---
title: "Research Data Services program enhances university research capabilities with technical workshops"
description: "The University Libraries’ Research Data Services (RDS) program offers an ongoing series of workshops aimed at boosting research capabilities at the University of New Mexico."
type: News
tags:
  - News
date: "2023-09"
generated:
  by: "process:scripts/port_legacy_pages.py"
  at: "2026-09-10T00:00:00Z"
sources:
  - id: carc-web
    resource: "https://carc.unm.edu/news--events/News/libraries-workshops-2023.html"
    title: "Research Data Services program enhances university research capabilities with technical workshops (carc.unm.edu)"
    author: "team:unm-carc"
---

# Research Data Services program enhances university research capabilities with technical workshops

<p class="carc-byline">By Mariah Rosales · September 2023</p>

![](/assets/libraries-workshops-2023-thumbnail-image.png)

The University Libraries’ Research Data Services (RDS) program offers an
ongoing series of workshops aimed at boosting research capabilities at the
University of New Mexico. These workshops introduce and provide hands-on
experience with tools like R and Python for data management and analysis; Git,
GitHub, and LoboGit for version control; and the effective use of Excel in
research. The workshops, which include two-hour Coffee and Code workshops and
multi-day Software, Data, and Library Carpentries workshops, promote research
reproducibility and effective communication of findings. They are designed to
bolster technical expertise, streamline research practices, and cultivate a
community of adept researchers.

RDS Director Karl Benedict and Data Curation Librarian Jonathan Wheeler lead
these workshops, with various collaborators bringing additional expertise to
ensure comprehensive guidance. Todd Quinn, a University Libraries subject
librarian, has been an integral part of the Coffee & Code workshop series and
the Carpentries workshops, fostering a multidimensional learning experience.

[The Carpentries](https://carpentries.org){target=_blank} is an organization
dedicated to advancing research capabilities through technical workshops
designed to build data analysis and computational skills. The program hosts a
number of open-source Software, Data, and Library Carpentries lessons. These
lessons allow for certified instructors like Benedict and Wheeler to teach
hands-on, participatory workshops where learners immediately get a chance to
try out the concepts they are learning.

Center for Advanced Research Computing Research Assistant Professor Matthew
Fricke recently became a certified Carpentries instructor, and two more CARC
staff members have completed the two-day training course and are in the
process of completing certification. This expansion of training capabilities
is the result of a partnership between CARC and RDS to coordinate
research-related training opportunities for the university. Both CARC and RDS
workshops can be found on calendars available on
[CARC](../education/workshops.md) and
[Libraries](https://unmevents.unm.edu/site/library/?category=&_gl=1*13gq4ry*_gcl_au*ODM2MDA2NTQyLjE2OTE0MTc1MTM.){target=_blank}
web pages. The partnership aims to make it easier for UNM researchers to
discover and attend workshops that will support them in their research goals.

The workshops offered by RDS primarily cater to novices and progressively
build upon prior concepts. Early career faculty, post-doctoral researchers,
graduate students, and professional staff can find substantial value in these
workshops. The workshops are structured to cater to the varied needs of the
attendees with both the Coffee & Code and Carpentries workshops focused on
enhancing technical skills crucial for efficient and impactful data-driven
research.

The Coffee & Code workshop series is scheduled to take place in-person in Fall
2023. Most Data and Software Carpentry workshops and all Coffee & Code
workshops are open to the public. The doors are open even to high school
students and community members, ensuring a diverse gathering of minds and
ideas.

The Coffee and Code workshops are conducted within the workshop room of the
Centennial Science and Engineering Library, situated on LL1 – DEN2. This room
is located across from the library's circulation desk. To browse upcoming
offerings or to register for a workshop, please visit our [Workshops &
Seminars](../education/workshops.md) page.

See also: [CARC workshops being offered for the Fall 2023
semester](fall-23-workshops.md)