Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is the purpose of the Computational Biology Summer Program?

This 10-week program is designed to bring outstanding computer science/applied math undergraduate rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in pursuing a career at the intersection of computer science and biomedicine for a research experience on the MSK, Weill Cornell, and Rockefeller campuses.

2. What will CBSP interns do?

CBSP interns will adapt their computer science skills to answer biomedically-focused research questions in cutting edge laboratories. Each intern will have an independent project and will work with an assigned lab faculty/mentor. In addition to working in the lab, interns will attend didactic classes, journal clubs, scientific and professional development seminars. At the end of the 10-week program, the CBSP intern will present a poster on their project.

3. Is the summer program limited to specific majors?

No, Those who have completed college-level computer science courses (C/C++, Perl, Python, R or other languages), are prioritized. We welcome candidates that have taken some courses in general biology and/or chemistry (preferred but not required) and have an interest in the application of computational techniques to biological problems. We are most interested in those who would like to pursue graduate work in computational biology.

4. Where is the internship located?

Interns will be hosted on site in one of the tri-I faculty labs listed on the CBSP website (MSK, Weill Cornell or Rockefeller) in New York City.

5. Is this a paid internship?

Yes, interns receive a stipend of $6,500 for the summer paid on a bi-weekly basis.

6. How many slots are available for this program?

The program enrolls 15 interns per summer. Note that in past years, it has been very difficult for current freshmen to compete with older students for admission to this program. 

7. Is summer housing provided?

Yes, summer (dormitory) housing is provided for free to any who need it. Interns will be paired in groups of 4 per room and by gender. Upon acceptance into this program or another affiliated summer undergraduate program with similar dates of engagement (ChBSP, EISP, MBSP), assignments to shared units will be made based on legal sex indicated in the application to the summer program. Students who prefer gender neutral housing regardless of legal sex, gender identity, expression and/or orientation can be considered for placement in the same suite as other residents selecting gender-neutral housing and can request to be assigned with others who match their gender identity. Students who want to be considered for gender neutral housing should contact the program after acceptance at  [email protected]. If you are accepted into the program and require an accommodation that requires a variation from the standard housing practice noted above, a process will be outlined for providing documentation.

8. What amenities are included in housing?

The assigned space consists of a twin-size bed, a dresser, a desk, and closet space. All suites have two bedrooms, each suite has a kitchenette which contains a microwave, electric stove-top burners, sink, cabinets, a large refrigerator, and private bathroom. Cooking supplies are not provided, but we will lend a plate, bowl, mug, and cutlery to you for the summer. (Utilities and Wi-Fi included)

9. Does the program cover travel costs?

Yes. CBSP interns will receive additional money in their paycheck to cover travel costs (not a reimbursement). The CBSP is sponsored by an NCI grant to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (1 R25 CA233208-01).


More Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility FAQ

Application Process FAQ