In a world where data is everywhere, the practical implementation of ethical data management is becoming an increasing concern for researchers. A team led by Wei Zakharov, associate professor and engineering information specialist at Purdue, seeks to provide interdisciplinary instruction to undergraduate students, instilling practical competencies in the next generation of researchers.

Zakharov, a first-time principal investigator (PI), was recently awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) totaling $542,660. The project, “Prioritizing Data Life Cycle Management for Shaping Next Generation Researchers,” identifies a need for more efficient and responsible data management amid the rise of AI, growing data sets and increased access to research information.

The project sits in a broad category, but Zakharov labels it as general STEM education because it enables students across different disciplines to learn and apply relevant data management practices.

Senay Purzer, professor of engineering education, and Carla Zoltowski, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, joined Zakharov’s team as co-PIs.

“We want to determine undergrad researchers’ competencies with respect to data lifecycle ethical management, so it’s a benchmark,” Zakharov said. “We want to build a framework and curriculum for undergraduate researchers.”

Some aspects of data management that undergraduate researchers will be exposed to through the project include the data lifecycle ethical management framework, data management planning, metadata and data description, data preservation protocol, storage and backup, design reasoning matrix and an ethical data reasoning guide.

The curriculum is already in the process of being implemented, collaborating with two pivotal entities at Purdue: Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program in the College of Engineering and the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR).

In the spring 2024 semester, Zakharov co-taught a course with JJ Sadler, associate director of student-focused programming at OUR. Collaboration with VIP continues this fall and training will be included in VIP monthly workshops for graduate mentors, promoting further dissemination of the critical information regarding data management.

Zakharov said mentoring undergraduate researchers through the VIP program allowed her to pinpoint their struggles, and ultimately led to a recognized need for increased data competencies.

The Innovation Hub and OUR both played a critical part in obtaining the grant. Zakharov participated in the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) mentored grant writing program to help refine and enhance her proposal. 

Zakharov said the three-month program was intense, but she had no words to describe how grateful she was for the opportunity to be mentored.

“I haven’t seen anything similar,” said Zakharov about the program. “I think others would be very jealous.”

Even after the NSF proposal was submitted, the IUSE program helped Zakharov prepare for follow-up questions. She said these questions are typical if NSF is interested in the proposal.

Ultimately, Zakharov’s project exemplifies Purdue University’s commitment to fostering innovation, beginning with the data that permeates much of the world. By integrating ethical data management into STEM education and leveraging resources like the Innovation Hub, Purdue shows its support for researchers, both current and future. Zakharov’s project has the potential to help Purdue shape more informed, responsible, and innovative researchers in the future.

Learn how Purdue can support and enhance research initiatives through strategic collaboration. Faculty and staff interested in exploring funding opportunities with the Innovation Hub can connect with Beth Fines, Innovation Hub managing director.