LSSTC Data Science Fellowship Program (DSFP)

Program Administrator: CIERA/Northwestern University

A supplement to graduate education in astronomy-related fields (astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, etc.) designed to teach students essential skills for dealing with big data and modern survey astronomy.

Program Structure

• Duration: 2-year fellowship
• Format: Three one-week schools per year over the two-year period
• Location: Multiple locations
• Cost: No prior data science knowledge required

Focus Areas

• Computational techniques
• Programming skills
• Data management
• Statistics
• Data analysis
• Big data handling for survey astronomy

Eligibility

• Graduate students in astronomy-related fields
• No prior data science experience required
• Special emphasis: Underrepresented groups in astronomy strongly encouraged

Program Goals

• Teach essential skills for modern survey astronomy
• Create collaborative, supportive learning environment
• Empower students to teach skills to others
• Foster inclusive program environment

Leadership

• Director: Lucianne Walkowicz
• Program Director: Adam Miller

Financial Support

• LSSTC Support (Year 1): $145,448

Application Process

1. Visit the DSFP website for complete application information
2. Submit application through official portal
3. Application deadline: March 15 (as noted in 2024 announcement)
4. Review: LSST-DA evaluates applications and selects Fellows

Notes

• As of January 2024, the program was accepting applications for its second cohort
• Highly competitive program (oversubscribed with exceptional applications)