Information for Students

Overview

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.

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Program Benefits

Gain Research Experience: Columbia faculty will guide and mentor you, while you use your data science skills to gain real research experience. You’ll learn how researchers work collaboratively to solve problems, a critical activity that will benefit you in your future internship, job, or academic career.
Receive One-on-One Mentorship: Your faculty project leader will provide important feedback that will help you grow as a data scientist. From gaining experience in a new domain to having a platform to ask questions, the DSI Scholars program is a great avenue to engage with leading Columbia faculty and enhance your skills in a research setting.
Funding: Selected students who are matched with a DSI Scholars project will receive a $3,000 stipend to cover their living expenses for the semester they undergo their project.

Application Process

Program Timeline

Term	Project Duration	Faculty Application Dates	Student Application Dates	Student Interviews
Spring	January – May	Closed	Closed	–
Summer	June – August	Closed	Closed	–
Fall	September – December	Opens: April Closes: April 29, 2024	Opens: May 20, 2024 Closes: June 3, 2024	Expected: June 17 – June 28

Important Details

Research Project Timing: Participation on your project starts in the following term. For example, if you apply for a project in the Fall term, you will begin the project in the Spring term.
Time Commitment: If selected, you should expect to spend approximately 8-10 hours per week on your project.
Funding: Financial Services will issue the stipend directly to your student account during the semester you are engaged on the project.
Enrichment Activities: As a DSI Scholar, you will be invited to participate in specialized activities, including trainings and seminars. You will also have the opportunity to present your research at a poster session at the completion of the project.

Application Criteria

To be considered, you will need to submit the following as part of your application:

Transcripts: A PDF copy of your Columbia and/or undergraduate transcripts.
Resume: A PDF of your updated resume that includes all relevant coursework, projects and data science skills.
Personal Statement: Please use the personal statement to explain why you are interested in the project(s) that you are applying to and highlight some of your qualifications. If you are applying to more than one project, you may submit a statement for each project.
Reference: (Optional) You can provide the contact information for a reference. It should be someone who can comment on your research potential and qualifications for your program.

FAQ for Students

The next application cycle will be this Summer, for projects that will commence in the Fall. The application link for submission will be open to students on Monday, May 20th, 2024. Check the website for details as the date gets closer.
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.
Yes! The DSI Scholars program runs during the spring, summer, and fall semesters. All projects that are selected and advertised are for research conducted during the coming term. For example, to be selected for available research projects over the summer, you will apply in spring. Applications that are submitted this spring will be for projects that start in June.
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.

The DSI Scholars program is offered three times per year (Spring, Summer and Fall). 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.