EDSIN: Environmental Data Science Inclusion Network

Bringing Conversations on Diversity and Inclusion in Data Science to the Ecological and Environmental Sciences, was a 3-day conference hosted at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research’s (UCAR) Center Green in Boulder, Colorado, April 2-4, 2019. Please not that these proceedings have also been uploaded as a Word file. 

Bringing Conversations on Diversity and Inclusion in Data Science to the Ecological and Environmental Sciences, was a 3-day conference hosted at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research’s (UCAR) Center Green in Boulder, Colorado, April 2-4, 2019. Please not that these proceedings have also been uploaded as a PDF file. 

Opening plenary presentation given by Dr. Carolyn Finney on April 2, 2019.

Presentation given by Alycia Crall (National Ecological Observatory Network) to set the stage for the 3-day conference on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the environmental data sciences.

The opening panel for the Bringing Conversations on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Data Science to the Environmental Sciences conference included Cedric Chambers, Jump Recruits; Clyde Cristman, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation; Gina Helfrich, NumFOCUS; Kaitlin Stack Whitney, Rochester Institute of Technology; and James Rattling Leaf, Sr., Rattling Leaf Consulting, LLC.

Presenter: Jason Williams, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Abstract: This talk highlights challenges and opportunities surrounding bioinformatics training and aims to spark conversation reshaping the training landscape. As new methods such as machine learning/deep learning become more relevant to biology, we risk widening the intelligibility gap between the training “haves” and “have-nots.” The community has a need for extensive discussion on this topic and support for development of alternatives to classroom training that can bridge gaps between the large numbers of existing researchers who need to understand and apply data science skills, but who are unlikely to return to formal schooling. Findings by NIBLSE (pronounced “nibbles”) – Network for Integrating Bioinformatics in Life Sciences Education – revealed that 95% of faculty believe bioinformatics should be taught, but only 40% manage to do so (with clear disparities for faculty at less-resourced institutions). Input from the survey and a NIBLSE working group has also generated a set of bioinformatics competencies for undergraduate bioinformatics (Sayers et.al. 2018). A a survey of NSF-funded investigators in the biological sciences (Barone et.al. 2017) conclude that training in several areas of bioinformatics are the most unmet need for established researchers. Improving the bioinformatics curriculum opens up opportunities for broadened participation by equipping students and teachers with the skills needed for 21st century careers in STEM. Examples of CyVerse and Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center programs that integrate bioinformatics, big data, and data science will illustrate effective ways to engage diverse students with in-demand skills.

Presenters: Yael Wyner, City College of New York, City University of New York and Janice Koch, American University

Abstract: This speed talk describes three education projects that engage urban minority students in science and the environment. Two projects focus on secondary school ecology and evolutionary biology learning in New York City science classrooms. The third project is a new science learning and public engagement major for City College of New York undergraduate students. Each of these projects seeks to increase access to science learning and science careers. With NSF funding, we created curricular resources grounded in published scientific data to connect the daily lives of New York City high school students to ecological concepts learned in school. We also created curricular resources for New York City middle school students to help them notice the evolutionary patterns of the sidewalk trees they pass daily. We are currently designing a new undergraduate program to prepare City College graduates to deliver STEM learning at botanical gardens, museums, zoos, environmental education centers, community-based organizations, educational, and science and environmental non-profits. The new City College program is a response to the unmet need to expand the science engagement pipeline to members of underrepresented groups.

Presenters: Travis Belote, The Wilderness Society, Edem Yevoo, University of Maryland, and Teresa Mourad, Ecological Society of America 

Abstract: The EcologyPlus program recruits and supports a cohort of diverse students to pursue a variety of professional development opportunities through a diverse network of organizations. The Wilderness Society, as a partner organization, hosted three EcologyPlus student interns in the fall of 2018. The internship began with a week-long trip to Montana to visit Yellowstone National Park, meet local scientists, receive a short-course on geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data, and develop research questions. Each student developed separate but related questions requiring various spatial datasets, data management, and analytical approaches. The students completed most of the work at their home institutions throughout the fall semester of 2018. The remote internship included biweekly check-ins including “shadowing” via screenshares to work through data analysis challenges. Students presented their work during a one-hour presentation and webinar at the end of the semester. We will discuss the value of spatial data and GIS in undergraduate education and provide recommendation for a successful remote internship. Our key recommendations include spending time together in-person for a kick-off event, regular check-in meetings with video conferencing and screenshares, and developing clear deliverables (report or professional presentation) to bookend the experience.

Presenters: Edem Yevoo, University of Maryland and Travis Belote, The Wilderness Society

Abstract: As the global population continues to increase, more people are moving from rural to urban areas. In the next decades, most of the world's population will be living in urban areas. Utilizing geospatial data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a predictive visual model was created using geographic information systems (GIS) software. The model was used to predict the change in the District of Columbia's (DC) urban landscape over time. The use of GIS and data analysis systems hold the key to tackling current and future environmental issues. I will discuss the use of spatial data and how it can be used to impact policy, climate change, and socioeconomic conditions in our urban environments.

Presenters: Jennifer Balch, Earth Lab/University of Colorado-Boulder and Kirsten Rowell, University of Colorado-Boulder

Abstract: What are we actually harnessing the data revolution for? It's for humanity. Ultimately, big data should help improve people's lives and help society live more sustainably with our planet. It's not anyone's data, it's everyone's data. This makes it critical to involve, encourage, and support a diversity of people in owning the data and ultimately owning the solutions that come from that data.

Presenter: Marco Hatch, Western Washington University  

Abstract: One common barrier to STEM engagement in underserved and underrepresented communities is a feeling of disconnection from mainstream science. This attitude is rooted in a history of researchers and decision-makers collecting, analyzing and interpreting data without engaging community members as true partners and equals. Spanning this boundary between ecological research and communities impacted by environmental change is foundational to moving toward a more equitable future focused on solutions that serve under-resourced communities facing the brunt of environmental degradation and climate change. Great strides have been made toward the goals of democratizing conservation science, empowering local communities to engage with mainstream research on a level playing field. However, these initiatives are subject to a few common pitfalls such as, projects that do not fully account for the social-cultural context of the community, projects that fail to understand the foundationally different worldview of Indigenous communities. These pitfalls can lead to partnerships with the unstated goal of “making them like us”, where the actions of the partnership are structured such that the decision-making power and authority is retained within the STEM disciplines, and if community members want access to that authority, they must conform their worldview to mainstream science. We believe that spanning this boundary between local communities and mainstream science will increase social justice, increase the relevance of conservation science, and open new opportunity spaces for all involved. Central to the success of this vision are boundary spanners.

Presenters: Tracy Teal, Kari L. Jordan, and SherAaron Hurt, The Carpentries

AbstractTraining for data skills is more critical now than ever before. In the past decade, we've seen the creation of certification and graduate programs for data science, as well as a plethora of interactive, self-paced online learning platforms. Today's learners are often learning on the job and need the flexibility of short, or self-paced learning experiences. Research results, however, stress the importance of guided instruction and learner-instructor interaction. We've taken a distinctive approach to this problem, combining the power of guided instruction with the flexibility of short, focused learning experiences. Two-day, interactive, hands-on coding workshops train researchers to work with data, and have impacted over 27,500 researchers, ranging from biologists to physicists to engineers and economists. Researchers have benefited from evidence-based teaching approaches to learning data organization (spreadsheets), cleaning (OpenRefine), management (SQL), analysis and visualization (R and Python). This talk focuses on implications and growth opportunities for incorporating data science curriculum at the university level, from the perspective of The Carpentries. We explore tips and best-practices in data science curriculum development including assessment strategies, accessibility, and equity and inclusion.

Presenter: Sarah R. Supp, Denison University

Abstract: This talk will use two examples to discuss inclusive pedagogical strategies for training in data science skills. Building a new interdisciplinary program for undergraduates in data analytics, we have a project-based pedagogy, and as a unit have considered ways in which we can spark interest and build academic successes for students more broadly, including students that are traditionally underrepresented in the Computer Sciences, or other related technical fields. This talk will also discuss an ongoing project to address gaps in training for undergraduate instructors, to enhance data education in biology curriculum, thus also broadening access to technical skills for students in these courses.

Presenter: Melissa Watkinson, Salish Sea DEI Community of Practice

Abstract: Addressing inequity and working toward environmental justice is essential to a successful environmental movement. Currently, there are significant disparities in the representation, content, and processes for implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the environmental field across the Salish Sea and the Pacific Northwest Coast. Although professionals in this field are aware and concerned about issues related to DEI, there is an overall lack of understanding for how to integrate these concepts into the environmental workforce. Addressing inequity and working toward environmental justice is essential to a successful environmental movement. We believe that by creating and fostering a Salish Sea DEI Community of Practice (CoP), we can begin to build this critical foundation together.

Presenter: Melvin Hall, Northern Arizona University

Presenter: Drew Hasley  

Abstract: If you were designing a course or employee training that introduces participants to writing and executing code, statistical analyses, and data visualization, what would you do to make it inclusive of participants with disabilities? What sorts of accessibility issues might you anticipate? How might you address them before you even know who the participants are? Why shouldn’t you just wait until you have a participant with a disability and work with them directly to make accommodations? Confidently answering such questions can be daunting. It requires knowing what disability is, awareness of some barriers to participation in data science by people with disabilities, some knowledge of tools and strategies for lowering those barriers, and above all, creativity. In this talk, I will address each of these, drawing on personal experience as a student and professional with a severe visual impairment, and knowledge gained from colleagues and friends during ongoing efforts in the area of accessible teaching in quantitative biology. Audience members will leave this talk with a better understanding of barriers to recruitment and training of people with disabilities in data science and some tools and strategies to lower them. They will also learn about areas requiring more attention. My primary goal is to leave audience members with the confidence that they can indeed help address the substantial underrepresentation of people with disabilities in this vital, growing field.

Presenters: Sarah Stone and Anissa Tanweer, University of Washington

Abstract: Launched in Summer 2015, the UW Data Science for Social Good (DSSG) program partners eScience Data Scientists and Student Fellows from across the country with Project Leads from academia, government, and the private sector to find data-driven solutions to pressing societal challenges. Previous projects (15 over the past 4 summers) have involved data analysis and visualization on topics such as transportation, public health, sustainable urban planning, homelessness, and disaster response. Several projects have led to long-term collaborations and funding opportunities. Integrated project-based discussions and training around data science ethics, human-centered design and stakeholder collaboration are keystones of our DSSG program. Differences in prior experience and training among student fellows can pose a challenge, but often become a strength in the context of project work. Our experience running this program supports the notion that DSSG programs can both effectively impact social good and provide "real world" data science training for students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.

Presenters: Adrienne Smith, Cynosure Consulting and Rebecca Zulli Lowe, Cynosure Consulting

Abstract: Asset maps serve as a simple, yet impactful tool for helping underrepresented groups connect with important people, programs, and resources that would support their recruitment and retention in STEM. In contrast to a traditional deficit-focused mindset, asset mapping was born out of an approach that seeks out existing strengths and works to build capacity by leveraging current resources as a foundation for further innovation. At the end of this talk, individuals will walk away with a list of steps that they can use to develop a comprehensive map that could be distributed immediately to current and future STEM (including high school seniors). These steps include identifying current assets within an array of existing categories (e.g., tutoring centers, individual faculty mentors, local chapters of STEM associations) designed to help mappers think expansively about existing supports. Additional steps involve reviewing contact lists and asking others to assist in the identification of assets, performing internet searches of the school/organization website looking for key words, and reading through the university directory to highlight offices that work on diversity issues or support the individuals targeted. The assets can be plotted directly onto a campus map and supplied to underrepresented groups, so they are aware of and can locate the resources and supports available to them. Additionally, the formation of the maps can be a beneficial exercise for departments to use to assess their own assets and strategically plan for the development of new assets.

Presenter: Carlos Castillo-Chavez

Abstract: The spread of fads, scientific ideas and the growth and stability of communities can also be understood as contagions. In this talk, I would focus on contagion in all its glory, including its role on building communities of mentors and understanding the role that initial conditions should play in our definition of meritocracy.

Presenter: Hong Qin, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Abstract: Dr. Qin presents his experience of integrate screen-recording to enhance student learning experience of computational biology. Students were required to screen-recording their process of solving computational problems. These screen-recordings can be used to identify the learning hurdles of students and improve student learning experiences.