Looking to gain hands-on data science research experience? The DSI Scholars program matches talented students with Columbia faculty who are working on innovative, challenging, and advanced research initiatives. Students selected for this program will engage directly with a faculty member on a semester-long project, with the goal of using data science to address an important research challenge. The projects are within a wide array of disciplines such as finance, business, healthcare, climate science, cybersecurity, smart cities, social justice, and more. Apply to become a DSI Scholar to gain new skills, receive one on one mentorship, and uncover new possibilities of applying data science to diverse domains.
Apply by the deadline using DSI’s application portal. Each cycle, DSI will select up to 10 students to participate in exciting research challenges with Columbia faculty.
If you’re selected to move forward, you’ll be interviewed by the faculty members leading the research projects. From there, you may be matched to a project that best fits your background and experience.
You will engage with the faculty project lead throughout the following semester. Faculty will provide mentorship, and DSI will provide enrichment activities like trainings, special events, and exhibition opportunities.
The next application cycle will be for Fall 2025. Please check the timeline above for key dates and deadlines.
Yes! You are welcome to apply to more than one project. If you are invited to interview for multiple projects, you will be asked to rank your preference after the interview process. A student can only be accepted for and assigned to one DSI Scholars project at a time.
No. Applications that are submitted outside of the DSI Scholars program portal will not be considered eligible for selection. To be a part of the Scholars Program, you are required to apply through the umbrella application system. Please do not contact the project PIs directly to submit an application.
To be eligible, you must be a currently enrolled student when the research is conducted. If you are graduating in December, you are not eligible for Spring Cohort projects.
Please note that past DSI Scholars participants are eligible to reapply, but priority will be given to new participants. Previous DSI Scholars are encouraged to apply for research opportunities through the Campus Connections program.
DSI Scholars will receive a stipend to offset living expenses. See the project description for exact stipend amount.
DSI Scholars projects are open to qualified Columbia University students, regardless of degree program. Students in Columbia affiliate programs (Barnard and Teachers College) are not eligible for this program.
After the student application deadline closes, the DSI Scholars team will work with the faculty researchers to review applications. Students moving forward in the review process will be invited to interview with the lead faculty researchers. DSI will reach out to students to coordinate interviews directly, and student applicants should not reach out to faculty members directly outside of the selection process to ensure an equitable research opportunity for all applicants. All students who apply will receive a decision, whether or not they are selected for the Scholars program. If you are not selected for a research project, you are welcome to apply again in the following cycle.
DSI staff will assist with setting up the interview, and you will interview directly with the faculty supervisor for the project. Interviews may be online or in person, depending on the faculty member’s availability.
You should anticipate having a decision in six to eight weeks of your application submission.
Yes. DSI matches students with Columbia data science research opportunities through the Campus Connections program. You are also always welcome to apply again for a future DSI Scholars project.
While both programs are designed to connect Columbia faculty with Columbia students with data science expertise to conduct research, the programs differ in both structure and timing.
DSI will offer up to 10 faculty-led interdisciplinary research projects to participate in the program each semester. You will apply and interview the semester prior to the project start date. DSI Scholars projects are open to qualified Columbia University students, regardless of degree program. Students in Columbia affiliate programs (Barnard and Teachers College) are not eligible for this program.
DSI Campus Connections is continuously open and available for Columbia faculty looking for immediate support from data science students. DSI will post opportunities as they become available. The scope, time commitment, and requirements may vary. Some projects may be compensated while others may be completed for academic credit. Campus Connections projects are open to qualified Columbia University students, regardless of degree program.