University Library News

Real Skills for Real Solutions

Public Interest Data Literacy Lab Equips Students with Real-World Skills to Combat Hunger in Georgia

In the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters, Georgia State University Library’s Research Data Services (RDS) Department launched an innovative educational initiative — the Public Interest Data Literacy (PIDLit) Learning Lab, “Tackling Food Insecurity.” This experiential-learning course, funded by a Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN) Challenge grant, provided students with the opportunity to learn and use data literacy skills to address one of the most pressing challenges facing communities: food insecurity.

Partnering with local organizations such as Panther’s Pantry, Wholesome Wave Georgia, MARTA Markets, and ATLytiCS, the PIDLit Lab course allowed students to engage in real-world problem-solving. Students applied social theories and methods to the data needs of these organizations, assisting them in implementing data-driven solutions to combat food insecurity across metro Atlanta and other parts of Georgia. Through these efforts, students developed valuable skills while contributing meaningfully to their community.

“Data skills are essential in today’s job market,” says Mandy Swygart-Hobaugh, department head of Research Data Services. “Employers across industries are seeking candidates who can analyze, interpret, and use data to drive decision-making and solve real-world issues.”

Real-World Research, Tangible Impact

Under the guidance of PIDLit Directors Halley Riley, Ashley Rockwell, and Mandy Swygart-Hobaugh, the course centered on three research projects designed to provide hands-on data collection and analysis experiences.

These projects included:

• a survey of 424 GSU students to examine their experiences with food insecurity,
• a survey of 115 MARTA public transportation users, also focusing on food insecurity, and
• a qualitative analysis of two focus groups conducted by Wholesome Wave Georgia, assessing the impact of their Food for Health program, which provides fresh-produce prescriptions and wellness education.

The research results contributed valuable insights to community partners, helping them refine their programs to better serve food-insecure populations.

A Platform for Student Success

The course not only allowed students to make a real difference but also provided a platform for them to showcase their work. Several members of the PIDLit Team presented their research at the Southern Sociological Society conference in New Orleans from April 3-6, 2024.

Honors College assistants Armina Fani and Kokou Efou delivered poster presentations on their survey research. Fani’s presentation, “Transportation and Other Hurdles to Food Access,” and Efou’s presentation, “College Students’ Housing and Food Insecurity: The Difference Between On-Campus and Off-Campus Living,” were well received.

Student Reflections

Students in the PIDLit Lab consistently praised the skills and knowledge they gained, many noting how the course prepared them for future career opportunities. Here’s what some of them had to say:

• “This course was perhaps the most applicable to post-graduation I have taken. I learned how to work on a research team and got a decent overview of what might be expected of me as a research assistant.”
• “Getting the opportunity to work with real people and real data is an amazing experience.”
• “I’m a lot more confident in my data literacy and grateful for how much I’ve learned. I hope to use these skills in the future.”
• “This class will provide you with valuable skills and help you actualize your options post-grad. This was by far the most helpful course I have taken to make me career-ready.” ▪

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