Theme: Learn how you can take action to protect the planet with citizen science.

Join SciStarter for TEDxCOUNTDOWN on October 14 at 5:00 PM ET. We’ll spend an hour and a half watching TED talks, listening to featured speakers, demoing and participating in citizen science projects, and engaging in breakout groups to explore the climate crisis and learn about the important role citizen science plays in climate action. Discover the different ways you can use science to address climate issues in your community and beyond. Co-sponsors for this event include North Carolina State University’s Citizen Science Campus and American University’s Climate and Conservation Policy Club.

Please register on zoom: http://bit.ly/TEDCountdownSciStarter

Online event
Zoom
http://bit.ly/TEDCountdownSciStarter, Florida, See Zoom Link
United States

Britney Paul Rajamanickam

Student Leader

Britney Paul Rajamanickam is a junior majoring in Human Biology and with a minor in Music. She got involved with the Citizen Science Club in her freshman year and now serves as its Vice President. Through the club, Britney hopes to encourage NC State students and community members of all backgrounds to be more involved in the amazing research happening at the Triangle.

Caren Cooper

Professor

Caren Cooper, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University in the Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program in Leadership in Public Science, jointly appointed as Assistant Head of the Biodiversity Research Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. She teaches and mentors undergraduate and graduate students in becoming public scientists, that is, familiar with citizen science, public science communication, and open science practices.

Caroline Nickerson

Citizen Science Program Manager

Caroline Nickerson is a Program Manager at SciStarter where she manages the Citizen Science Month Program, SciStarter’s Corporate Volunteer Programs, and other programmatic and outreach efforts, including working with SciStarter’s Syndicated Blog Network, which encompasses the Science Connected, Discover Magazine, and SciStarter platforms. She is a Master of Public Policy graduate from American University with a focus on environmental and climate change policy. While at American University, she was a William K. Reilly Environmental Policy Scholar and the 2019 Cherry Blossom Princess representing the state of Florida. Caroline is also affiliated with the UF-VA UNESCO Bioethics Unit, the Christensen Project, the DC Gator Club, and the Commission on Local Debates.

Cristina Luna

Student Leader

Cristina Luna is an NC State undergraduate majoring in Genetics. She has been involved in the Citizen Science Club since coming to campus 3 years ago. She joined the leadership of the club last year as Co-Chair and is now serving as club President.

Deja Perkins

Urban Ecology Expert

Deja Perkins M.S is an emerging expert on urban ecology and environmental equity. Her research looks at the intersections of urban ecology and environmental justice, with emphasis on looking at how bird habitat is influenced by human culture and historical socioeconomic structures. She has expertise in citizen science, creating inclusive programming, climate change, birds and socioecological structures in urban environments. Her work as a researcher, science communicator, and activist, has equipped her to become one of the leading young voices on matters related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the environmental space, and academic and career development for youth and young adults. Deja is also one of the co-organizers of the #BlackBirdersWeek social media movement and currently the President of BlackAFinSTEM, the membership organization that organized Black Birders Week and empowered Black scientists to initiate a variety of BlackinX weeks.

Emily Carbray

Student Leader

Emily "Emi" Carbray is a Master of Public Policy student at American University and a leader of the American University’s Climate and Conservation Policy Club. Emi is passionate about environmental education and public engagement.

Tasha Scarlett

Student Leader

Tasha Scarlett is double majoring in Animal Science in addition to Fisheries and Wildlife Science at NC State University. Her main passion has been improving animal welfare through conservation efforts and veterinary medicine. It’s her goal to eventually start her own non-profit to help expand restoration efforts worldwide. Upon enrolling in NC State she became aware of the increasing importance of citizen science and its potential to shape society. In 2017 she was one of the founding members of the first Citizen Science club where she served as co-chair for three years.