Research Experience for Undergraduates at SMU in Dallas, TX

"Advancing Data Science in the Public Interest"

June-July 2026

Learn how to use data science tools for improving the lives of people.  You will join a team of researchers using data to find solutions to pressing economic and environmental problems affecting communities in Dallas and beyond.  The program is supported by the National Science Foundation under Award Number 2447670. 

Participants begin with a 2-week bootcamp to learn data science techniques using Python. Then, participants are placed in small teams under the guidance of SMU faculty mentors. Previous mentors have included Dr. Cullum Clark (Bush Institute/Economics), Dr. Anthony Petrosino (Teaching & Learning) and Professor Mary Spector (Law). Participants also attend weekly professional development workshops and symposia, and have multiple opportunities to present their work. 

• $5600 stipend
• On-campus room and board included

Eligibility:

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Completed Sophomore of Junior Year of college with strong academic record
• Major in math, statistics, computer science or related field and an interest in social science OR major in social science field and an interest in data science 

 

Apply for Summer 2026 

Note: Application window ends Feb. 15th 

2026 Panetta Congressional Internship Program - Applications Now Open!

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program. This prestigious program encourages and develops future leaders and prepares individuals for greater civic involvement. Cal Poly has participated in this program since 2001. Our past interns consistently agree that this program was a meaningful experience.   

This opportunity is open to matriculating third or fourth-year, junior, and senior students from ANY major who have an interest in Congress, civil leadership or public service.

Complete program requirements and details are available here.  

 

The application deadline is Friday, February 13, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. PST. 

 

Questions may be directed to Kara Hahlbeck (provost@calpoly.edu or 756-2186).  

 

Two Job Opportunities with the LA Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently hiring for two quantitative roles that may be of interest:

Quantitative Analyst
This role focuses on applying statistical modeling, data analysis, and quantitative methods to support baseball operations and decision-making.
Job posting:
recruiting.ultipro.com/LOS1000LADOD/JobBoard/...

Junior Quantitative Analyst
This position is well-suited for early-career candidates with strong quantitative training and an interest in applying statistics and analytics to sports.
Job posting:
recruiting.ultipro.com/LOS1000LADOD/JobBoard/...

2026 Frost Research Scholarship Oppurtunity

 Hi students, 

An exciting scholarship opportunity is available for students with majors in the Bailey College of Science of Mathematics. The Frost Research Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students who are interested in engaging in ongoing research in collaboration with a faculty mentor. 

 

For those of you who may have an interest but don’t know where to start, that’s okay. We encourage you to reach out to a faculty member in the department and ask questions. It is appropriate to ask a faculty member to nominate you. Talk to your faculty about whether they might have a research idea that you could work together on. Let them know what you are interested in. If they don't have a project, they might be able to point to you someone who does.

 

The scholarship is funded by the William and Linda Frost Fund and is intended to encourage and support undergraduate students in conducting original research. See the attachment for more details. Students and faculty mentors must complete the application jointly, and submit by Friday, March 20.

• The scholarship is currently $10,000 per year, and comes with the guaranteed option to participate in Frost SURP (for a two-year scholarship, Summer 2026 and Summer 2027), which includes a $4,500 Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Award. Students are not required to participate in Frost SURP, but if they opt not to participate they are generally expected to pursue a professional internship, REU, or other external research opportunity. 
• Students are expected dedicate 10 hours per week to research during the academic year, registering for 2 units of supervised research each term.
• Typically awarded for two years starting with a student’s third year at Cal Poly, but exceptions are made.. Continuing transfer students are also eligible and encouraged to apply. 
• Successful candidates have a strong academic record, particularly in the major, with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Read this file carefully for information about the selection criteria and expectations.

 

The completed application is due by Friday, March 20, via email to rkbrar@calpoly.edu. For questions and additional information please contact Phil Bailey, Director of the Frost Fund pbailey@calpoly.edu or Ruzena Brar, Frost Endowment Program Director. 

LA Hacks 2026

LA Hacks 2026, Southern California’s largest hackathon, is happening from April 24-26, 2026, at UCLA’s iconic Pauley Pavilion. Compete for $30,000+ in prizes, enjoy free meals, and gain hands-on experience with top sponsors like Amazon, Fetch, and Roblox. Join our newsletter here, and apply at lahacks.com before February 20th.

ASA 2026 Internships Page is Up!

Many companies are looking for interns in 2026. If you are interested in having new experiences, improving your programming skills, or learning from senior-level statisticians, apply for one of these opportunities posted on the ASA internship page.

For the list of companies seeking summer interns and more information about each opportunity, visit this link!

New STAT 270 Topic Alert! Coming this Spring 2026

 Consider taking this new STAT 270 course, coming Spring 2026! 

Please reach out to Dr. Theobold for additional information or scan the QR code