The Applied Physics Laboratory welcomes graduate and undergraduate student researchers, supporting them through individual grants and contracts of APL-UW scientists and engineers.

Graduate students are matched with skilled researchers for leadership roles in field and lab programs.

Undergraduates are integrated directly into their APL-UW advisor’s research projects, serve as co-authors of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, and present research results at national and international scientific conferences.

To work with an APL-UW scientist or engineer, you must:

APL-UW Summer Undergraduate Research Program – SURP

There are two (2) separate, yet related, opportunities for undergraduate students in summer 2026. SURP – COSZO will provide students with the opportunity to experience and conduct project-based research on the COSZO (Cascadia Offshore Subduction Zone Observatory), participate in professional development, build community with young scientists, and learn how to navigate the pathways to a career in oceanography. SURP – STEAM-E will provide students with the opportunity to create an art piece focused on and inspired by the scientific research at COSZO. STEAM-E interns will participate in professional development, and build community with other young scientists and artists.

The internships are hosted by APL-UW from 22 June to 21 August 2026. Interns receive a stipend of $7000, housing, and limited travel expenses.

Applications due 15 March 2026.

Jim Thomson leads a lesson on measuring ocean surface waves and turbulence under hurricanes and in Arctic sea ice with inexpensive buoys engineered in his lab. Join Jim to learn why and how he studies ocean waves. He describes the capabilities of microSWIFT buoys that provide real-time data on waves conditions, sea surface temperature, and GPS location.

The lesson includes insights from the One Ocean crew, who are deploying microSWIFT buoys along their expedition to circumnavigate North and South America.

Science & Engineering Enrichment & Development

The Laboratory's postdoctoral fellowship program provides scholars an opportunity to explore their individual research interests within the Lab's areas of expertise in a soft-money research environment. The program is designed to recruit scholars for interdisciplinary research experiences involving more than one APL-UW department, area of focus, discipline, and mentor.

Qualifications + How to Apply