Shutterstock
Oct. 2, 2020
From pandemic data storytelling to topographical brain maps, PURE undergrad researchers are at forefront of digital data transformation
Business, government and non-profit organizations look to academia as an incubator for data literacy and advanced research. forecast that up to 80 per cent of organizations will initiate deliberate competency development in the field of data literacy to overcome extreme deficiencies in today鈥檚 institutions.
In research-intensive universities, programs 鈥 such as the Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) 鈥斅 that foster the development of next-generation researchers early on in their careers are essential to developing future-forward competencies in graduates. While PURE students develop knowledge of disciplinary research methodologies, the high-impact projects are often centered at the crossroads of different fields.
A pandemic data story map and a topographical brain map are two examples of PURE projects in which data storytelling and visualization blend advanced visual design and communications with science.聽
Mapping a pandemic鈥檚 story
In January, inspired by early renditions of web-maps and dashboards, Akanksha Bhargava sought to visualize the global viral spread through her own virtual mapping project. For the second-year undergraduate student from the Schulich School of Engineering, the initial worries of not having enough COVID-19 data for her PURE research quickly disappeared.
By the time the PURE term started in May, the flood of data exceeded any expectations Bhargava had about COVID-19 data accessibility. So,聽she set her sights on 鈥渃reating something that would help communities in my home province, Alberta.鈥澛
Applying geomatics engineering techniques to a unique online application, Bhargava鈥檚 research has resulted in a visually stunning interactive website: the . More than just a summary of daily case numbers, the map documents the social and political events occurring alongside the provincial COVID-19 spread. It also combines text with images, interactive graphs, animations and updated dashboards, offering Albertans a user-friendly and well-designed source of reliable data and information.
Combating an 'info-demic'
The rapid and limitless flow of information in our digital age can be hard for any individual to follow. Bhargava hopes that with her research as an example of a single 鈥渋mmersive and informative source for a topic of such importance,鈥 similar strategies can be employed toward聽鈥渃ombating the 鈥榠nfo-demic鈥 we face.鈥 With numerous news, data and information sources, Bhargava鈥檚 project aims to unify rather than fragment the existing knowledge within the province.
Looking ahead, Bhargava says, 鈥淚鈥檝e developed a newfound appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of engineering. I am looking forward to pursuing my interests in biomedical engineering research in future.鈥
Research is personal
Ali Babwani is passionate about innovation in neurophysiology, and that passion runs from a deeply personal source. Babwani鈥檚 older brother suffered a perinatal stroke when he was two days old. His brother now lives with cerebral palsy, a condition that has severely affected the motor functions of his brother鈥檚 right hand and leg.
鈥淕rowing up and seeing him having such a hard time everyday tasks made me realize how important it is to understand this condition and if there was anything we could have done early on.鈥
Having seen how the condition affects his brother, Babwani鈥檚 research seeks to understand how we can improve the quality of life for children and families affected by perinatal strokes. 鈥淓arly interventions could be the future of changing a child鈥檚 life forever.鈥
Topographical maps for brains
Like Bhargava, Babwani鈥檚 research deals in data visualization 鈥斅爀xcept Babwani鈥檚 data comes from brain stimulations. Using a new, innovative method, Babwani and the Kirton research team created topographical representations, or motor maps, to visualize the relationship between the brain and muscles in the hand.
These maps and their corresponding quantifiable data help researchers better understand the complexity of neurophysiology. Babwani hopes that with continued research efforts, there is potential to 鈥渦nderstand new gateways and avenues to neurorehabilitation, and how we can use this research to enhance and improve motor function.鈥澛
The pandemic halted the planned trials and physical data collection. Still, Babwani was undeterred, describing his PURE research experience as 鈥渁 foundational stepping stone鈥 to his career in clinical research. He notes, 鈥淚 want to be a neuroscientist and clinician that specializes in traumatic brain injury. Hopefully, one day I will use, create and consult on biotechnologies that can enhance the quality of life for children and their families as they transition to adulthood.鈥
Using innovative technologies and interdisciplinary techniques to visually map data, Bhargava and Babwani鈥檚 research projects are instrumental as our world becomes increasingly complex. From the general public to discipline experts, the succinct, impactful visualization of data is crucial to effective communication across local and global communities.
The College of Discovery, Creativity and Innovation (CDCI), in the Taylor institute for Teaching and Learning, is committed to continuing to provide and advance experiential learning and early research opportunities like the PURE Awards to students such as Bhargava and Babwani. It co-ordinates PURE, a competitive summer research award that provides financial support to 草莓污视频导航 undergraduate students for eight,12 or 16 weeks between May and August. .