Research Computing Showcase
Empowering Data Science Learning with RStudio Cloud in Bio 46
In Fall 2022, Harvey Mudd College’s Biology Department partnered with the Research Data Scientist to integrate RStudio Cloud into Bio 46, a foundational biology course with over 120 students. The goal was to give students seamless access to a coding environment for data analysis and reproducible research.
Implementation Highlights
Students logged in using their HMC Google accounts and launched assignments directly in the cloud, removing the need for local installation or configuration. Within RStudio Cloud, they wrote code in R Markdown, generated plots using tools like Plotly, and “knit” their work into HTML reports. These reports were then printed to PDF and uploaded to Gradescope for grading.
To ensure a smooth experience, the platform was stress-tested and confirmed to perform reliably with 60+ users working simultaneously. The environment provided 16GB RAM and 4 CPUs per session—more than sufficient for class needs. At $5/month per student, the solution remained cost-effective for large cohorts.
Specialist Support
The Research Data Scientist provided technical setup, onboarding guides, and direct support to faculty and TAs. She advised role management, monitored usage, and facilitated integration with Sakai and Gradescope. Her involvement ensured a scalable and reproducible workflow for both coursework and grading.
Outcomes and Impact
More than 240 students across Fall and Spring semesters gained valuable experience in R and data analysis. Faculty benefited from a more efficient grading process, while students engaged with a reliable, interactive environment for exploring biological data. The success of this effort laid the groundwork for broader cloud-based instructional models across STEM courses at Harvey Mudd College.