Results of student-peer collaboration in the development of the Geoscience Student Data Network

The Geoscience Student Data Network (GSDNet) is an NSF-CCLI project to develop a software application that facilitates student collaboration and data analysis. Cyberinfrastructure development is accompanied by a three-course curriculum that includes a field component implemented jointly at City College of New York (CCNY) and Boise State University (BSU). We report on the challenges of utilizing existing social networking technology for student collaboration and the hurdles of real-time information exchange on heavily taxed networks and facilities. The field component and research project currently underway is engaging eight students from CCNY and their BSU peer-mentors. Students are characterizing a geothermal prospect in Idaho by combining data collected in the field, laboratory studies and cyberinfrastructure outlets using the GSDNet prototype. We will summarize results of student projects from data collection, metadata documentation, online collaboration, and project dissemination.