IDSC Fellows Program

The vision of the IDSC Fellows Program is to inspire a new generation of leaders in data science to cross traditional boundaries between disciplines. IDSC joins with University faculty to mentor IDSC Fellows on how to best utilize the University’s cutting-edge advanced computing resources in their proposed research projects. At the beginning and close of each spring semester, IDSC Fellows present their work at an open, in-person symposium. No stipend is offered, but a small cash prize is awarded. IDSC Fellows develop their computational skills and expand their research experience under the guidance of two mentors. Both mentors are faculty members: The first is the student’s research advisor, and the second is identified by the IDSC Fellows program and provides the computational research expertise.

This is a prestigious designation awarded each year to a total of four graduate or undergraduate (sophomore level or above) students. Applicants may be from any School or College at the University of Miami and must be in good standing.

The Application Deadline for 2025-2026 has not been set yet.

Application Process, Materials, and Timeline

Applicants are required to submit a completed APPLICATION FORM, accompanied by:

a transcript
a CV, and
in the case of graduate students, a support letter from their academic mentor.

The Steering Committee meets within one week of the closing of applications to choose the IDSC Fellows. (Announcements will be made on Monday, October 21, 2024.)

An announcement is then emailed to offices of Undergraduate Research, Graduate Office (UM, MSOM, RSMAS, CoE, CAS), and to student groups at CoE, CAS, Med School, and RSMAS. Media Relations will help publicize it internally (NEWS@TheU), and via student media.

The application process is the submission of an online form where all supporting documents are uploaded. Click here for complete Program Guidelines.

Selection Criteria

Student must have computational skills sufficient to get started on the proposed project*.
The proposed project integrates ideas from more than two disciplines, one of which must be new to the student.
Graduate students should have a well-formulated, achievable research question that is in line with their academic mentor’s letter of support.
Graduate students also need a support letter from their academic adviser or PI.
The Application Form must be complete, well written, well organized, and thoroughly thought out.
*Project details need not be clearly defined at the time of application.
Previous research experience is not requisite, but is an advantage.
Preference will be given to projects where the data is ready for analysis.
Student must be in good standing with the University.