The DSI Summer Lab is a 10-week paid internship program where high school, undergraduate, and masters students conduct data science research projects in fields like biology, economics, and physics. Students work full-time embedded in research groups and present their work at a final symposium. The 2021 cohort included 48 students from diverse backgrounds who built skills and connections. The 2022 application is due February 12th and decisions will be sent in early April.
2. DSI Summer Lab
10-week, paid internship. Students
paired with interdisciplinary and CS
faculty to conduct research or
engineering project. Cohort
experience of ~30 HS and UG
students..
A 10-week, paid summer
research program, where
high school, undergraduate,
and Masters students work
on data science research
projects in a variety of fields.
3. UChicago Data Science Institute (DSI)
The Data Science Institute (DSI) at the University of
Chicago is a new unit that executes the University’s
bold, innovative vision of Data Science. Originally
launched in 2018 as the Center for Data and
Computing, DSI builds on the success of CDAC and
now expands its activities to include:
● seeding research on the interdisciplinary frontiers of
this emerging field;
● forming partnerships with industry, government, and
social impact organizations;
● supporting holistic data science education.
4. Summer Lab Program Goals
Inspiring and training students to become
the next generation of data scientists.
● Provide students first-hand research experiences
and access to cutting-edge research in data science
● Build a cohort of students centered
around positive peer interactions
● Equip students for sustained
futures in data science and
computing
5. Program Structure
Full-time Schedule
37.5 hours/week
(In Person)
Stipends $5,500
Direct Embedding in
Research Groups
Final Symposium, Poster
Session and Lightning Talks
Inclusive Cohort Environment
6. Research Project Topics
Engage in data science research projects from a wide range of applied,
interdisciplinary topics, including but not limited to:
DOMAIN AREAS
● Biology & Medicine
● Communications & Internet
● Economics & Business
● Energy
● Environmental Sciences
● Food & Agriculture
● Human Rights
● Policy
● Physics & Astronomy
TECHNICAL AREAS
● Computer Systems & Architecture
● Data Science & Machine Learning
● Deep Learning
● Hardware & Devices
● High Performance Computing
● Human-Computer Interaction
● Networking
● Security & Privacy
7. 2022 Cohort Project Profiles
→ Check out more at:
datascience.uchicago.edu/engage/summerlab
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9. 2021 Cohort By the Numbers: 48 Students
● 11 High Schoolers
● 23 Undergraduates
● 14 Masters Students
● 52% Women
● 80% want to pursue a CS/DS
research after their Summer Lab experience
● 98% reported making meaningful connections with
peers in the 2022 cohort
11. ______________________________________________
Application
● Research Areas & Skills Evaluation
○ Keywords
○ Short answer explaining interests
○ Self-evaluate skill in various computational
and data science tools (rank 1-5)
● Short Answer
○ Personal statement
○ Internship goals
○ Describe a research project
■ Goal of the project
■ Tools used
■ One challenge faced
■ One achievement
■ Results or outcomes
→ the explanation matters more than the
technicality or impressiveness of the project
● Resume
○ 1 page max
○ Should include:
■ Background information
■ Academic progress (GPA, relevant
coursework)
■ Relevant experience (internships,
programs, certificates, clubs,
competitions)
■ Technical skills for computing and
data science (programming
languages, libraries, tools, softwares)
■ Links to any websites, portfolios,
GitHub, LinkedIn
12. Review Criteria
➔ Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria
Intellectual Curiosity: Evident interest about data science and the applied domain areas chosen.
Skills Baseline: Familiarity with at least one programming language, and translation of self-evaluated skills
ratings in CV/relevant coursework/other experiences.
Program Fit: Clear why this program is valuable to the student versus others (e.g. skills training camps).
Evident interest in being part of a cohort group.
Initiative + Teamwork: Student has acted upon interest by pursuing available options and opportunities for
computational and data science classes, training, and programs, and has successfully worked as part of a
team before.
Research Aptitude: Creativity and curiosity, self-direction, goal-oriented and adaptable work ethic, resilient
problem solving, time management and communication skills.
13. Program Eligibility
Grade Year + Age: High school applicants must be a current sophomore or Junior; Undergraduate
students must be enrolled in college in fall 2023 (graduating college seniors are not eligible)
International Students: International students are eligible to apply so long as they are able to provide
documentation to support their work authorization in the United States. See the program FAQ for more
details. If you have specific questions about your eligibility, contact your international student office.
Housing: We provide housing as part of this program; all successful applicants will be offered on-campus
housing at the University of Chicago.
Tech Environment: Access to a computer or laptop that has capacity to download software, libraries, and
other resources for your project. If you’re concerned about the resources you have available, we will work
with you to make sure you have the requisite tech required to participate.
➔ Applications will be reviewed using the following eligibility
14. Application Timeline +
Program Dates
● Application is due February 12th
● Decision notifications by early April
● Program June 12th, 2023 - August 18
