SDS partners with HEB to fund undergraduate research

Eligibility requirements for the SDS Undergraduate Research Fellowship include a minimum of 60 credits of coursework and a basic understanding of coding and programming. Coding experience is required, Brown explains, because the program is designed to provide research experience, rather than the basics of data science.

Students with prior research experience can enter the workforce sooner, while students without prior research experience will spend a semester learning research methods in the classroom before securing a laboratory placement.

“Even if students decide they don’t want to pursue college, research is a good skill to add to their resume if they want to get started right away,” she says. “Many entry-level jobs require applicants to have research skills, so a fellowship like this can help students gain a competitive advantage in their job search.”

The program allows faculty to submit projects and collaborate with students who would like to gain hands-on experience. Faculty will receive a $1,000 stipend for each student who matches their project, with a maximum of three students per project.

Brown noted that the fellowship can last one to two semesters, depending on the students’ backgrounds.

This emphasis on preparing students for the workforce, especially locally, has been a key feature of the HEB-sponsored programs at the SDS.

“HEB is a strong supporter of the university, especially the UTSA School of Data Science,” she said. “It’s great that they are focusing on our bachelor’s students, because many of them will tell you that they don’t get the same opportunities as PhD students.”