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Research Hero

Undergraduate Research Fellowships

Emory combines the strengths of a leading liberal arts college with those of a top-tier research university, creating unique opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in meaningful, faculty-mentored research.

The Data Science Undergraduate Fellowship Program allows students to work closely with faculty on ongoing research projects while earning academic credit through DATASCI 499: Directed Research. Fellows enroll in three academic credits each semester, with the fellowship beginning in the Fall semester and the opportunity to continue into the Spring semester based on project needs and faculty approval.

Throughout the program, fellows explore a research topic alongside a faculty mentor, develop new technical and analytical skills, and contribute to ongoing scholarly work. Whether you're considering graduate school or preparing for a career in industry, government, or the nonprofit sector, the fellowship provides valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to deepen your knowledge through independent, project-based research.

How the Fellowship Differs from a Traditional Course

The DSci Fellowship is designed for students who are highly self-motivated, able to work independently, and eager to take ownership of their learning. Unlike a standard class, students can:

  • Take ownership of their learning.
  • Work independently while meeting regularly with a faculty mentor.
  • Develop new technical and research skills through guided exploration.
  • Apply data science methods to open-ended research questions.
What Fellows Gain

As a DSci Fellow, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Gain hands-on research experience with faculty mentorship.
  • Build technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
  • Strengthen your ability to work independently on complex problems.
  • Contribute to meaningful research with real-world applications.
  • Earn academic credit while expanding your professional portfolio.

Many fellows go on to pursue opportunities in research, industry, public service, business, law, and graduate or professional programs.

  • Be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior.
  • Be in good academic standing.
  • Commit approximately 8–10 hours per week to independent research.
  • Have a faculty research advisor who has agreed to supervise the project.

Priority is given to senior Data Science major and minor students, including those in Data Science, Applied Mathematics & Statistics (AMS), Public Policy Analysis (PPA), and BBA + Data Science programs.

Admission to the DSci Research Fellowship program is highly selective.

To apply:

  1. Secure a faculty research advisor from any department across Emory University who has agreed to supervise your research.
  2. Complete the DSci Research Fellowship Application.
  3. Include a signed and dated letter from your faculty advisor confirming their commitment to mentor you for the semester.
  4. Submit your application no later than three days before the end of the semester's Add/Drop/Swap period.

The Director of Undergraduate Research will review completed applications and determine whether enrollment in DATASCI 499R is approved. Students will be notified of their application status as soon as possible.

Important: The Data Science Department does not provide faculty matching. Students are responsible for identifying and securing a faculty mentor before applying.

Throughout the semester, fellows work closely with a faculty mentor on an independent research project.

Students are expected to:

  • Dedicate 8–10 hours per week to research.
  • Develop new technical and analytical skills through independent learning.
  • Contribute to an active faculty research project.
  • Meet regularly with their faculty mentor to discuss progress and receive guidance.

Because the fellowship emphasizes independent scholarship, students are expected to take ownership of their learning and research.

  • Fellows enroll in DATASCI 499R: Directed Research for academic credit.
  • Enrollment is approved by the Director of Undergraduate Research after a completed application is reviewed.
  • Students may not participate in an undergraduate Honors Program while enrolled in the DSci Fellowship.
  • Students may not participate in another research program outside of the DSci Fellowship during the same period.
  • Research completed through the DSci Fellowship cannot be used as part of an undergraduate honors thesis.

DSci Research Fellows have conducted faculty-mentored research across Emory University, including:

  • Data Science Department
  • Emory University School of Medicine
  • Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
  • Emory University School of Law

Research opportunities vary each semester based on faculty projects and departmental needs.

Alumni Success Stories

"The foundation in coding and statistical reasoning informed my desire to go into research, where I am still using statistics and coding in my research job at McLean Hospital, which is preparing me to apply for PhD programs in Clinical Psychology."
Andrew Wei 22C
Data Science Major
 
"My experience as an undergraduate research assistant allowed me to apply my data skills to a real-world setting and gain a better understanding of the research process, from data collection to publication. I met a wonderful mentor who patiently guided me through my honors thesis and whose support has empowered me to become a better writer and researcher. Separately, I helped write a paper that was eventually published and now serves as a code sample for prospective employers as I progress through my career."
ringwood-annaAnna Ringwood 22C
Data Science Major Psychology Track
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