Computational Infrastructure
for Geodynamics (CIG)

Teaching foundational coding skills through the CODE-GEO program

Contributed by D. Sarah Stamps, Virginia Tech, Department of Geosciences, Geodesy and Tectonophysics Laboratory 

Using Computational Infrastructure for Geodynamics (CIG) software requires some crucial background knowledge in coding. For example, numerous CIG codes, like ASPECT and PyLith, operate with a command-line interface such that basic skills in using the terminal are necessary. To help fill such knowledge gaps for students from underrepresented groups at the undergraduate level, the CODE-GEO (Collecting Observation for Data Encoding in the Geosciences) program was developed at Virginia Tech by Associate Professor D. Sarah Stamps in 2018. CODE-GEO is a week-long coding camp for undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in STEM with little to no coding experience, but who want to learn. Participants gain fundamental and transferable coding skills, as well as useful techniques in cultural effectiveness like active listening and how to interrupt implicit bias in the workplace.

History and Program Content

CODE-GEO began in 2018 ... [full article]

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