''The Researcher in Residence post was an excellent opportunity to share my expertise on research tools and community engagement while also learning more about the University's digital research landscape''
Dr Johanna Wiesflecker
Residency Activities
One key component of my residency was working on the Digital Research Services outreach plan. I shared my experiences of encouraging PhD students to join activities and attend events, offering advice on different channels that can be used to connect with various research communities at the university. By sharing strategies that worked for me in my article 'Starting your PhD and don't know where to begin?' I aimed to help the team enhance their engagement efforts and foster a more interconnected research environment.
The remainder of the residency focused on the available research tools and training resources for the Interpret & Analyse stage of the research cycle. I mapped the existing resources on this topic and decided to add information on data visualisation tools, which aligns with my research interests and expertise.
In line with my residency focus on data visualisation, I took the opportunity to learn more about tools I hadn't used before, particularly Tableau and Power BI, as well as the training courses available through the university information services. This experience expanded my understanding and capabilities in data visualisation, making me more proficient with these new tools.
To consolidate and share this information, I combined my newfound knowledge with my existing expertise in Python and R by creating an advisory article for fellow students and staff at the university. This article provides guidance on available data visualisation tools, their suitability for different users, and where to find training resources, aiming to help others enhance their research presentations and delve deeper into the world of data visualisation.
Highlights of the Residency
The residency experience was incredibly enriching, allowing me to expand my understanding of digital research methodologies. The Digital Research Services team provided unwavering support, making the journey both enjoyable and educational.
Reflecting on this experience, it’s clear that digital research is a dynamic and ever-evolving field. The skills and insights gained during this residency will undoubtedly benefit my future work and, I hope, inspire others to dive deeper into the world of data visualisation and digital research. This summer residency was a highlight of my academic journey, and I’m excited to see how these new skills and ideas will continue to shape my research endeavours.