Program Dates: 17 May 2024 - 1 Aug 2023
The USC Summer Scholars in Operations Management and Data Science Program aims to expose exceptional undergraduates in mathematics, computer science, and engineering to cutting-edge research in Operations Managment and Operations Research. This exclusive opportunity partners undergraduates with faculty mentors from the Data Sciences and Operations Department at USC Marshall to inspire the next generation of scholars in the field.
Unique Benefits
- Attend the SoCal Operations Research/Operations Management Conference, hosted this year at UCLA Anderson - Gain exclusive access to this annual event (all registration and transportation fees are covered by program). Learn about cutting-edge research and network with leading researchers in a casual environment.
- Partner with a Faculty Mentor from USC Marshall's Data Science and Operations Department - Receive 1-1 mentoring on a research project or future graduate study, tailored to your interests, from some of the premier researchers in the field. Resarch/Mentorship can be remote depending on the preferences of the faculty mentor.
- Attend Technical Skill-Building Workshops throughout the summer. Workshops focus on fundamental skills broadly useful in STEM PhD Programs including numerical computing via GoogleCollab and RStudio, learning to use LaTeX/BibTeX/Reference managers, exposure to specialized optimization/simulation software (like Gurobi), and more. This is a great way to supplement your formal education with more hands-on training.
- Make your graduate school application stand out! Graduate programs in operations research, data science, and statistics are competiive. Research experience with top faculty distinguishes you from the pack!
Two Roles: Mentee or Research Assistant
The goal of this program is to support and encourage undergraduates to pursue graduate study in operations management and operations research. What that ``support" looks like is largely up to you! There are two possibile roles:
- Mentee Use your mentor as a resource to learn more about graduate study in general, how to identify a good program, workshop your application, and get exposed to the field. This is a lower time committment way to gain exposure to OR/OM.
- Research Assistant For students very interested in graduate study, you can identify a faculty mentor to supervise a research project over the course of the summer. This is a more time-intensive committment. That said, a successful research project with a top faculty is the number one way to make your graduate school application shine.
Stipend
Admitted applicants that committ to a full-time research role with a faculty mentor for 10 weeks (i.e., not also at external internship) with regular in-person meetings are eligible for a $5,000 stipend. Admitted applicants that engage in part-time research may be eligible for reduced stipends. Admitted applicants that only seek mentee roles are not eligible for a stipend. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide housing assistance at this time.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, applicants must:
- Be a rising senior in mathematics, computer science, statistics, industrial engineering, or another STEM field. (Exceptional rising juniors may also be considered).
- Reside in the southern California area.
- Be available to attend the SoCal Operations Research/Operations Management Conference in person to be held at UCLA Anderson's campus. Remaining mentorship activities can be remote.
How to Apply (Deadline: 17 April 2023)
To apply, please email Vishal Gupta (guptavis@usc.edu ) with the subject line: ``2023 USC Summer Scholars in OM and Data Science" and include following materials:
- CV or Resume
- Unofficial Transcript (copies ok)
- Brief (1-2 pages) statement explaining why you're interested in the program and what your plans are for graduate study (which fields, what types of programs, what are your goals). Please also indicate if you're interested in a Mentee or Research Assistant role.
- Brief letter of support from a faculty member. (If they prefer, your faculty can email their letter directly to Vishal Gupta
Ok... But what is Operations Research?
Operations research (OR) and (its sister field Operations Management (OM)) is a multidisciplinary field that uses mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and optimization techniques to design, analyze and optimize complex systems and processes. The goal is to make a positive impact on society, businesses and organizations. Researchers use mathematical tools to study a wide-range of problems, from how to design sustainable supply-chains, to how to combat ideological polarization, to how to avoid unintentional discrimination in algorithmic decision-making and AI systems. Indeed, most of our faculty at USC Marshall have undergraduate degrees in other fields -- mathematics, computer science, economics, statistics -- but gravitated towards OR and OM for to work on technically challenging problems whose solution would make not only theoretical, but also tangible, real-world impact. With the rise of AI and data science, OR and OM remain an exciting career path for mathematically inclined individuals to apply their skills to make a meaningful impact on society.Questions
Email: Vishal Gupta (guptavis@usc.edu)