• Question: When will the student applications to the Scholars|DFG program open for the Spring-Summer 2023?

    Answer: We anticipate that the submission link for student applications will be available by February 23rd.

  • Question: With only one application form, how do I express interest in more than one project?

    Answer: It is recommended that you prioritize based on your interest and skills. To a large extent, the methods of data science can be translated from one domain to another so demonstrating core competency is paramount. If you feel the need, you can address a portion of your personal statement to the PIs of each program to which you are applying.

  • Question: Can I submit my application directly to the project PI?

    Answer: No, please do not contact the project PIs directly to submit an application. To be a part of the Scholars|DFG Program, you are required to apply through the umbrella application system. For projects that offer a stipend, this might further jeopardize the stipend disbursement process.

  • Question: I am a remote-only student and will not be available for in-person meetings. Can I still apply?

    Answer: You are still eligible for the program as a whole, however, some of the faculty may have a preference for in-person meetings. You are encouraged you to apply and, if selected, those details can be worked out between you and the project owner.

  • Question: I recently graduated in the summer. Am I still eligible for the program?

    Answer: Unfortunately, this program is oriented towards current students.

  • Question: I am unable to work in the Fall semester. Are there projects that are open only in the summer (or spring)?

    Answer: Yes, some projects are only active in one term or the other. The start and end dates are listed on most project pages. Those without end-dates are ongoing. Furthermore, the periods during which each project are active are listed underneath the projects' titles. You can select the term in which you are interested and scan for those exclusive to that time period.

  • Question: Is there any kind of housing stipend/financial remuneration available for participating students?

    Answer: Most of the projects are providing stipends at the level of $5,000 for the duration of the project.

  • Question: I am a student in program A and am interested in Project B. Am I eligible to apply?

    Answer: All projects are open to qualified students. There is no restriction to specific academic programs.

  • Question: I just accepted an offer from the faculty PI to join their project for the Fall/Spring semester. What are the next steps? When can I begin? When can I begin?

    Answer: Congratulations! Make sure you have discussed and mutually agreed upon all terms of your engagement with the project. The next step is for you to inform DSI by emailing us at dsi-scholars@columbia.edu. Include the name of the project you are joining, project PI name, and semesters you will be involved in. You can pick a start date based on project needs and your availability, so please discuss this with your faculty PI. DSI does not impose restrictions on scholar start dates.

  • Question: I will be working as a student researcher in lab xxx under the supervision of Professor YY this semester. I am interested in participating in the DSI scholars program’s activities (e.g., boot camp, weekly meet-ups, etc). Can I apply?

    Answer: Yes, with your faculty advisor’s permission, you are welcome to participate when space permits. The matching fund for stipend has all been given out but we welcome all undergraduate researchers to participate in the DSI scholars activities such as the boot camp, the weekly series and the fall poster social. Please write to dsi-scholars@columbia.edu.