Misericordia University Awarded $100,000 in Grant Funding to Support SURF Program Expansion

Misericordia University Awarded $100,000 in Grant Funding to Support SURF Program Expansion

DALLAS, PA - Misericordia University is thrilled to announce the award of $100,000 in grant funding from the Willary Foundation and the PNC Foundation. These generous contributions— $20,000 from the Willary Foundation and $80,000 over four years from the PNC Foundation— will support the expansion of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. This program offers paid research opportunities for students across all disciplines.

Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the SURF program pairs students with faculty mentors for rigorous, thesis-driven research projects. These experiences are integral to students' academic and professional development, offering opportunities typically reserved for advanced undergraduates and early-career graduate students. This year’s research topics included groundbreaking studies on microplastics in food chains, innovative diagnostic criteria for speech disorders, and critical analyses of business regulations and educational models.

Jennifer M. Black, PhD, Associate Professor and Program Director of History at Misericordia University, emphasized the profound impact of the grants. “The SURF program is one of the most transformative elements of our students’ academic careers. It offers not only intellectual engagement but also professional development, significantly improving their prospects for graduate school and career placement. This crucial funding allows us to expand access to more students, particularly those who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. Beyond the research itself, the program builds essential skills such as critical thinking, project management, and collaboration with faculty—skills that serve students long after their specific projects are completed.”

A standout feature of the SURF program is its ability to offer paid research experience. “In an era of rising costs for higher education, many students rely on summer jobs to support themselves,” Dr. Black added. “By paying students for their research work, we ensure that the opportunity to engage in high-level academic study is accessible to all, regardless of financial situation.” This year’s SURF projects will make significant contributions in fields such as biology, chemistry, education, business, and speech-language pathology. Biology and chemistry students are investigating the infiltration of microplastics into food supply chains and the effects of plastic exposure on nerve cells. In education, students are examining the effectiveness of traditional testing methods, while business majors are evaluating regulatory impacts across various industries. Speech-language pathology students are breaking new ground by developing diagnostic criteria for speech disorders triggered by severe illness. The SURF program’s expansion will allow even more students to participate in these life changing research opportunities, helping Misericordia University fulfill its mission of providing a welcoming and inclusive educational environment.