The DSI Scholars program matches talented students with Columbia faculty who are working on innovative research projects and need data-related research support. Students selected for this program receive financial compensation, faculty mentorship, publication and/or presentation opportunities and access to exclusive enrichment opportunities. DSI Scholars projects draw from a wide range of disciplines including finance, business, healthcare, climate science, cybersecurity, 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. 

Program Benefits

  1. Review the selected projects for the upcoming term; you may apply to at most two (2) projects each semester. DSI will contact you within 1 month of the final application deadline if you have been selected for an interview
  2. DSI staff will work with you to coordinate the interview process with the Faculty Mentor(s) who have requested to interview you. 
  3. DSI staff will notify you within 3 weeks of your interview date if you have been selected as a Scholar for the upcoming semester. You will have one (1) week to confirm your participation.
  4. As a DSI Scholar, you will spend approximately 10 hours per week contributing to your selected project, for which you will be compensated at a competitive hourly rate. You will also participate in 2-4 special lectures, site visits and/or speaker events during the semester, and present on your work at a final breakfast event at the end of the term. Once you have completed the program, you will be invited to join our LinkedIn DSI Scholars Alumni group, making you part of this select network of recent and established graduates of the program.

For additional details about the expectations and requirements for DSI Scholars, please see the Student Application or reach out to us via email.

Faculty FAQs

I am interested in more than one DSI Scholars project. Can I apply for multiple projects?

Yes, you may apply to up to two (2) projects each semester. If you are invited to interview for multiple projects, you will be asked to rank your preference after the interview process.You can only be accepted for and assigned to one DSI Scholars project at a time.

Can I submit my application directly to the project PI?

No. Applications that are submitted outside of the DSI Scholars program portal will not be considered eligible for selection or funding. Please do not contact the project PIs directly to submit an application.

I have previously participated in or am currently a DSI Scholar for a previous cohort. Am I still eligible to apply?

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.

I will be graduating this semester. Am I eligible for a project that starts after I graduate?

No, only individuals who are full time students at the time that the research will be conducted are eligible for the DSI Scholars program. 

What is the compensation amount and process?

DSI Scholars are hired as hourly researchers by the Data Science Institute. Selected Scholars must complete all onboarding paperwork (including obtaining an SSN if they do not already have one), and submit weekly timesheets. Payment is made twice per month, preferably via direct deposit, up to a per-project maximum of 140 hours. Students may not hold another appointment within the university during their semester as a DSI Scholar. 

Who is eligible to become a DSI Scholar?

All full-time Columbia University and Barnard students are eligible to be DSI Scholars, regardless of degree program.

When will I hear back from DSI Scholars about my application?

Students who have been selected for interviews will be notified within one (1) month of the application closing date.

How will interviews be conducted?

Interviews are arranged by DSI staff but conducted directly by DSI Scholars Faculty Mentors. Interviews may be held online or in-person according to the Faculty Mentor’s availability and preference.

When will I know if I am selected?

DSI staff will notify you within three (3) weeks of your interview date if you have been selected as a Scholar for the upcoming semester.

If I am not selected as a DSI Scholar, are there still ways to participate in data science research?

Absolutely! We encourage students to review the wide range of data science research opportunities available throughout the year via the Campus Connections program. DSI Campus Connections is continuously open and hosts research opportunities from Columbia faculty looking for immediate support from data science students, posted as they become available. 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.