Early-College Undergraduate Fellowship

January 12 and 13, 2023

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D. E. Shaw Research

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D. E. Shaw Research (DESRES) develops and uses advanced computational technologies to understand the behavior of biologically and pharmaceutically significant molecules at an atomic level of detail, and to design precisely targeted, highly selective drugs for the treatment of various diseases. Among our core technologies is a proprietary special-purpose supercomputer called ANTON® which we designed and constructed to perform molecular dynamics simulations more than 100 times faster than the world's fastest general-purpose supercomputers. DESRES develops and refines advanced biomolecular modeling methods, software, and machine learning techniques on ANTON®, as well as on general-purpose supercomputers, in order to pursue both internal and collaborative drug discovery programs. For more information about the group, please visit www.DEShawResearch.com.

The D. E. Shaw Research Early-College Undergraduate Fellowship is a two-day event open to first- and second-year undergraduate students in STEM fields, who self-identify as Black, African-American, Hispanic, Latinx, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander. Join us to learn about the research and scientific computing projects at D. E. Shaw Research, to participate in skills-building workshops in computational biochemistry and scientific visualization, and to connect with members of our interdisciplinary team and peers from across the country who share an interest in science and technology.

We offer a stipend to all Early-College Undergraduate Fellows, and the event will be held virtually this year.

Our program will include an overview of our technical and scientific projects, computational biochemistry and scientific visualization workshops, a panel discussion about career paths in the computational sciences, and mentorship sessions.

Please email your resume and a personal statement (approx. 200 words) to DESRESFellowship@DEShawResearch.com with the subject line “2023 Early-College Undergraduate Fellowship Application” by December 16, 2022. The personal statement should address your interest in the fellowship and describe what makes you a compelling candidate.

The Early-College Undergraduate Fellowship is open to first- and second-year undergraduate students in STEM fields attending US-based colleges and universities, who self-identify as Black, African-American, Hispanic, Latinx, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander.

How many people will be selected to attend?
In order to create an environment that supports making personal connections and engaging in meaningful discussions, we anticipate having around 20 fellows.

Do I have to be an undergraduate to attend?
Yes. This event is designed specifically for undergraduate students. If you’re not currently pursuing an undergraduate degree and are interested in learning more about DESRES, please visit our website, www.DEShawResearch.com.

How will the attendees participate in the virtual fellowship?
We will share the instructions for the virtual platform we’re using ahead of the event.

How will the program be scheduled?
In order to accommodate participants in different time zones, we are planning for the Fellowship to last 4-5 hours in the afternoons (ET) of January 12 and 13.

Are undergraduates studying at an international institution eligible to attend?
This event is designed specifically for undergraduates studying in US-based colleges or universities, but we are very glad to consider individuals studying internationally for other opportunities. If you are an internationally-based student interested in learning more about DESRES, please visit the Joining page of our website.

My question wasn’t answered here. Whom should I contact?
Please direct any further questions to DESRESFellowship@DEShawResearch.com.

"I had a great time interacting with the research team members, mentors, and other fellows from across the country. The sessions were really entertaining, but the simulation workshop was by far the best of them all. It gave me a sneak peek into how DESRES is able to integrate its computational methods into biochemistry research. I also enjoyed the Anton Supercomputer overview because I was fascinated by how the engineers were able to build up a machine that carries out molecular dynamics simulations at such remarkable speed."
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Data Science Major, Class of 2025

“The Undergraduate Fellowship was a huge success and I thoroughly enjoyed getting a small taste of the fascinating chemistry and software research that DESRES conducts. It was also immensely valuable to hear from an accomplished panel of DESRES researchers, connect with the other fellows, and receive a bit of constructive mentorship from other DESRES employees. There was a great diversity of experience and expertise, which made the fellowship all the more exciting.”
- Global Health Anthropology Major, Class of 2024

“It was great attending the fellowship. The greatest part of it all was that we tried out these simulations and analyzed them which gave some kind of insight into how things are done at the company, not to mention the virtual tour of the supercomputer, Anton, and how engineers are working to develop its next generation.”
- Computer Science Major, Class of 2024

“I really enjoyed how all the sessions allowed us to see what working at DESRES would be like from all different angles. We got to hear from some of the scientists about their daily work lives and we also were able to hear about their experiences before working at DESRES and how they were able to set themselves up for their time at the company. The simulation workshop was definitely one of my favorite sessions because I felt like I was receiving training for my first project at DESRES!”
- Chemistry Major, Class of 2023

“The Fellowship was engaging, simple to follow, and informative. It was fascinating to learn about molecular dynamics, the Anton supercomputer, and the various professionals that work together to conduct valuable research.”
- Biomolecular Engineering Major, Class of 2023