Be sure to watch for these posters in the Legacy Ballroom during breaks for some more great citizen science information and research! Do you have a poster you would like to share at CitSciMN 2019? Submissions for poster presentations can be submitted through November 15th! Click here to add yours to the list.
Citizen Science as a Tool for Conservation: Lessons from Snapshot Safari
Authors: Abby Guthmann, Assistant Research Manager, Snapshot Safari/U of M Graduate Student, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota; Sarah Huebner, Research Manager, Snapshot Safari, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota
Abstract: The recruitment of “citizen scientists” to assist with research has become a popular method of processing Big Data in the Information Age. Snapshot Safari, an ecological monitoring network designed for long-term observation of endangered wildlife populations throughout eastern and southern Africa, has attracted thousands of volunteers to help classify the species, count, and behavior of animals caught on camera in various African parks and reserves. We will detail how Snapshot Safari got started, where we are today, the research goals addressed with our data, and the future directions of incorporating machine learning to maximize volunteer effort and quickly produce usable data for research and conservation management purposes.
Citizen Science is Feasible for Assessing Air Quality in Southeast Minnesota
Authors: Matthew Spiten, Respiratory Therapist RRT, Mayo Clinic; Cassie Zell, Transfers Admission Representative, University of Minnesota Rochester; Katlyn Long: Sierra Student Coalition President, University of Minnesota Rochester; Nicole Paulson: Sierra Student Coalition Vice President, University of Minnesota Rochester; Nathan Carlson: Sierra Student Coalition, University of Minnesota Rochester
Abstract: Olmsted County has one permanent air quality sensor located at Ben Franklin Elementary in Rochester, MN. Using a citizen science model, we sought to determine whether one air quality sensor provides a fair representation of fine particulate air pollution throughout Olmsted County.
Increasing Student Readiness for Sustainability Careers
Authors: Rebecca Meyer, UMN Extension Educator, Youth Development; Nathan Meyer, UMN Extension Program Leader, Natural Resources; Linda Kingery, UMN Extension Executive Director, NW Sustainable Development Partnership; Rose Clarke, Education Program Assistant, Clackamas County Extension
Abstract: Knowing what organizations expect in terms of professional competencies and knowledge is important for directing the continued education, growth and development of young adults and professionals in conservation. This project proposed to seek subject matter expertise to identify critical technical and “soft” skills needed to ensure success of early-career professionals in the 21st century conservation workforce. Results of the study encompasses a list of important skills and mindsets for early career professionals synthesized from a review of literature and review of experienced professionals, as well as professional perceptions of critical skills and mindsets for early career professionals and future trends in conservation.
Phenology of Invasive Weeds: A New Citizen Science Campaign for Minnesota
Author: Rebecca Montgomery, Professor, University of Minnesota; Stephan Carlson, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension
Abstract: This poster will introduce a new citizen science project that will provide data to develop more effective management of key invasive weed species in Minnesota.The management and control of invasive species depends strongly on applying effective management strategies timed to appropriate life cycle stages. For example, mowing after seed maturation potentially contributes to spread whereas mowing during early flowering phases can prevent seed development and maturation. Thus, timing of management is critical to success. Effective timing requires predicting when key developmental stages will be reached. Data from this new citizen science project will support development of weed phenology models to support weed management.
Using Citizen Scientists to Gather Bumble Bee Data
Author: Elaine Evans, UMN Extension Educator and Bee Researcher, University of Minnesota Department of Entomology
Abstract: Citizen scientists, the engaged general public, are a largely untapped resource enabling scientists to access useful and difficult to obtain information in a timely and reliable fashion. Bumble bees are a great candidate for citizen scientist data collection due to their charisma, ubiquity, familiarity, and clear evidence of conservation need. Successful programs have been developed to detect rare species, refine current information on geographic ranges, and assess long-term population trends.