Bowers 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 undergraduates gain new skills and explore research with a hands-on summer experience. Open to all Cornell Bowers 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

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

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?

To participate in BURE, you must be a Cornell Bowers undergraduate major who will be returning to campus as a student in the fall semester following the program. Applicants must have completed at least one core course in CS, IS, or SDS.
If you have not yet officially affiliated with a Bowers major but intend to do so as soon as you are eligible, you are still welcome to apply.
BURE projects may be based at either the Ithaca campus or Cornell Tech, depending on your faculty mentor’s location. However, all official BURE programming and events will be held in person at the Ithaca campus.
Please note that students are required to attend all BURE programming, and additional funding is not available for projects based at Cornell Tech.

Who can serve as a faculty mentor?

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

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.
BURE does not cover housing and meals.

Is there funding available to cover housing and meals?