Randolph-Macon College held its 22nd annual SURF (Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship) Symposium on August 9, 2019. SURF offers students the opportunity to conduct summer research under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Support + Leadership
The Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program was founded by Benjamin Schapiro ’64 and his wife Peggy in 1995 to support scholarly undergraduate research by students in all disciplines. The Schapiros were special guests at the 2019 SURF Symposium.

Serge Schreiner, the Dudley P. and Patricia C. Jackson Professor of Chemistry, and Art History Professor Evie Terrono co-direct the SURF program.

Engaging Presentations
Dean of Academic Affairs Lauren Bell welcomed students, their families, and guests to the SURF Symposium, and President Robert R. Lindgren was in attendance throughout the day. In Copley Science Center, Brock Commons, and Birdsong Hall, students analyzed their research methodology and their final conclusions in oral and poster presentations.

Students researched a wide variety of topics across the disciplines of the humanities, social sciences and sciences. For example:

Maria Cummings ’20 (mathematics major), under the guidance of Mathematics Professor Chiru Bhattacharya, researched The Discrete Arithmetic-Geometric Mean.

Under the mentorship of Music Professor Jim Doering, BJ Camano ’21 (English, Asian studies, and music major; Japanese studies minor) researched Kokoro no Ibasho: The Role of Community Music in Tōhoku’s Post-Disaster Recovery.

Victor Kontopanos ’21 (chemistry and engineering physics major; mathematics minor) worked under the mentorship of Chemistry Professor April Mattei. Kontopanos’ project is titled Investigation into the Microwave Synthesis of Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticles as Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution.

SURF: An Enriching Experience
Students from all disciplines can apply to the SURF program. Students submit a research proposal for funding to faculty reviewers, emulating a competitive external review process. If funded, the student receives a stipend, and it is understood that the research should result in presentation of the findings at professional meetings and submission for publication where appropriate. The college also provides free housing so students can engage in a number of activities as a community. Results of the research are presented at the annual SURF Symposium and on Research Day.

“SURF is an excellent opportunity for students and professors,” says Schreiner. “Students have an enriching, hands-on learning experience as they can fine-tune their research and scholarship skills working alongside their professors. The one-on-one interaction is invaluable, and faculty and students, unencumbered by other classes, can focus completely on the research. Many students continue their research well beyond the nine weeks of SURF, a testimony to the program.”

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