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On this page: About • Eligibility • Deadline • How To Apply • Application Materials • Contact
About
The Data Science Research Program for Undergraduate Students is a reimagining of CURP – the Center for Data Science Undergraduate Research Program, which was launched in Spring 2021.
The Data Science Research Program for Undergraduate Students remains focused on providing opportunities for students to be connected to top-notch data science faculty and researchers and to provide talented undergraduate students with a rigorous research environment.
In 2025-2026, this will be an in-person program that is offered over the course of the academic year (fall and spring semesters). To this end, the application will only be open to students in the New York City area. During the program, students will work on assigned research projects under the supervision of CDS faculty and researchers. They will have the opportunity to attend talks given by leading researchers in their fields and workshops to develop skills needed for research careers in data science. They will also learn techniques to prepare for admission to graduate programs and to apply for fellowships.
Students will present their work twice during the program, once at the end of the fall semester (Research in Progress luncheon) and once at the end of the spring semester (Final presentation).
The program includes up to $5,000 ($2,500 per semester) in funding.
After the research opportunity, each student will:
- Be part of a network of mentors who may provide continuous advice in the long term as the student makes progress in their studies
- Be part of a network of students and program alumni
Eligibility
- Applicants must be enrolled in a postsecondary institution, including community college, in New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan)
- Able to commit 10 hours per week to their research projects
- Able to participate in the program in person
- Able to participate in the in-person research in progress presentation and the final presentation session
Deadline
Applications are due on Monday, March 17, 2025.
How to Apply
Applications for 2025-2026 Data Science Research Program for Undergraduate Students must be submitted via the application form and contain the required application materials.
Application Materials
A complete application consists of the following items:
1. TRANSCRIPTS
Applicants must include a copy of their transcript showing courses and grades from all post-secondary institutions they have attended. Unofficial copies (if they are legible) are acceptable, though we may request official transcripts upon acceptance to the program. Transcripts should be current through Spring 2025.
2. STATEMENT OF INTEREST
Applicants must write a personal statement addressing: Why you would like to participate in the Data Science Research Program and how this program would help you achieve your goals. You may also address the origins of your interest in science, experiences (school-related and other) that have particularly stimulated you, obstacles you have faced along the way and how you overcame them, and what you would bring to CDS as a member of our community. The personal statement should be no longer than 2 pages.
3. CONCISE RESEARCH INTEREST STATEMENT
Applicants must submit a short and concise research interest statement addressing: 1) the data science research areas that applicants are interested in and 2) skills and educational background to successfully conduct research in the interested area. This should not be more than one page.
4. PROGRAMMING ASSIGNMENT
Please submit your past programming assignment – this can be a homework, exam or project.
5. FACULTY REFERENCE CONTACT INFORMATION
Applicants must designate one faculty who will submit a letter of recommendation on their behalf. The recommender should be someone from whom you have taken a class or with whom you have done independent scientific work. The letter will be due by the application deadline and should be submitted by the faculty member to Timothy Baker at tb116@nyu.edu with the subject header being: “Recommendation letter for [Applicant Name].”
Contact
If you have questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Timothy Baker at tb116@nyu.edu.