FAIR-CS: Framework for Interdisciplinary Research Collaborations in Online Computing Programs

TL;DR

FAIR-CS is a novel framework enabling online interdisciplinary research collaborations in computer science, fostering community, mentorship, and high-quality publications for remote master's students.

Contribution

It introduces a structured method for virtual research collaboration, bridging the gap for online students and replicating traditional lab environments virtually.

Findings

Successful implementation with 72 active users

Generation of interdisciplinary publications

Lessons learned for virtual research environments

Abstract

Research experience is crucial for computing master's students pursuing academic and scientific careers, yet online students have traditionally been excluded from these opportunities due to the physical constraints of traditional research environments. This paper presents the Framework for Accelerating Interdisciplinary Research in Computer Science (FAIR-CS), a method for achieving research goals, developing research communities, and supporting high quality mentorship in an online research environment. This method advances virtual research operations by orchestrating dynamic partnerships between master's level researchers and academic mentors, resulting in interdisciplinary publications. We then discuss the implementation of FAIR-CS in the Human-Augmented Analytics Group (HAAG), with researchers from the Georgia Tech's Online Master of Computer Science program. Through documented project records and experiences with 72 active users, we present our lessons learned and evaluate the evolution of FAIR-CS in HAAG. This paper serves as a comprehensive resource for other institutions seeking to establish similar virtual research initiatives, demonstrating how the traditional research lab environment can be effectively replicated in the virtual space while maintaining robust collaborative relationships and supporting knowledge transfer.