General Issues

By Region

Citizen science - Photo: Kevin Bacher
Photo: Kevin Bacher / Flickr

Citizen science

Citizen science is scientific research conducted by amateur scientists that is used to solve present day problems. Citizen science efforts embody the kind of collaborative problem-solving Switzer Fellows engage in every day, and Fellows lead projects nationwide that depend on citizens for their success.

Spotlight on Leadership

Camera trap bear
'Camera Traps' Document Large Mammal Activity

Technology is often accused of separating us from nature. Tavis Forrester’s eMammal project puts high-tech “camera traps” into the hands of volunteer citizen scientists, allowing them to connect with animals and behaviors usually hidden from view. The result is a blending of technology and nature that Forrester says is “magical in its ability to fire up kids and adults alike" with the excitement of scientific discovery.Read more >

View all related Leadership Stories >

Fellows in the News

Fellows in the News | Dec 8, 2015
Bowser's work with eels and citizen scientists featured on PBS
Fellows in the News | Aug 4, 2015
Forrester part of team that discovers cats don't roam where coyotes are present
Fellows in the News | Apr 23, 2014
Finkelstein and Bakker launch 'Condor Watch' project on Zooniverse

Related Grants

Southern California Conservation Analyst: Year Two
Year: 2019
Region: California
California Native Plant Society (CNPS) hired Nick Jensen as its first Southern California Conservation Analyst in 2017, with support from a Switzer Leadership Grant. This second year of funding will provide continued support as CNPS integrates Nick’s position into the long-term plans for the...Read more >
Southern California Conservation Analyst
Year: 2017
Region: California
California Native Plant Society created a new position of Southern California Conservation Analyst for Nick Jensen, after his graduation with his PhD in Botany from Claremont Graduate University in 2018. Nick leads this statewide organization’s conservation and advocacy efforts throughout southern...Read more >
Science Director for the Ashuelot Valley Environmental Observatory, Year 2
Year: 2008
Region: New England
To provide funds for a second year for Brett Thelen's position as Science Director for the Ashuelot Valley Environmental Observatory (AVEO), allowing her to expand and strengthen the work she has done to date in her first year on the job in this new position. AVEO was formed in 2003 to link...Read more >

Featured Fellows

Chris Bowser
Chris Bowser
2005 Fellow
Education Coordinator
New York State Department of Conservation, Cornell University
Brian Haggerty
Brian Haggerty
2012 Fellow
PhD Candidate
UC Santa Barbara
Healy Hamilton
1991 Fellow
Chief Scientist
NatureServe

A vibrant community of environmental leaders