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PRISM Undergraduate Research Program Application 2026-27

Introduction

Please read these instructions before beginning:

Thank you for your interest in PRISM's Undergraduate Research Program (URP). Please be aware, our application has several short answer questions including one asking you to describe why are you applying to PRISM URP. If you prefer, you can work on these questions on your own (using Microsoft Word or Google Docs, for example) before starting your application and then copy and paste your responses into the application.

Only complete applications will be evaluated.

The questions you will be asked are:
  1. Have you discussed, or are you planning to discuss, with a prospective mentor(s) about joining her/his lab? If so, with whom?
  2. Please think about a science project you have done, a science topic you are interested in, a technical training or science lab experience, or a research experience you have participated in. What did you learn about the process of science from this experience?
  3. What are your professional/career interests (what do you want to do after John Jay)? Why do you want to do/study/join this field?
  4. How will being part of PRISM's Undergraduate Research Program help you achieve those goals?

You will also need to upload a PDF of your unofficial transcript (do not upload DegreeWorks reports). You can dowload one on CUNYfirst.

Eligibility
PRISM Undergraduate Research Program is open to all John Jay science and math students. In order to be eligible for this program, you must have:
  • officially declared your major as either forensic science, cell & molecular biology, toxicology, applied math, or computer science;
  • earned a minimum GPA of 2.5 (FOS, CMB & TOX majors) or 3.0 (CSIS & AMM majors);
  • successfully completed your first year introductory coursework (modern biology and general chemistry for FOS, CMB & TOX majors) or object-oriented computing (CSIS & AMM majors) by the end of the 2025-26 academic year;
  • identified one or two prospective labs to join before applying (you can learn more about our faculty's research projects here and here), and have discussed your plans with prospective faculty mentor(s).
Candidates are evaluated on their academic performance and preparation to become an undergraduate researcher. Students at John Jay or at one of our partnering colleges may apply as early as their freshman year to begin in the summer before their sophomore year, though preference is given to students completing their sophomore year. Admission to our Program is competitive. All eligible students will be invited for an interview with Program staff.

Important Information Before Applying
Please read the following information carefully before submitting your application to the PRISM Undergraduate Research Program. These notes are meant to clarify eligibility, expectations, and funding considerations so that applicants can make informed decisions.

Application Timeline
The application will be open from April 1 to May 1. Interviews will take place in May, and acceptance decisions will be sent in late May. Selected students may begin participation in either Summer or Fall 2026, depending on program needs and funding availability.

International Students
All students are welcome to apply and participate in PRISM, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. However, because the program is supported by federal and or state grants, funding agencies restrict our ability to provide monetary stipends to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only. Non-US Citizens may still be able to participate in the program without a stipend, depending on individual circumstances and program capacity.

BS/MS Students
The PRISM program is designed to support undergraduate researchers. Based on guidance from our funders, we may continue supporting students who applied to PRISM during their undergraduate studies, such as during their sophomore or junior year, through the final year of their MS degree.
We are unable to accept or provide funding to students in a BS/MS program who will have completed their undergraduate degree before the start of the PRISM program, including students graduating prior to the upcoming summer or fall term.

Funding and Stipends
PRISM stipends are supported by external grant funding and are not guaranteed. Stipend availability depends on multiple factors, including funding levels, grant eligibility requirements, government shutdowns, program cancellations, or other circumstances beyond the program’s control. As a result, we may be able to provide stipends to some, but not all, participating students.
Participation in the program does not constitute employment, and stipend support may change depending on funding availability.
1.What is your major?(Required.)