The DSI Scholars program connects selected Faculty Mentors with talented students whose data science skills and expertise can further your research and increase the visibility of your work. We especially encourage new faculty and researchers in disciplines where data science integration is an emerging practice to apply. We encourage you to review the Scholars’ Faculty Application or join an office hours session if you have questions about the process not addressed in the FAQs below.

Please note that the DSI Scholars funding and hiring processes have been revised for Fall 2026. We encourage faculty who have participated before to carefully review the updated information below, and reach out with any questions. 

Process Overview

  1. Prepare and submit your application. Each term, DSI will fund up to 7 projects. DSI will notify you within 1 month if your project has been selected.
  2. DSI staff will curate and share the application materials of up to 10 students who are a good match for your project’s needs. Our staff will also coordinate the interview process for up to 5 student applicants of your choosing from the applicant pool.
  3. Benefit from the unique skills and insights of your DSI Scholar. While DSI handles the Scholar’s compensation and enrichment opportunities, you are free to focus on providing mentorship, publication and presentation opportunities, as well as enhanced research!

For additional details about the expectations and requirements for DSI Scholars Projects and Faculty Mentors, please see the Faculty Application, join an office hours session, or reach out to us via email.

Faculty FAQs

How do I participate in this program?

Complete the Faculty Application before the specified deadline. Note that projects are selected one semester before a Scholar will join your project, so if you are looking for support in the fall, you will need to apply the previous spring. While late applications are not accepted, if you miss the deadline for a given semester you are welcome to submit your project for consideration the next term.

What happens once my proposal is selected for the program? How do I select a student?

DSI staff carefully review the applications of students who indicated interest in your project, and provide you with a ranked list of applicants whose skills and interest align best with your project based on your provided description and needs. Program staff then manage the logistics for you to interview up to five (5) candidates, from which you will select your Scholar.

What happens if my project needs to extend beyond one semester?

DSI Scholars funding and administrative support is available only for the specified term. However, you are welcome to continue to work with your Scholar by hiring them as an RA, TA or student researcher through your department after the program concludes.

My project wasn’t selected for the program. Can DSI still help me find a student?

Yes! We encourage faculty and researchers with funding to hire student researchers to list their project on Campus Connections, where their opportunity where they can reach hundreds of interested students at any point in the year.

What is the difference between the DSI Scholars Program and DSI Campus Connections?

DSI Scholars projects are reviewed and selected by DSI leadership twice per year, and are provided funding, robust administrative support, and increased visibility by DSI.

Campus Connections is a platform where faculty can list their available research opportunities to all Columbia University students. Projects may be listed at any time, and the compensation, interviewing and hiring processes are managed directly by the faculty member.

Can I use my own funding to hire a DSI Scholar?

Please note new updates for Fall 2026. All DSI Scholars are hired and have their commitment managed directly by DSI. While we welcome faculty applicants with available funding, please note that only DSI Core Members may use grant funding to support DSI Scholars. For all other faculty, we welcome the support of DSI Scholars via unrestricted funds, which must be transferred to DSI for disbursement to be considered for the DSI Scholars program. Unfortunately, we cannot include grants or other funding that must be administered by the faculty member’s home department, apart from the DSI Members exception noted above.