Citizen Science: How Ordinary People Are Changing the Face of Discovery

Citizen Science: How Ordinary People Are Changing the Face of Discovery

In Citizen Science , Caren Cooper reveals how everyday people—from retirees and gamers to inmates and mothers—are transforming the scientific landscape. Across fields as diverse as astronomy, ecology, and biochemistry, these citizen scientists are collecting data, solving puzzles, and advocating for change. This inspiring book uncovers the untold stories of volunteers who are reshaping how science is done and who gets to do it. Whether it's tracking monarch butterflies from a prison yard, solving protein-folding challenges through video games, or monitoring rainfall with homemade gauges, these individuals are proving that science is not just for the elite—it’s for everyone. Citizen Science is both a rallying call and a practical guide, showing how democratizing science can lead to powerful discoveries and social good. Cooper’s engaging narrative invites readers to rethink their assumptions and discover how they too can contribute to meaningful change. Perfect for educators, community organizers, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the world, this book is a celebration of curiosity, collaboration, and the power of collective action. Caren Cooper is an associate professor of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University, part of the Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program in Leadership in Public Science, and assistant head of the Biodiversity Research Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. She studies bird ecology, conservation, and management through the use of citizen science. She served as an advisor to the public television documentary mini-series The Crowd & The Cloud. She is a blogger at the Public Library of Science (PLOS) and Discover and guest blogger at Scientific American, and she is director of partnerships at SciStarter.com.