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Citizen Science Campus

About

Core Team

Caren Cooper, Co-Director

Caren Cooper joined NC State in March 2016 as a Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program cluster hire in Leadership in Public Science. She is a professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources in the College of Natural Resources. Her research focuses on ornithology, human dimensions of conservation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the participatory sciences.

Zakiya Leggett, Co-Director

Zakiya Leggett joined NC State in December 2016. She is an associate professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources in the College of Natural Resources. Her research focuses on the sustainability of intercropping in pine plantations and diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. Zakiya is the Campus Director of the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program. She is also the Program Coordinator of the Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program.

Steering Committee

  • Levent Atici, Associate Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Faculty and Student Engagement
  • Janet Goins, Director, Office of Undergraduate Research
  • Carlos Goller, Teaching Professor, Biological Sciences
  • Holly Hurlburt, Associate Dean, Executive Director for Academic Enrichment Programming
  • Megan Lupek, Co-Director of the Environmental Sciences program and Assistant Teaching Professor, College of Natural Resources
  • Dawn Rodriguez-Ward, Academic Program Manager, Climate and Sustainability Academy
  • Taryn Shelton, K-12 Data Science Coordinator, Data Science and AI Academy
  • Jory Weintraub, Director of Science Engagement, Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs
  • Karen Ciccone, Lead Librarian for Public Science

Partners

The Leadership in Public Science Cluster

Part of the Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program, the Leadership in Public Science Cluster focuses on citizen science and science communication. We conduct research that directly engages the public, particularly those in underserved communities, in citizen science research. We also study the impact of public participation in science, particularly in informal educational settings. Our interdisciplinary research will develop best practices and theoretical frameworks for improving the way researchers communicate their science and engage stakeholders. Building on these foundations, our cluster will grow and integrate science communication and public engagement programs that train NC State scientists to more effectively communicate across diverse publics. We will partner with faculty leading complementary programs and lead campus-wide efforts that promote public engagement in science.

Global One Health Academy

NC State’s Global One Health Academy engages faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students in improving the health of plants, animals, biodiversity and human society in North Carolina and beyond. The Academy offers the Graduate Certificate in Participatory Sciences and Participatory Sciences Microgrants.

NC State University Libraries

The NC State University Libraries supports citizen science and shares its values of openness, access, and community engagement and participation. The Libraries partners with the Citizen Science Campus in numerous ways, including organizing the annual Pack Science Challenge and lending technology.

SciStarter

SciStarter is an online community dedicated to improving the citizen science experience for project managers and participants.  Over 3,000 projects and events are searchable by location, scientific topic, and age level, and by joining SciStarter, members can track their contributions and provide valuable feedback.  SciStarter also supports researchers in managing projects, including best practices for engaging participant partners.

Contact Us

Questions? Send us an email at citizensciencecampus@ncsu.edu.