Colleen Hitchcock

My academic interests are focused on the role of citizen science in ecological inquiry and conservation biology specifically relating to studies of biodiversity, conservation, phenology, and climate change. I am interested in both the power of the public in scientific research and the application of community/citizen science research as a model for learning by students. I teach a variety of courses for science and environmental studies majors as well as for students outside of the sciences including biodiversity connections, introductory ecology, participatory science, conservation biology, and animal behavior. All of my courses include participatory science as opportunities for students to engage and facilitate research alongside the public and scientists. I also work as a founding member of the City Nature Challenge: Boston Area steering committee to engage the greater Boston community in urban biodiversity research (see citynaturechallenge.org for more information on the international effort).