To Merge or Not to Merge? Biodiversity Data Across Platforms

We are excited to welcome Dr Cody Carroll to the USF Data Science Speaker Series for a special summer talk.

Dr. Cody Carroll is an Assistant Professor with joint appointments in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program at the University of San Francisco. His research focuses on functional and longitudinal data analysis, particularly in the context of human growth and aging, as well as interdisciplinary applications of statistics and data science.

Talk Abstract

Citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist and eBird have transformed biodiversity monitoring by generating massive datasets through public participation. However, differences in observer behavior, sampling patterns, and reporting styles across platforms can introduce biases that make data integration challenging.
In this talk, Cody will present a statistical framework for evaluating whether biodiversity data collected across platforms can be reliably combined. Using a novel method based on circular optimal transport, the research examines seasonal observation patterns across more than 250 bird species in Northern California and Nevada. The findings show that the vast majority of species display statistically compatible patterns between platforms, supporting the potential for broader integration of citizen-generated biodiversity data.
This work highlights how statistical methods can help strengthen large-scale environmental monitoring and support future biodiversity research and policy efforts.

We hope you can join us.

#DataScience #Statistics #Biodiversity #CitizenScience #EnvironmentalData #USFCA #USFMSDSAI #DataInstitute #DataScienceSpeakerSeries #MachineLearning