Building Connections Through Data: Meet UB Libraries’ New Head of Research Data Services

by DENISE WOLFE

Scott Peterson arrived at the University at Buffalo last May with a mission: to build a comprehensive Research Data Services program that serves as a hub for researchers across campus.

As the head of Research Data Services in UB Libraries, Peterson brings nearly two decades of experience from UC Berkeley, where he managed two campus libraries, administered an art lending program and helped researchers navigate increasingly complex data challenges.

His path to UB began with a personal connection. When his wife, Christina Corfield, accepted a visiting professor position in the Media Study Department, the couple expected a two-year stay. But Corfield loved Buffalo so much she extended her contract for three years, prompting Peterson to seek opportunities at UB.

Peterson's diverse background reflects his interdisciplinary education. He earned a bachelor's degree in English literature with a minor in Celtic studies from UC Berkeley, followed by a master's degree in English literature from Boston College, where his research centered on 20th-century philosophy and the works of William S. Burroughs. 

During 17 years at UC Berkeley Libraries, Peterson managed the Graduate Services Library and Morrison Library while simultaneously reviving the Graphic Arts Loan Collection—an innovative program where students could check out artwork like library books. He expanded the collection and created the Art Practice and University Library Printmaking Award. Under his leadership, annual checkouts grew from 60 pieces to more than 800.

His time at Berkeley also sparked a deeper interest in computational work. He helped launch the Computational Text Analysis Working Group in the campus D-Lab, taught Carpentries workshops across the University of California system and co-founded the UC-wide Carpentries Community—a network connecting institutions to share resources and expand data training.

"What began as a small effort to fill a gap in data education turned into a professional passion," he said.

Now Peterson is working with Data Librarian Jocelyn Swick-Jemison to build the RDS program from the ground up. The program supports researchers at every stage of the data process, from planning and compliance to long-term preservation and reuse. In its first months, the team has created a web presence, launched workshops and begun developing a framework for a data hub within the Libraries—a future collaborative space, both virtual and physical, where faculty and students can find support for data-driven projects. 

He credits the warmth and teamwork at UB with helping him get started. "Everyone here has been so generous with their time and expertise," he said. "Collaboration and community are at the heart of what I value most, and I've found both here."

Outside of UB, he continues advancing data education as part of a new regional Carpentries community, working with librarians from MIT, Tufts and Dartmouth to coordinate workshops and share best practices. He's also collaborating with colleagues across SUNY to develop a statewide Research Data Management Network.

Originally from Cloquet, Minnesota, Peterson has also lived in Los Angeles, Berlin and the Bay Area. A lifelong skateboarder, he says the hobby still shapes how he sees the world—always noticing the lines and movement of a city. When he's not on a skateboard, he's listening to records from his extensive collection, watching the films of Aki Kaurismäki, following Liverpool Football Club or relaxing at home with his wife and their 20-year-old cat, Vinyl.

As for adapting to life in Buffalo? He's right at home. "I get Bills fans," he said. "Growing up a Minnesota Vikings fan, I understand what losing four Super Bowls and not ever winning one means."