Using Citizen Science to answer

BIG and small questions

Andrea LuckyUniversity of Florida

Entomology & Nematology

Citizen ScienceOrganized scientific endeavor that includes participation from professional scientists and the public.

Simple protocol. Minimal skill required.

www.schoolofants.org

School of Ants

Goals

Scientific• Map species as a baseline for

measuring change• Urbanization• Climate change

• Invasive/new species discovery

• Provide public opportunities for ‘doing’ science

• Reach communities with the least access

• Make ALL stages of the scientific process accessible

Educational

Scientific Outcomes

Lucky et al. (2014) Ecosphere

Freeze-then-mail

Population GeneticsMapping

Vitone et al, in prep

Total Species: 107 native, 7 exotic

Educational Outcomes

Change in attitude

Trust in science

Interest in entomology

Interest in participating in science

Vitone et al. 2016. Journal of Science Communication.