About

DataBridge is…

Hosted out of University Libraries and works with clients from the Virginia Tech community to address and solve data problems. While data science encapsulates multiple tools, programs, and workflows, our main priority is finding students who are interested in honing data skills and pairing them with researchers and projects that mesh well with the student’s interests and goals, while also supporting our research groups consultation services. A short summary of the types of skills and technique students use is below: 

• Data visualization (interactive and flat) 

• Analysis (trend spotting, identifying correlates, etc.) 

• Programming standard tools (web scrappers, analysis scripts, etc.) 

• Data management 

• Project review (reviewing deliverables, workflow, data management plan) 

This list is by no means exhaustive and we do not expect students to be able to do all (or any!) of those tasks yet. As with most domains, as students progress through and work in the group, they naturally tend to find niches that fit their career goals and personality. Please do not feel overwhelmed, behind, or unable to be a part of this research group due to a lack of existing skills or understanding.  

Students enter our group taking a 2994 undergraduate research credit(s) in order to train and get a solid foundation in the research group. During the training 2994 research semester(s), students are expected to complete assignments and create deliverables (visualizations, web apps, python scripts, excel functions, whatever the project may call for) to demonstrate program and skill confidence. Currently, students will be focusing on spreadsheets and data tables cleaning, data visualization, coding fundamentals and logic, and an optional programming path.  

Once students have demonstrated proficiency in these foundational skills, they will be paired with a project. This project can stem from an outside client (I.e. faculty, researchers, other students), a grant that DataBridge is collaborating on, or from a long-term lab project we have. Lab managers and the P.I. will work with the student to create a research plan, timeline, and determine actionable goals. From there, the student will work to complete tasks and disseminate progress via weekly meetings and documentation.  DataBridge can be done for multiple semesters as a 2994 or a 4994 credit, depending on student status, progression level, student year, and other factors.