Research Resources

Meteorological Data

Finding reliable weather station data can be a challenge.  While some may be tempted to search a commercial site for data, research data should be obtained by a professional, verifiable source.  The National Centers for Environmental Information (formerly the National Climatic Data Center), part of NOAA, houses data from around the world.  To search for data from within the United States, I recommend using their Find a Station tool:
https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datatools/findstation
Internationally, search the Climate Data Online database:
https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/
In South Africa, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Hydrological Services maintains a database:
http://www.dwa.gov.za/Hydrology/

Water Resources Data

Finding reliable water resources data can be a challenge.  In the United States, we are extremely fortunate to have the data maintained by the USGS.  You can search for data through the National Water Information System:
https://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwisI recommend, as a starting point, looking under surface water and then daily data.
In South Africa, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Hydrological Services maintains a stream gage network along with other data:
http://www.dwa.gov.za/Hydrology/Internationally, you may request data from the Global Runoff Data Center:
https://www.bafg.de/GRDC/EN/Home/homepage_node.html

Literature Review

The Duquesne Library has a number of great research databases available on campus.  The largest general science and engineering database available is Scopus.  These are found on the library research page:

One of the most frustrating aspects of literature review is tracking citations.  I recommend finding a citation software that you like and sticking with it.  Two features are very useful and have become standard: word processing integration (e.g., MS Word plugin) and web importers (buttons that automatically download the citation data).  More information can be found on the library website:

I have found that Mendeley satisfies all of my needs.  Mendeley has a web-based and 
desktop interface and the website has a number of other features such as a grant database, recommendations for papers, and a data repository.

Research Ethics

Ethics and the responsible conduct of research (RCR) is fundamental; however, this topic is largely overlooked in the training of scientists and engineers.  The following resources are provided to supplement any formal training:

 National Science Foundation requirements for RCR:
https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rcr.jsp

National Society of Professional Engineers Code of Ethics: https://www.nspe.org/resources/ethics/code-ethics

 American Geophysical Union Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics:
https://ethics.agu.org/files/2013/03/Scientific-Integrity-and-Professional-Ethics.pdf

Duquesne University Research:
http://www.duq.edu/research/research-conduct
Students working on hydrology research should expect to take:
  • Physical Science Responsible Conduct of Research
  • Social & Behavioral Research Basic/Refresher

Human Subjects Protections

Some research conducted may involve human subjects.  Any researcher involved in research that involves human subjects must follow institutional guidelines.  The best place to start is with the Institutional Review Board:
Any students that engage in research with human subjects should take the appropriate IRB course, likely that for Social/Behavioral/Educational research.

Fieldwork Safety Plan

This plan is for internal use only.  Others may use or modify; however, the PI, the University, or any funding agency claims no responsibility for any of the material.  In general, safety plans should not be used without proper training.
Fieldwork Safety Guidelines
USGS Guide for Safe Field Operations

Laboratory Safety

Duquesne University provides online laboratory safety training:
http://www.duq.edu/about/departments-and-offices/environmental-health-and-safety/training
and several laboratory safety resources:
http://www.duq.edu/about/departments-and-offices/environmental-health-and-safety/lab-safety
Always report any injuries to the PI immediately.