Trainees will come to the Stage One program, which is a 6-week, full-time, in-person Summer Institute (“summer camp”) at the USC Columbia campus (tentatively May 9 – June 21, 2025). The institute will provide curriculum-based training in basic Big Data research for infectious diseases, including the following courses: Introduction to Big Data; Introduction to Social Media Data; Introduction to Geospatial Data; Introduction to Healthcare Administrative Data; Introduction to AI; Big Data Analytics; Public Health Research Design; Infectious Disease Epidemiology; Machine Learning; and Professional Development. Course titles and schedules subject to change.

*This is an example schedule. The final schedule for each class will be determined by the instructor and is subject to change.

** Lunch not provided 

Upon the acceptance of the R25 Stage Two offer, the trainee will work with their R25 research and career mentors to develop an Individualized Development Plan (IDP), which will best meet their needs and experiences and help them establish the milestones for the academic-year (9 months) R25 training. The IDP will be reviewed and approved by the Program Directors. The digitalized contract will document the:

• Mentorship goals and outcomes, including a potential research project topic;
• Specific roles and expectations of each party;
• Anticipated numbers and types (in person or virtual) of meetings;
• Plan for hands-on research engagement in an ongoing funded research project;
• Plans for career development; and
• Additional logistics for the one-year formal mentoring relationship, including joint attendance at the research workshops, journal club, seminars, retreats, and other training activities to increase visibility and expand their research network.

As mentors and trainees work together, they will regularly review the IDP to ensure that all goals are met and mutually agreed upon changes are documented. These contracts will be unique to each trainee, depending on the trainee’s background and research interests.

The R25 e-Scholar program provides each student with interdisciplinary mentoring, comprehensive curriculum-based training, and hands-on research exposure and experience. The program offers an opportunity for undergraduate students to gain early exposure to and experience with big data analytics and infectious disease research.

Benefits of the Program

Stage One Trainee: 

• Receive the Big Data Analytics Emerging Scholar Summer Institute Training Certificate
• Receive a stipend of $300.00 each week
• Paid housing for the 6-week summer camp held on the USC Columbia campus.
• Future internship opportunity 

Stage Two Trainee: 

• Receive a research stipend of $1,500 per semester (total of $3,000)
• Receive up to $1,500 to attend/network/present at a regional or national conference
• Mentorship with established research scientists and professional development mentors

Students interested in the R25 e-Scholar program should complete an application via the application portal by 11:59pm on March 3, 2025. The application will request additional supplemental information including:

1. A personal statement (max 2 pages double spaced) describing their interest in data science infectious disease research and their career and educational goals;
2. A recent resume or curriculum vitae;
3. A letter of support from their home school/academic advisor (on official university letterhead); and
4. A copy of their unofficial transcript.

Applications should be submitted via the application portal by 11:59pm on March 3, 2025. 

Can I apply if I’m from another SC institution not listed on the website?

Yes. 

Can I apply if I’m an undergraduate student with a non-health related major?

Students from all academic disciplines are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

I am an incoming freshman, am I eligible to apply?

You are eligible to apply but must have at least one year (two academic semesters) of full-time registration or equivalent accomplishments of at least 12 credit hours at a University/College by May 2025.

Can I submit my application by email?

No, your application needs to be submitted online by following the link provided on the website. If you are having trouble navigating the application portal, please contact mc95@mailbox.sc.edu.

Can I submit my transcript after the deadline?

No, all required documents must be submitted by the deadline unless prior approval for an extension has been granted.

Can I submit an unofficial transcript?

Yes, you may submit your most up-to-date unofficial transcripts.

Can I submit the letter of support with my application? Or is it something that my academic advisor should provide?

You will be asked to submit the signed letter of support at the time of your application in the application portal. Your advisor/recommender will not need to send this letter separately.

How many hours per month will I be expected to commit to the program during the academic year?

You can expect to spend around 20 hours per month on program activities during the academic year. You will be given a stipend of $1,500 each semester.

When exactly will the summer training camp begin and end?

The tentative summer camp dates for 2025 are May 9 – June 21. 

Where will I stay during the summer camp?

Campus housing will be provided for the 6-week training institute. Housing assignment is the responsibility of program personnel. Once trainees are admitted to the program, they will complete a logistics form regarding their housing preferences. 

Are meals included in the summer camp?

While there will be occasions where meals/snacks may be provided during special events/outings, regular meals are not included in the summer camp. Students will be given a $1,790 stipend to cover their living expenses during the camp. 

For questions related to the R25 e-Scholar program, please contact BDHSC Managing Director, Miranda Nixon (mc95@mailbox.sc.edu)