Mission, Services, & Roles

Our Mission

We support UCLA researchers, instructors, and staff by helping them work with data, build clear visualizations, and adopt practices that improve reproducibility and open science.

Our Services

Data Wrangling and Transformation

  • Helping clients access, import, and organize data from local files, APIs, and cloud platforms
  • Setting up research workflows in Dataverse, GitHub, and other tools
  • Cleaning and restructuring data with Python, R, and related libraries
  • Advising on metadata practices that support documentation, reuse, and long-term management

Database Design, Data Development, and Lifecycle Planning

  • Collecting and combining datasets from multiple sources
  • Querying data warehouses with SQL and similar languages
  • Guiding researchers through planning, managing, publishing, and preserving data across a full project lifecycle

Data Visualization and Storytelling

  • Creating clear visualizations using Tableau, R ggplot2, Shiny, Python, Excel, and web-based tools
  • Advising on visualization choices that match research questions and audiences

Reproducibility and Open Science Support

  • Testing whether research code runs start to finish
  • Reviewing documentation, folder structure, and data completeness
  • Helping teams adopt open science practices linked to the UCLA OSPO, including licensing, citation, and publication workflows

Statistical and Analytical Support

  • Applying statistical methods to research questions
  • Helping clients choose appropriate tests and interpret results using R, Python, Stata, or SPSS

Emerging Tech, 3D Data, and Computational Methods

  • Assisting with 3D models, geospatial workflows, and immersive data projects
  • Supporting file management, metadata preparation, and visualization for 3D, LIDAR, drone, and photogrammetry datasets
  • Collaborating with Library units exploring new modalities in research and instruction

Our Tenets

  • The DataSquad works with data in any form and supports clients in using it responsibly.
  • We do not alter or reinterpret the substance of a client’s data or attempt to change their research questions.
  • We maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and trust in all consulting interactions.
  • Team members can ask for help at any point. We expect people to speak up early when a project becomes unclear or stalls.
  • We treat one another with respect, offer constructive feedback, and address unhelpful behavior when it appears.
  • All team members read and sign the confidentiality agreement and raise questions when situations need clarification.

Main DataSquad Roles

  1. Data Scientist
  2. Technical Writer
  3. Project Manager