This April, Boise State faculty, staff and students are sharing what research and creative activity at the university means to them.
Ellie Dworak is a professor and research data librarian, and she spends much of her time assisting researchers with data management planning. Dworak’s research interests include data and statistical literacy; evidence-based practices in librarianship; theory and methods in library and information science research; and the applications of data visualization in the social sciences and humanities.
She also published “Supporting Student Parents in the Academic Library: Designing Spaces, Policies and Services” with former colleague Kelsey Keyes, emerita professor at Boise State University.
Q: What is your favorite memory related to research and/or creative activity at Boise State?
A: “Submitting my first National Science Foundation proposal, which taught me so much about the process!”
Q: What motivates you to explore new ideas or create something original?
A: “Curiosity mostly. I feel driven to explore ideas and learn more, and when there’s a knowledge gap in an area where I have expertise, I want to fill it. “
Q: How do you think research and creative activity contribute to society?
A: “So many ways. At a sort of metaphysical level, research and creative activities expand our understanding of what is possible so that we can grow as a society. At a practical level, they provide the raw material for innovation. “
Q: What do you wish more people knew about your research or creative activity?
A: “Oh goodness. I co authored a book about supporting parenting students that I wish everybody would read. This group of individuals confronts so many unnecessary roadblocks. I also wish that people really understood what library and information science can contribute to the academy. We are seen more as service providers than scholars because of the nature of our jobs, but I think that what we do is integral to research. I would love to see more librarians integrated into projects. “
Q: Research and Creative Activity are impossible in a vacuum. Is there anyone you would like to thank for supporting, mentoring, inspiring, or otherwise shaping your work?
A: “Anna Drennen for seeing the possibilities for collaboration and working with me to make awesome things happen. Chad Watson for his amazing support in getting the word out about research data management. Jana LaRosa for including me in a research project to explore Boise State collaboration.”
Q: What does Research and Creative Activity at Boise State mean to you?
A: “Creativity, collaboration, innovation, excellence! I am so interested in what everybody is up to!”