Defense Presentation Title: The Geography of Participation: A Geospatial Analysis of Socio-spatial Gaps in US Participatory Science

Advisor: Dr. Caren Cooper, faculty fellow and professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources

Abstract: Popular participatory science projects generate big data that advances scientific research, informs natural resource management and policy, and produces outcomes benefiting participants. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers share geo-referenced observations near their homes and frequented locations. The geographic information attached to every observation reveals patterns of participation —where and how often people collect environmental data. However, by allowing volunteers to choose when and where to collect data, large-scale projects can introduce spatial and temporal biases.  This dissertation assesses demographics, place, and location to emphasize the importance of representation for geographic evenness in data produced through volunteer monitoring. By identifying predictors of spatial gaps and barriers to participation, this dissertation produces insights to enhance data collection, broaden environmental knowledge, and democratize science.