The Howison lab studies the impact of information technology, especially software, on how we work together. Currently, the lab is researching how software development projects funded through research grants (NSF, NIH etc) might transition to being community maintained and open source at the end of the grant. 

The goal is to identify characteristics that enable software projects to grow and exist beyond the timeline associated with their funding rather than fizzle out with the conclusion of the grant. For example, there may be differences in recruiting methods for new developers or in collaboration infrastructure like bug trackers or forums. This work will help scientists develop more sustainable software and can inform funding agencies’ policies; ultimately we hope to have more and better software for science.

The Howison lab is seeking several research assistants (RAs) to help with this ongoing research project. This work will teach qualitative research methods, including the use of a coding scheme for content analysis. In addition, RAs will gain experience with tools relevant for programming and collaboration: version control, Github, Resource Description Format (aka Linked Data), and the command line as well.

RAs must be able to attend weekly lab meetings to assist with the research. Meetings will be in the UTA building at Guadalupe and 17th Street.

Qualified RAs should:

• Be interested in how open source or other online collaborative work like wikipedia works.
• Be motivated to learn qualitative research methods, especially content analysis.
• Have very good english skills.
• Be interested in using a text editor like Sublime Text or Atom.
• Be motivated to learn, or familiar with using the command line.

Email Hannah Cohoon at jlcohoon@utexas.edu if you are interested.