Mentoring
Mentoring is foundational to developing the next generation of scientists and we strive to provide a supportive, intellectually stimulating and inclusive environment for our team. Check out philosophy page for a description of how we think at the Cool Worlds Lab before considering an application.
Graduate Research
Generally, we enthusiastically support strong applicants to conduct PhD research at the Cool Worlds Lab. However, we do not and cannot accept applications to work as a PhD student with the Cool Worlds Lab or Prof David Kipping directly. Prospective students should apply to Columbia University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).
Details on the Department of Astronomy's graduate program are described here, but we briefly point out some relevant details in what follows. Enrolled graduate students complete two one-year research projects plus classes in their first two years, which is nominally followed by three years of thesis research. The first two one-year projects are with different faculty advisors and we recommend students pick two distinct research fields to provide broad exposure.
Typically, it would be during one of these two years that students interested in working on exoplanets would join the Cool Worlds Lab. Suitability for continuation to thesis work is usually decided by students, advisor and faculty.
Undergraduate Research
Please be aware that we receive far more requests for undergraduate research than we have opportunities. Priority is given the Columbia astro majors. The Department of Astronomy has setup a centralized system for undergraduate research applications. You can apply at https://columbiacollegeastronomy.submittable.com/submit