Every year, the Dean of Science offers paid summer research internships to top first-year science, computer science and mathematics students. These Dean’s Summer Research Internships (DSRIs) afford students the opportunity to work with professors to conduct research. Currently, students who receive these competitive research internships will be paid about $6,750 ($16.55/hour for 12 weeks @ 35 hours/week) to work with a professor in the Faculty of Science.
Information and Application Procedures
To be eligible, students must have first-year standing and be enrolled full-time, with an overall GPA of 11.0 or higher at the end of their first term of study.
Eligible students are e-mailed an invitation to apply, with a submission deadline at the end of February. The DSRI application requires students to discuss why they want to do research, to identify the professor they wish to work with, explain why they want to join the professor’s research program, and describe what they will work on. While students can get substantial information from faculty websites to learn which professors’ research interests them and why, students must contact faculty members directly to discuss research possibilities and for them to get a good idea of the type of work conducted by the particular professor. All applicants are notified of the results by early March.
The Science Student Success Centre (SSSC) organizes a few activities to help students prepare their DSRI application. In January many labs in the Faculty of Science will open their doors during Science Lab Tour Week. This is a great opportunity for students to learn about the types of research being done on campus and to talk with professors about doing a DSRI in their lab. The SSSC will also be sharing expert advice about writing applications for research grants and awards in the sciences. Students can bring a draft of their DSRI application to a SSSC workshop and the presenters will review it one-on-one to help it stand out from the crowd. Check out the SSSC website for more details in January.
The Dean’s Summer Research Internship program provides an invaluable learning experience for students while earning income to support their university education. This very special opportunity is made possible through the generous support of our donors. To contribute to this program, please visit the Dean’s Summer Research Internship section on FutureFunder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the position be remote or on campus?
A: It can be either, and depends on the nature of the work. This should be discussed with the supervisor. However, you cannot do this job remotely outside of Ontario or Ottawa-Gatineau.
Q: If I am an International Student, am I eligible to hold a DSRI?
Yes. You are able to work full-time hours during the summer.
Q: I am a transfer student, and I do not have first year standing, am I eligible?
A: Yes, if this is your first year at Carleton and you have 2nd year standing because of CEGEP, or AP/IB credits, you are eligible. Download your audit from Carleton Central and consult with odscience@carleton.ca. You can view your audit on the main menu of Carleton Central under the option ‘MyAudit’.
Q: If I am a first year Black or Indigenous student, should I apply for BISRI or DSRI?
We encourage you to apply for both opportunities. If you are successful for both, you will need to turn one of them down.
Q: I am short ~0.5 credits from eligibility, can I apply?
A: No.
Q: When I hit submit I receive a message that says “Based on your credentials you are not an eligible candidate for the DSRI”.
A: Make sure your email address is typed correctly without quotation marks or dots between your first and last name. If this persists, please email odscience@carleton.ca
Q: Can adjunct researchers supervise me?
A: Yes. Under very specific circumstances. Adjunct researchers who are able to provide the designated stipend are able to supervise DSRI students. Typically, with a unit-based co-supervisor.
Q: Do I have to maintain an 11.0 for the winter semester?
A: No, this is based on your first term grades. However, we strongly encourage you to keep up your grades as you will not be eligible for subsequent awards (e.g., NSERC USRA) if you have an average below 11.0.
Q: Can I change a grade to ‘CR’ to make eligibility for the DSRI?
A: No, as students are not eligible to make their CR selections under the First Year Grading Policy until after they have completed their second term of study.
Q. How many International student spots are reserved for International students?
A: We do not ask whether a student is domestic or International; all applicants are evaluated equally.
How You Can Help
The Dean’s Summer Research Internship program provides an invaluable learning experience for students while earning income to support their university education. This very special opportunity is made possible through the generous support of our donors. To contribute to this program, please visit the Dean’s Summer Research Internship section on FutureFunder.