Enhancing Credibility in Your Community Science Project (Citizen Science Seminar Series)NOAA Central Library Seminars

Presenter(s): Julie (Jules) Vastine, Director of the Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM), Dickinson College

Sponsor(s): NOAA Education and NOAA Central Library

Seminar Contacts: Rebecca Funk (rebecca.funk@noaa.gov) and NOAA Central Library Seminars (library.seminars@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: https://vimeo.com/event/4259978/3db517c479this link opens in a new window

Accessibility: Captions are added to the recordings of presentations once uploaded to the NOAA Central Library YouTube Channelthis link opens in a new window. Sign language interpreting services and closed captioning are available, but need to be requested at least 5 days before the event.

Abstract: Participatory science uses the collective strength and knowledge of the public to collect, analyze, and use data to answer environmental and public health questions. The goal of most community-driven programs is to ensure that data of known quality are generated to answer local, regional, and national questions. Documenting quality assurance activities for environmental projects allows the data collector and user to be more confident in using the generated data by assuring that values are reproducible, representative, comparable, and complete. From equipment testing to study design to developing quality assurance project plans, this webinar will explore tools and resources to enhance the credibility of your community monitoring science project.

Keywords: citizen science, research, data

Bio(s): Julie (Jules) Vastine is the director of the Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. They are responsible for the leadership of ALLARM and providing technical assistance to watershed communities interested in using science as a tool for change. Jules has worked in the volunteer monitoring/citizen science field for 22 years. A native of the Chesapeake Bay region, they enjoy working with community organizations to build their capacity to monitor, protect, and restore water quality in Pennsylvania and New York. In addition to their love working with communities on stream monitoring, Jules enjoys hiking, biking, cooking, and yoga.