From Ground to Cloud: Employing the Community-Building Modalities of Citizen Science, Cloud-based Data Tools, and Communication Technologies to Overcome Barriers in a Nationwide Summer Research Project

Abstract:

New mobile device-based data collection tools, coupled with emerging cloud-based data access, analysis, visualization, and archiving solutions will democratize science in ways we are only beginning to understand. Scientists can support the public in making full use of open-source capabilities by providing models of reproducible and customizable analytical workflows to answer community-driven questions. Here, we highlight results of a pilot research project to engage 100 teenaged science interns across the U.S. to analyze a fusion of satellite-based imagery to predict mosquito breeding sites. Data collection and analysis used several complimentary NASA cloud-based research tools. In their areas of interest, participants made coincident in-situ land cover and mosquito habitat observations using the GLOBE Observer (GO) mobile app. The land cover of these areas were labeled using high resolution remotely-sensed imagery in the Collect Earth Online (CEO) platform. These sample data were enriched and visualized with analysis ready satellite-derived environmental data and climate data, using the web-based tools Application for Extracting and Exploring Analysis Ready Samples (AρρEEARS) and the Climate Engine using Google’s Earth Engine. Over 8 weeks, the group used synchronous and asynchronous digital communication technologies for learning and collaboration. This included project discussion message boards, frequent “Meet up and do Science” interactive live video lab experiences, thematic team breakouts, expert scientist webinars, while supported with peer-to-peer and scientist mentoring. In addition to individual and team research outcomes, the group contributed more than 4000 GO observations, 204158 CEO land cover classifications, a Jupyter analysis notebook, and a summary ArcGIS Online-based dashboard tool. Our pilot suggests structured citizen science experiences can serve as gateways to public engagement in locally-relevant, community-based environmental investigations.