The DataSquad Experiment: Some Lessons for Building RSE Capacity

The DataSquad Model addresses two different challenges at a small liberal arts college; helping more people solve data and programming problems, and giving undergraduates hands-on experience with data and software development. Paula Lackie, Academic Technologist for Data at Carleton College, started the program to improve data services, but soon recognized equal benefit for student members. The model adapts easily to different environments. UCLA and others have started their own DataSquads using openly shared components from Carleton’s DataSquad model through “DataSquad International”.

By running the DataSquad as a work-study opportunity for students at Carleton College, Lackie and her students developed core components that keep the program manageable and rewarding: structured peer mentorship, teamwork development, and communication skills. Students receive projects that challenge them appropriately, and encourage them to find their own paths, while learning FAIR data principles. Recruitment and management strategies give all students opportunities for the hands-on experience needed to gain the confidence and get their foot in the door somewhere. 

This paper introduces the DataSquad as implemented at Carleton College, where students tackle increasingly complex data problems, including full-stack software development. DataSquad Alumni are actively providing feedback on their experience. Preliminary results follow; we will publish refined data later.