Data science, visualization, modeling, and programming skills are becoming increasingly important in a wide range of careers. The Data Visualization and Numerical Modeling Short Course, run by Prof. Foley at Penn State Geosciences, is designed to develop these critical programming, numerical modeling, and data science skills among undergraduate students across the physical sciences or engineering. The skills students develop will be broadly applicable throughout the physical sciences. Example data sets and models used during the course will be derived from cutting edge research questions in the Geosciences, so students will learn about pressing, fundamental Geoscience research topics regarding Earth’s interior and long-term evolution.
Program details
The short course will run for two weeks from July 8-19, 2024 during weekdays. The course will be run remotely, so students can participate from anywhere as long as they have stable internet connections. The course will involve recorded video lectures going over the day’s material that student participants will watch on their own time, and live virtual “labs” with the Prof. Foley. The virtual labs will be held live over zoom, where all students will work on programming exercises building on the material covered in the lectures for that day under the supervision of Prof. Foley. Virtual labs will be held in the afternoons, Eastern time, each day of the course. Students should expect to dedicate about 4-5 hours per day on work for the course. Student participants will be paid a stipend for their time dedicated to this course.
By the end of the program, students will have gained valuable experience in programming, modeling, and data visualization, and learned about applications of these tools to scientific problems in the geosciences. After completion of the short course, students interested in a full summer long REU program in geosciences can apply to return to Penn State in summer 2025 for a research internship.
Who is this program for?
The program is open to students currently enrolled in a college or university majoring in the physical sciences, engineering, or related field. Aside from this, the program is open to students from all stages of progress towards their college or university degrees. If you are a college student interested in developing your programming, modeling, and data science skills then this program is for you!
Students should be familiar with basic calculus and have experience with computers, though no prior programming experience is required. The course is intended for students at the beginner to intermediate level with scientific programming.
Student participants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Students for groups that are underrepresented in the sciences are particularly encouraged to apply!
Apply for the program through NSF here.
Applications are open until April 1, and accepted students will be notified within about 2-3 weeks.
Logistical details:
- Short course will run for 2 weeks (July 8-19, 2024) during weekdays
- The course will be run remotely; students can participate from anywhere
- Participants will be paid a stipend of $600 per week
- Each day of the program students will learn from video lectures and then put their skills to use with hands on exercises, under the guidance of the instructors
- Apply by April 1, 2024
- Upon completion of the program, interested students can apply to come to Penn State for a summer long research experience for summer 2025