Biocomputing Scholars Program at ASU
The Biocomputing Scholars Program is a cohort-based undergraduate research program hosted by the Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society (CBSS) at Arizona State University (ASU).
CBSS conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computer science, biology, and social systems, often with a focus on characterizing and mitigating malicious behavior in complex systems.
If you are interested in joining us in researching immunogenetics, privacy and cybersecurity, Internet freedom, evolution of software, phase transitions and emergent phenomena, and origins of complexity, see the application and eligibility requirements below.
See our list of current projects for specific examples of research areas.
Eligibility, Application, and Timeline
The Biocomputing Scholars Program is open to any currently enrolled undergraduate student at ASU, online or in-person, with a relevant field of study.
Most of our scholars come from Computer Science, Computer Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Data Science, Complexity Science, Mathematics, Biology, and Physics; but feel free to apply regardless of major if you feel you have something to contribute.
The application for the 2026–27 cohort is available now and closes Monday, August 3, 2026.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance/rejection by Friday, August 14, 2026.
Scholars admitted to the program will begin their research projects shortly after the start of the fall semester.
Note: Students who prefer a more biologically-focused or wet-lab research experience are encouraged to apply to our sister program, the ACE Scholars Program.
Scholar Expectations
Biocomputing Scholars is a year-long program, arranged around project teams of 1–5 scholars each.
Workload will vary by project, but you should expect to dedicate an average of 6+ hours/week to the program in the following structure:
- 1 hr/wk: Each week, scholars will meet with their project team, graduate student or postdoctoral mentor, and faculty member (PI) to discuss research tasks and progress.
- 0.5 hr/wk: Every other week, the entire cohort will gather for the Biocomputing Scholars research seminar, where a CBSS faculty member will present their recent research and engage in open discussion with scholars.
- 4+ hr/wk: Independent/group work reading relevant literature, implementing ideas, visualizing results, and preparing progress updates.
- 2+ hrs: At the end of the semester, all scholars will present their research at a poster session.
- Optional: Depending on the project, PIs may also ask groups to write up their research in a report or work to publish the research as a peer-reviewed article.
Attendance and participation in all of these aspects is required to remain in the program.
Other Undergraduate Research Programs and Additional Opportunities
The Biocomputing Scholars Program is distinct from other undergraduate research opportunities at ASU, like the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative (FURI), the Grand Challenge Scholars Program, and the School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research (SOLUR) program.
Depending on scholar readiness and interest, some PIs may work with scholars to propose their Biocomputing Scholars research as a FURI/GCSP/SOLUR project in parallel.
Students in Barrett, the Honors College may also ask their PIs if Biocomputing Scholar research projects can support their Barrett Honors Theses.
Typically, a PI will expect an honors student to extend the project or take individual intellectual ownerwhip over some aspect for it to count as a thesis.
A scholar may be eligible to receive research credits for their participation in the Biocomputing Scholars Program through enrollment in a course like BIO 495 or CSE 499. The receipt of research credits may be contingent on a student’s academic year or standing.
Questions?
Email Olivia Smith with “Biocomputing Scholars Program” in your subject line.
