Virtual Citizen Science Pub

Dr. Julia Parrish.\Photo by Benjamin Hammond.

The Hatfield Marine Science Center’s Science on Tap series of pub talks like so much else has moved online, but it still going strong.  You have to supply your own beer, but you can still watch fascinating talks.  These events are free and open to all.

The one coming up on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6 p.m. is of particular interest to CoastWatchers and Oregon Shores members, given our extensive citizen science activities.  The speaker is Julia Parrish, professor in the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences and Associate Dean of the College of the Environment at the University of Washington.  Most significantly to us, she is also the founder and director of COASST (Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team), the citizen science project (also based at the U of Washington) for which CoastWatch is the Oregon partner.

Dr. Parrish’s topic: “COVID Clouds and Silver Linings: The Value of Citizen Science in a Pandemic.”  As she describes her talk:

“In the age of COVID-19, the value of timely, transparent science and science literacy among an engaged public is increasingly important.  Citizen science provides the public with unique opportunities to engage in science; and hands-on projects teach skills and get folks outdoors, on the beach for projects as different as jellyfish reporting, measuring coastal erosion, and beached bird identification.  But will people engage?  Using the COASST program as a model, this talk examines challenges and opportunities of conducting citizen science in the COVID era from three viewpoints: choice of place, amount of teamwork needed, and communication pathways.”

Webinar Link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/94844652647

Telephone: US: +1 971 247 1195 

Webinar ID: 948 4465 2647