Assessing Needs and Sense of Belonging in an Emerging Environmental Data Science Community

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 12:40 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Developing Critical Consciousness and Identity Through Community-Based Research (Table 2)

Abstract

This study describes how a new data synthesis center has supported development of an emerging community of environmental data scientists, including gathering feedback on the community’s needs and measuring sense of belonging within the community. The center’s goal is to grow a diverse, inclusive, transdisciplinary community of students, post-doctoral researchers, and scientists to advance environmental data science through educational courses, skills trainings, and collaborative research innovation events to address environmental challenges with large, open data sets. Findings highlighted needs for providing more educational opportunities, creating inclusive, welcoming spaces, and supporting newcomers to the community. Participants’ responses also indicated growth in their sense of belonging within the community after participating in collaborative research events developed and facilitated by the center.

Authors

• Megan K. Littrell, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Anne Gold, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Emily Ward, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Nathan Quarderer, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Susan Sullivan, University of Colorado - Boulder

• James Rattling Leaf, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Jennifer Balch, University of Colorado - Boulder