The landscape and promise of Citizen Science

Some of you expressed interest in viewing the slides I shared during a talk at the Microbe.net workshop at UC Davis. The talk was designed to give an overview of citizen science projects and a peek at the opportunities and challenges ahead for people involved in the production of such projects. It also pointed towards … Read more “The landscape and promise of Citizen Science”

Categories: Citizen Science, Science Policy

Who’s the boss: Home or human microbiomes?

Most of us are aware of the bacteria on the surfaces we come in contact with. The doorknob for the bathroom, coins and paper currency in our pockets, handrails in subway cars, computer keyboards and mice at the library… the list of built environments on which microbes thrive is nearly endless. In our preoccupation with … Read more “Who’s the boss: Home or human microbiomes?”

Categories: Citizen Science, Guest Contributor

Citizen Science featured in Europe’s Business Spotlight magazine

Business Spotlight magazine is Europe’s leading magazine for international business communication in English.This month, the magazine includes a feature on “citizen scientists” (folks without science degrees who contribute to real science). The article gives a few nods to the work of SciStarter (formerly known as Science For Citizens) and the many projects featured in our … Read more “Citizen Science featured in Europe’s Business Spotlight magazine”

Categories: In the News

12 Days of Christmasy Citizen Science Projects

Make sure you’re on Santa’s “nice list” this year. Consider helping researchers help the planet this holiday season. Here are a dozen opportunities to get involved in real research during the 12 days of Christmas! On the first day of Christmas, Missouri gave to me…an opportunity to help stem the threat of invasive pear trees … Read more “12 Days of Christmasy Citizen Science Projects”

Categories: Citizen Science

Gobble up Thanksgiving Day citizen science offerings!

Something in the east, something in the west. Help keep an eye on the health and abundance of wild turkeys prior to breeding by observing and counting young turkeys in New York state. Or, join biologists in New Hampshire studying the impact of winter on New Hampshire turkeys by reporting any sightings of female turkeys … Read more “Gobble up Thanksgiving Day citizen science offerings!”

Categories: Birds, Ecology & Environment, Nature & Outdoors

Citizen Science Cheerleaders Head To Vegas

Meet the Science Cheerleaders. This team of more than 100 NFL and NBA cheerleaders-turned-scientists and engineers is ready to cheer for citizen science. ScienceCheerleader.com, our sister-site, aims to inspire the 3 million little cheerleaders in the U.S. to consider careers in science and engineering, while playfully challenge stereotypes and encouraging participation in any of the … Read more “Citizen Science Cheerleaders Head To Vegas”

Categories: Education, Science Cheerleaders, Science Education Standards

Measure and record earliest signs of hurricane Irene

Scientists want you to record and share rain measurements and other on-the-ground observations in part to help pinpoint hurricane Irene’s actions, determine her next steps, and better predict and react to future storms. In addition to your help recording on-the-ground rain precipitation, scientists rely on watershed volunteers to provide important clues about the effects of … Read more “Measure and record earliest signs of hurricane Irene”

Categories: Climate & Weather, Geology & Earth Sciences, Nature & Outdoors, Ocean & Water