Evaluating Citizen Scientists' User Experience and Engagement Using a Mobile Watershed Data Management App

Environmental problems, such as climate change are global in scope and multivariate in complexity. Today, citizen scientists can make important contributions by providing observations to further understand environmental related issues and by playing an important role in data collection. Citizen scientists now have the ability to use EPA certified testing tools that increase their ability to collect accurate and precise environmental data. Smart phones allow citizens to efficiently submit timely data. Given that citizen scientists now have the capacity to be involved in scientifically meaningful data acquisition campaigns, it is important to evaluate the citizen scientists’ experience and engagement using technology to fully maximize their potential contribution.