Home > Citizen Science

Citizen Science

East Coast Citizen Scientists are Hard-core Researchers

Citizen Science in the News / / Leave a Comment

A true mark of a scientist is one who does crazy and insane things for what he or she loves in the name of science. And, this certainly extends to citizen scientists who are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to collect the data … here, residents from New Hampshire and Massachusetts tread through muddy waters and not-so-pleasant conditions to help measure levels of E. Coli and other worrisome things in the Souhegan and Merrimack rivers.

Read more about how one local writer is impressed by their hard work and dedication…

“Citizen scientists doing what they can to test rivers, aid research” :: Nashua Telegraph.com :: June 10, 2009 [ READ ]

East Coast Citizen Scientists are Hard-core Researchers Read More »

Dancing with the Grunion Fish

Inspiring Citizen Science / / Leave a Comment

Experiencing interesting citizen science might come upon you unexpectedly in life, but it will surely have great rewards. Take a moment to read this inspiring story by a writer living in Southern California…

As a young child, Leslie spent several late summer nights dancing with and chasing back to sea a little fish called a Grunion. These odd little guys lay eggs on the beach and then have to flop their way back into the water after their mating ritual is complete. Leslie gained many fond memories of this childhood experience, and was interested again later in life when she stumbled upon an organized monitoring effort supported by Pepperdine University that established the “Grunion Greeters” to help learn about the animal’s behavior.

Her official graduation to a “real” citizen scientist was actually a proud moment–as it should be!–and her excitement and new appreciation for our universe will spread to everyone she meets.

“Greeting the Grunion” :: Daily Sound:: July 3, 2009 :: [ READ STORY ]

Learn more about the Grunion Greeters Project

Dancing with the Grunion Fish Read More »

Online Biotechnology Resource for the Amateur Scientist

Citizen Science in the News / / Leave a Comment

Mac Cowell, the co-founder of the growing do-it-yourself amateur research biotechnology virtual collective is interviewed by Seed Magazine for an interesting look into his push to bring real scientific experiences out from the halls of academia and into the inquisitive masses.

The program is an online infrastructure called DIYbio.org and is reaching out to anyone who is interested in tinkering with a little biology in their own garage. Be inspired by the exciting opportunities DIYbio can bring to your home wet lab and how you can participate in this new, and exciting open collaboration of biotech enthusiasts and serious amateur scientists.

“The Biohacking Hobbyist” :: Seed Magazine :: December 4, 2008 :: [ READ ]

Online Biotechnology Resource for the Amateur Scientist Read More »

Inspiring Neurotechnology At Home

Inspiring Citizen Science / / Leave a Comment

As a deeply interested individual in brain science and neurotechnology myself, this particular report has instantly inspired my own future plans for new directions in amateur research and citizen science at my own home.

Tim Marzullo, a recent PhD candidate at the University of Michigan, has been working on a project to develop a very low-cost amateur neurological recording device. Along with his friend, Greg Gage, they are nearing success on a prototype, and even presented their work at the recent Society of Neuroscience conference in Washington, D.C.

With a home-made micro-manipulator, a classic bandpass filter with amplifier, and a willing bug, they will soon be recording neuronal action potentials in their own garage for under $100.

“Bringing Neuroscience to the Garage – The Interview” :: MarzulloHead Queries :: November 29, 2008 :: [ READ ]

Inspiring Neurotechnology At Home Read More »

The Sky is Falling with some Tools

Citizen Science in the News / / Leave a Comment

Recently, one of our brave Endeavour astronauts inadvertently let a tool bag slip through her fingers (it wasn’t properly attached initially and so caught her unexpectedly). The bag was assumed to be lost to NASA, but it has been recently sighted by amateur astronomers as a reasonably bright satellite.

Only a pair of binoculars are required to view the tool back, and it is currently being tracked online at Spaceweather.com. Enter your zip code to see when you can spot the tools in space!

“Skywatchers spot ‘lost’ space tool kit” :: MSNBC.com :: November 25, 2008 :: [ READ ]

The Sky is Falling with some Tools Read More »

Citizen Science Featured in The Christian Science Monitor

Citizen Science in the News / / Leave a Comment

Last spring, citizen science activities received a wonderful feature the The Christian Science Monitor. Focusing on some of the largest nation-wide citizen science programs as well as a brief interview with Dr. Carlson of SAS, the article is another positive reflection that amateur research activities are growing and will continue to be encouraged.

“‘Citizen scientists’ watch for signs of climate change” :: The Christian Science Monitor :: April 10, 2008 :: [ READ ]

Citizen Science Featured in The Christian Science Monitor Read More »

Last updated June 20, 2022