmental contaminants through the SURF program.

SURF 2024 Participants

	Cody Bishir is a junior biomedical sciences major with plans to pursue a career in pharmacy and chemical research. As a SURF fellow, Cody works in Dr. Liangyong Mei’s lab focusing on red-light and near-IR photocatalysis and asymmetric catalysis of indole compounds and their possible advantageous biological applications.
	Baher Boktor is a rising senior majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in chemistry, who plans to pursue graduate programs upon graduation. As a SURF Participant, he is working in Dr. Szymon Ciesielski’s Research group focusing on the role Molecular Chaperones in Carcinogenesis.
	Soleil Cabana is a rising senior biomedical science major, who plans to pursue medical school and a career as a doctor. As a SURF fellow, she is working in Dr. Liangyong Mei’s lab to synthesize substrates that will be used to research red-light activated photocatalysts.
	Abigail Crossman is a rising sophomore biochemistry major, who plans to attend graduate school in the chemistry or biochemistry field. Abigail is currently working in Dr. Willis Jones lab doing analytical chemistry method development for the determination of trace metals in solutions.
	Reagan Elia is a rising sophomore chemistry major with a minor in physics, who plans to pursue a PhD in physical chemistry. As a SURF fellow, she is working in Dr. Benjamin William’s lab to use metal organic frameworks for carbon capture and storage from landfill gas.
	Gerald Favorite is a rising junior with a major in materials chemistry, who plans to go full time in his job as a laboratory technician with JEA upon graduation. As a SURF fellow, he is working in Dr. Michael Lufaso’s lab to synthesize and analyze the compound Bi 3-xLa xFe 0.5Nb 1.5O9 with possible applications in multifunctional electronic devices.
	Brian Grause is a junior at the University of North Florida pursuing a double major in Biochemistry and Biology, with a concentration in Evolution and Ecology. As a SURF fellow, Brian is working in Dr. Amy Lane’s natural products lab focusing on isomerization reactions of natural products from marine bacteria. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. and wants to work in astrobiology and origins of life research.
	Zach Jones is a rising junior biomedical sciences major, who intends to apply to medical school and pursue a career as a physician. As a SURF fellow, he is working on a collaborative project between Dr. Marie Mooney’s and Dr. Szymon Ciesielski’s lab to understand the role of molecular chaperones in rare human glycosylation disorders.
	Skyeler Klinge, a recent biology graduate, is determined to gain additional research experience before applying to PhD programs in the upcoming cycle. As a SURF fellow, she is working with Dr. Amy Lane to publish the novel findings on enzyme-catalyzed molecular synthesis made in the Lane lab. Skyeler aspires to join a PhD program to contribute to the global fight against cancer.
	Erina Kotreli is a junior biomedical sciences major on a pre-med track at UNF. She wants to pursue medical school and a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon. As a SURF fellow she is working in Dr. Szymon Ciesielski’s lab to further explore specific proteins and their correlation with Alzheimer’s disease.
	Jamie Ly is a biochemistry major in his junior year. Working under Dr. Eirin Sullivan, he is investigating a novel therapeutic treatment for Leishmaniasis. His research focuses on the response of the protozoan Leishmania tarentolae to the solid-state synthesis of (M = Al, Ga) where x = 0.05 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25. Jamie aspires to further his education and pursue a Ph.D in biochemistry, with the goal of using his experience from SURF to develop novel approaches to treating disease.
	Tania McCormack, a chemistry major with ambitions of attending medical school in pursuit of becoming a physician, is currently a SURF fellow in Dr. Szymon Ciesielski's lab. Her research aims to unveil the importance of co-chaperone Tid1 protein for mitochondrial DNA integrity, which defects are associated with human neurodegenerative disorders and various types of cancer.
	Chloe Perednia is a senior chemistry major who plans to pursue graduate studies in physical chemistry. As a SURF fellow, they are working in Dr. Brynna Jones’ lab to analyze the kinetics of polymer leaching in various forms of dissolved organic matter and to create a standard set of spectra for poly(vinyl chloride) and dissolved organic matter (solid-liquid) samples.
	Noah Smith is a rising senior chemistry major, concentrating in biochemistry. As a SURF fellow, he is working on materials science in Dr. Benjamin Williams’ lab to synthesize noble metal nanocubes. His overall objective is to enhance the stability of nanoparticle catalysts with organic metal frameworks (MOFs) to promote more environmentally sustainable and renewable catalysts.
	Ruby Soto is a junior chemistry major with ambitions to pursue a PhD in Physical Chemistry. As a SURF researcher in Dr. Brynna Jones’ lab, she is working to further explore the degradation of microplastics in DOM solutions.
	Cameron Young is a post-bac research assistant for Dr. Szymon Ciesielski’s lab working to unravel the molecular details of chaperone mediated Amyloid fibril disaggregation in Alzheimer’s Disease. In the fall he intends to apply to graduate school to acquire an M.S. in anesthesia and looks forward to a career in healthcare.

SURF 2023 Participants

	Baher Boktor is a rising sophomore neuroscience major with a chemistry minor, who plans to pursue a career in the field of science. As a SURF participant, he is working in Dr. Ciesielski’s Lab that is focusing on proteins and molecular chaperones.
	Amanda Jessel is a senior chemistry major, who plans to pursue graduate studies in inorganic chemistry. As a SURF fellow, she is working in Dr. Lufaso’s lab to synthesize and characterize properties of a new Aurivillius-type compound Bi 3-xLa xFe 0.5Nb 1.5O 9.
	Hana Kabil is a senior biology major with a concentration in biomedical science. She aims to apply to medical school in the future and pursue a career as a physician scientist. As a SURF fellow, she is working in Dr. Lane’s lab to isolate and elucidate the structure of novel compounds from the marine bacteria Nocardiopsis for use as potential antibiotics.
	Skyeler Klinge is a senior biology major with a concentration in molecular and cell biology and biotechnology. As a SURF researcher in Dr. Lane’s lab, she explores the therapeutic possibilities of natural products produced by marine organisms. Skyeler plans to pursue a Ph.D. and build a successful career as a biomedical researcher, driven by her passion for advancing scientific knowledge and making a positive impact in the field.
	Tania McCormack, a chemistry major with ambitions of attending medical school in pursuit of becoming a physician, is currently a SURF fellow in Dr. Ciesielski's lab. Her research aims to unveil the importance of co-chaperone Tid1 protein for mitochondrial DNA integrity, which defects are associated with human neurodegenerative disorders and various types of cancer.
	Cassidy Nguyen is a recent graduate with a major in chemistry and a pre-medical concentration. She plans to pursue a PhD in chemistry and is currently working on two projects in Dr. Eirin Sullivan’s lab. These two research projects look at the solid-state synthesis of Sr 3B xM 1-xO 4F (M = Al, Ga) with x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and the solid-state synthesis of Na 2CaGeO 4F doped with Mn (IV), Zn (II) and compare with old magnesium germanate fluoride phosphors.
	Gustavo Perez is a graduating senior majoring in molecular cell biology with a minor in chemistry, who plans on pursuing an MD-PhD program in the future. As a SURF fellow, he is working in Dr. Knuckley’s lab to further explore the chloroacetamide warhead to develop a more potent and selective PRMT inhibitor.
	Jordan Tucker is a chemistry major who plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry following her graduation in Fall 2023. She hopes to one day have a career in research at the National Institutes of Health. Jordan is currently working in Dr. Knuckley’s lab to develop peptoid inhibitors of PRMT1 as potential cancer therapeutics.
	Cameron Young aspires to take his passions for chemistry onward into graduate school for biochemistry. In his research with the Ciesielski lab, Cameron discovered his passion for the proteostasis network and protein structure-function research in general and hopes to find a PI to continue to learn and gain expertise in this field.

SURF 2022 Alumni

• Elise Ballash, Exploring bacterial genomes for discovery of novel diketopiperazines (Lane group)
• Zachary Burkhead, Discovery of the inducamide natural product gene cluster (Lane group)
• Isabella Cioffi, Studying mechanosensitive ion channels in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus (Malcolm group)
• Brooklynn Dailey, Gene cloning of mechanosensitive ion channels in Paraburkholderia graminis with electrocompetent cells (Malcolm group)
• Brandon Guerin, Cancer mutations in essential human co-chaperone DNAJB1 protein (Ciesielski group)
• Amanda Jessel, Crystal structure, dielectric and optical properties of Aurivillius-type Bi _3-xLa _xFe ₅Nb _1.5O (Lufaso group)
• Seth Shearer, Does cancer hijack molecular chaperone proteins to its favor? (Ciesielski group)
• Caroline Teeter, DNA binding ability of mitochondrial co-chaperone Tid1 (Ciesielski group)
• Natacha Tirado, Role of intramolecular interaction in JDP protein partner of molecular chaperone Hsp70 (Ciesielski group)
• Jordan Tucker (Knuckley group)

SURF 2022 participants, their research mentors, SURF sponsors, and other community
partners were celebrated by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Past Events & News:

Celebrate the SURF 2023 cohort on Friday, August 4 @ 12 - 1 pm at location TBD. They will give brief presentations of their research projects over lunch. All are welcome!

SURF 2023 students will present posters at the campus-wide UNF Achievements in Research, Inquiry, and Scholarship Exhibition (ARISE) on Friday, July 28 from 10 am - 2 pm.

September 2022: SURF 2022 students presented posters and participated in the ribbon-cutting to unveil the new NMR spectrometer and renovated wing of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Several local news outlets covered the event:

• Jacksonville Daily Record, "UNF, Johnson & Johnson Vision partner for research"
• Jacksonville Business Journal, "UNF unveils new chemistry wing"
• News4Jax, "UNF announces new chemistry wing to improve teaching and research"

UNF College of Arts & Sciences Dean Dr. Kaveri Subrahmanyam cuts the ribbon with (from left)
Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Chair Dr. Bryan Knuckley,
SURF student Zachary Burkhead, and Chemistry alumnus and donor Chuck Ged.

May 2022: Ten students were welcomed into the Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Student Internship in UNF’s Chemistry and Biochemistry SURF.

Brooklynn Dailey pursues her SURF project under Dr. Malcolm’s guidance.

Email Chemistry@unf.edu or drop by Dr. Ciesielski’s office hours (50/3114) to learn more about SURF.