Visualization: A Conduit for Collaborative Undergraduate Research Experiences

Evidence of the importance of visualization can be seen in the role visualization continues to play in informed decision making [1-4], data analysis [5], explanations of complex data sets [68], detection of trends and patterns [9], and storytelling [10-12]. The need to diversify a field with such far-reaching influence is imperative [13]. Visualization is the process of transforming raw, complex data into a visual representation that provides insight. In order to prepare the next generation of researchers and scientists to make transformative and innovative discoveries in a data-driven world, exposure to the process, tools and techniques of data visualization must begin early. Many students and some faculty are not aware of the data visualization process, the value of visualization, the purpose of visualization or the benefits of visualization in academia, research, and industry. The 2014/2015 NSF REU Site (Award 1359223) summer research experience for undergraduates in collaborative data visualization applications was designed to address this need. Goals of the program are to: (1) introduce data visualization at the undergraduate level, (2) strengthen student skills and capabilities in data visualization, (3) broaden participation in visualization among women, members of underrepresented groups and students from institutions with limited research infrastructure, and (4) encourage students to pursue graduate degrees in STEM. Visualization training is part of the core summer curriculum. Undergraduates, STEM and non-STEM majors, participate in the program. Results: The 2014/2015 program cumulatively recruited a total of 22 participants: 11 (50%) female, 11 (50%) male; 4 (18%) of participants were from historically black colleges or universities (HBCU), 1 (5%) from Hispanic serving institutions (HSI), 5 (23%) first-generation college students. Students were also recruited from institutions with limited research opportunities: 10 (45%) of the 2014/2015 cohort were from non-PhD granting institutions. The program provided diversity in content, projects and participant ethnicities: 6 (27%) African American, 1 (5%) Asian, 4 (18%) Hispanic/Latino, 1 (5%) Native American/American Indian, and 10 (45%). In 2014 the program received 26 applications. In 2015 the program received 205 applications for 10 slots. The program included multidisciplinary research projects in computer science, engineering, genetics and biochemistry, sociology, molecular modeling and simulation, inorganic chemistry, and athletics. Students participating in the summer program reported majoring in engineering, computational biology, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and information systems. The combined 2014/2015 cohorts reported: 21 accepted student conference poster presentations, 15 accepted student conference talks, and 55 student REU site presentations (including midterm, final presentations and presentations to incoming freshmen from underrepresented groups) about the summer program and their research. Conclusion: The demand for persons with data visualization skills will continue to grow as data continues to grow in volume, size and variety [14]. The increase in applicants for the summer program suggests there is growing interest in data visualization at the undergraduate level, across disciplines and among STEM and nonSTEM majors. This paper provides an overview of the program, recruitment effort, outcomes and assessment.