EMCR Lunch 6: Citizen Science & Education Panel
Channel: Australian Citizen Science Association
Date: 02/09/2021

Citizen science and education: The common denominator of three women’s distinct science journeys.

Date: Thursday, 1st September 2021

This panel focused on the opportunities and challenges of using citizen science in education systems. We heard from the experiences of researchers and practitioners working with young people on a variety of citizen science projects. Discussions emphasized ways to design projects for learning, potential and observed learning outcomes, and conducting educational research.



Presenters: 
Genevieve Firmer (University of Sydney), 
Erin Peta Fagan-Jeffries (The University of Adelaide), and 
Arjumand Banu Khan (STEM Catalyst)


Dr Erinn Fagan-Jeffries is a postdoctoral research fellow at The University of Adelaide and The South Australian Museum studying parasitoid wasps. She is part of the team running the Insect Investigators citizen science project for regional schools to document insect biodiversity in their local area

Genevieve Firmer is currently undertaking a PhD in Chemistry Education in the Science Communication, Education, Outreach, Participation and Education (SCOPE) group at the University of Sydney under the supervision of A/Prof Alice Motion and Prof Siggi Schmid. She joined the SCOPE group from her career as a senior science teacher and curriculum coordinator in the Northern Territory. Genevieve’s research focuses on how curriculum influences classroom experiences in year 11 and 12 chemistry and how teachers could be supported to use peer-reviewed educational practices in their classrooms. Genevieve has a passion for engaging students with relevant and genuine scientific inquiry.


Arjumand B Khan is an Entrepreneur, Environmental Scientist, Science Communicator, and passionate community capacity builder. She is the founder of STEM Catalyst, a grassroots community organization established by migrant STEM professional women. She takes the lead in sharing her knowledge and passion for nature and science through a wide array of STEM-based activities. She is highly motivational and a strong advocate for promoting STEM education. In her spare time Arjumand serves as the President of the Multicultural and Urdu Speaking Women’s Social Group, she volunteers for Council’s Sustainability Task Force committee to help councilors make decisions on complex environmental issues and is also a member of the Royal Society of Victoria and Australian Citizen Science Association (Victorian chapter).


NOTE: Short (no Q&A)



The Australian Citizen Science Association (ACSA) Early-Mid career researchers (EMCR) Working Group is presenting a new series of lunchtime seminars discussing exciting developments in Australian citizen science research.


With a goal to unite citizen science-aligned researchers and practitioners in Australia, these seminars are a space to advance scholarship, provide support, share resources and advocate for new opportunities. The presentations will be followed by a community discussion tackling local and global citizen science issues.