Bowers CIS Undergraduate Research Experience (BURE)

Overview

Have you ever wondered what research is like, or have you considered pursuing a Ph.D. after you graduate? If so, then BURE may be for you!

BURE helps Cornell Bowers CIS undergraduates gain new skills and explore research with a hands-on summer experience. Open to all Cornell Bowers CIS undergraduates, BURE pairs undergraduates with a faculty mentor for a 10-week summer research program. Applicants rank prospective faculty mentors from a list of participating mentors (view our website/application for this list), and are then matched with a mentor based on both student and faculty preference. Applicants must have taken a core CS, IS, or SDS course, and are highly encouraged to speak with a prospective faculty mentor prior to applying. BURE is a full time commitment, with students required to attend all BURE programming throughout the summer.

Here’s what you can expect from the program:

Hourly wage (40 hours/week for 10 weeks) or research stipend
Series of enrichment talks on technical and career topics throughout the summer
End of summer Research Symposium
Social events with other BURE scholars and mentors

Application Deadlines

Please check our website for application deadlines. Please note, no late applications will be accepted.

**You must be a Bowers undergraduate major to participate

The application form consists of:

One-page statement describing your research interests and any relevant experience
Official transcript
Ranking of 4 prospective faculty mentors
Optional statement (see immediately below for more information)

Additional Opportunities for BURE Students

Some BURE positions will be allocated for researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds (as defined below) and underrepresented groups (sponsored by the Clare Boothe Luce Program for Women in STEM). If you would like to be considered for these opportunities, please follow the application prompt and complete a brief (300 words maximum) statement. Completing this statement is not required.

The positions for researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds will be open to people meeting one of these criteria:

Being a member of an ethnic or racial group historically underrepresented in higher education (African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Native Pacific Islander, Mexican American, Puerto Rican, or other Hispanic American; permanent residents whose ethnicity corresponds to these groups also meet this criterion)
Being a participant in one of the following programs: McNair Scholar, Mellon Mays Scholar, Posse Program, LSAMP Scholars, Ryan Scholars, NACME Scholars, Pre-Professional Programs (P3), HEOP/EOP, Gates Millennium Scholars
Having experiences overcoming any significant challenges in your path toward college (examples include, but are not limited to: first generation college student, Veteran, single parent, holding DACA status, and/or managing a disability)

FAQ

How do I apply?

The application link will be provided on our website during the application window. Applications open in January and close in February for the upcoming summer.

Who can participate in BURE?

You must be a Cornell Bowers CIS undergraduate who is returning to Cornell as a student for the fall semester to participate in BURE. Applicants also must have taken a core CS, IS, or SDS course.

Who can serve as a faculty mentor?

All participating Cornell Bowers CIS faculty mentors are listed on this website. Students will request to work with faculty from this list as part of their application.

Is BURE open to both Ithaca and Cornell Tech campuses?

Yes, BURE may occur at either Ithaca or Cornell Tech campuses, depending on your faculty mentor. However, program activities will take place at the Ithaca campus, and extra funding is not available for Cornell Tech projects. Please note BURE students are required to attend all BURE programming.

How much funding does BURE provide?

Students are hired as either hourly employees, or as researchers on REU supplements. Hourly employees are expected to work 40 hours/week, are not allowed to work more than 40 hours/week, and are not allowed to participate in outside employment. Researchers on REU supplements will receive a stipend.

Is there funding available to cover housing and meals?