Programs Solve My Weird SULI Situation | LBNL Staff Scientist

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The discussion revolves around a participant's uncertainty regarding funding for a SULI (Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships) position. After being contacted by a staff scientist at LBNL who expressed interest in accepting their application, the participant received a concerning email from their mentor about the need to arrange funding, which created anxiety about the situation. Other contributors shared insights on the typical funding challenges associated with such programs, emphasizing that while securing funding can be uncertain, it is often manageable and not overly burdensome. They advised maintaining multiple opportunities to alleviate stress and highlighted the importance of the mentor's transparency regarding the funding situation. Overall, the conversation underscores the unpredictability of funding in research internships and the need for candidates to stay proactive.
electricsheep420
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Hey guys I'm kind of stuck in this weird SULI situation and I've been sweating bullets since last night. I was contacted by an LBNL staff scientist who agreed to take me in. I received an email from him saying that he had accepted my application. I hadn't received an official offer yet so I wasn't celebrating just yet. But last night I received an email saying from my mentor saying that he wasn't aware that he has to arrange for part of the funding of the program. He said "I am hopeful but not 100% sure" when asked about the likelihood of being able to arrange funding.
My question is to previous/current SULI mentors or those who work in national labs to give me an idea of hard it is to manage funding for these programs so I can put my mind at ease haha.
 
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Well, if they don’t have the funding they don’t have the funding. It isn’t a ton of money to come up with, so if it’s for the summer, they have some time to secure funding. I’ve had to give similar disclaimers to postdocs/students. It generally goes “happy to have you contingent on funding.” Sometimes you get it, sometimes you don’t. It may not be particularly comforting to you, but it never hurts for you to keep more than one iron in the fire. It’s nice of him to basically be giving you a heads up.
 

Thread 'PSA -- Contact PI's before applying to graduate school in the US'

Given the current funding situation, you should contact potential departments or research groups before you apply and pay any application fees. Many programs are not taking new graduate students at all this cycle because of funding uncertainty, unless a specific advisor can show they already have money to support you for five years. This is what I’ve heard directly from 20–30 programs. Do not waste money applying blindly.
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