OOI Data Labs 2024 Mid-Atlantic Workshop

June 2-5, 2024

The Marine Science Center
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC

Join us in Wilmington, as professors from around the country gather to learn about the Ocean Observatory Initiative (OOI) and how the community-developed collection of Data Explorations and online OOI Lab Manual can be used to support undergraduate teaching.

This NSF-sponsored workshop will focus on the relocation of the NSF OOI Pioneer Array to the Mid-Atlantic, and the potential this move will provide for future educational lessons and student research activities. We will also collaboratively review the existing collection of OOI educational resources and the current state of programming notebook-based activities. A key goal of the workshop will be to identify gaps, needs and the potential for the development of future OOI educational resources.

Professors who teach or are developing introductory or upper level oceanography courses are encouraged to apply. Especially those from the Mid-Atlantic, or those teaching about Mid-Atlantic coastal processes. Those teaching data skills in environmental, ecological, or data science courses with marine science emphasis are also welcome. We also highly encourage faculty at HBCU, MSI, HSI, Tribal, 2-year (i.e. community college), and primarily undergraduate institutions (PUI) to consider attending as well, as this workshop primarily focuses on the educational potential of the OOI.

Key Workshop Objectives

Participants will:

  1. Learn about the OOI program and key science questions it addresses.
  2. Access existing tools and resources designed to integrate OOI data into teaching.
  3. Be introduced to Python as a tool for working with and engaging students in OOI data.
  4. Learn how to effectively incorporate OOI data labs into undergraduate teaching.
  5. Create a customized new resource to bring OOI data into your classes.
  6. Have an opportunity to network with other professors interested in using oceanographic data. in undergraduate teaching.

Workshop Overview and Agenda

The workshop will begin on Sunday evening with an opening session and reception, and will conclude on Wednesday afternoon.

A more detailed agenda will be posted by the end of March, but here is an initial outline.

  • Sunday evening – Gathering/reception. Participant introductions. Workshop overview and goals.
  • Monday – Overview of the OOI. The scientific goals of the new Pioneer Array. Introduction to existing OOI Data Labs activities.
  • Tuesday – Gap analysis of OOI educational resources. Brainstorm of new Pioneer Array related activities. Discussion of coding, software and data analysis notebooks in undergraduate education.
  • Wednesday – Educational activity idea share-a-thon. Curriculum planning.

Facilitators

  • Janice McDonnell, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
  • Sage Lichtenwalner, Rutgers University – New Brunswick
  • Denise Bristol, Hillsborough Community College
  • Anna Pfeiffer-Herbert, Stockton University
  • Dax Soule, Queens College CUNY

Workshop Application

If you would like to apply to attend this workshop, please fill out the registration form by April 8th to insure early consideration. Selected attendees will be notified by Mid-April.

Flights or milage, hotel and meals will be covered for accepted applicants.

Apply Today

Please contact mcdonnel@marine.rutgers.edu with any questions.

Please note, the OOI Facilities Board is hosting a separate community workshop in September, focused on the science and education initiatives that can be addressed by the relocated Pioneer Array.  Their application deadline is March 26. The OOI Data Labs workshop (above) will focus primarily on educational opportunities.