Help wanted: 'citizen scientists' in Orlando

 Do you know anyone who ever wanted to be a scientist?

Now they have a chance to make that dream reality right here in Orlando.

The Coalition of 100 Black Women – Central Florida is looking for “citizen scientist” candidates to work under the $120,000 federal grant the organization received recently from the federal Environmental Protection Agency to study air pollution in the Parramore, Holden Heights and Mercy Drive communities. (For more information on this grant, and the project, click here.)

That’s right…WORK!

The people selected as citizen scientists will be paid a stipend.

To be a citizen scientist you don’t need a fancy degree.

“We’re looking for people who are reliable, motivated and intellectually curious,” said Project Manager Lawanna Gelzer.

This could be a great opportunity for a student, a retired person, an activist, or anyone who wants to work on a project that can help protect the health of thousands of people who live in and near downtown Orlando.

The team on this project -- conducted under the grant received by 100 Women -- will work in collaboration with researchers at the University of Central Florida, the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, and Arizona State University.

The citizen scientists in this project will play an essential role gathering data about air pollutants and traffic counts in the study areas. They will learn how to calibrate their measuring instruments and keep accurate scientific records. Those skills would be especially valuable to students planning to major in science, or work in the environmental science field.

Dr. Wanda Jones will train and supervise the Citizen Science Team.

To apply for one of these paid positions, or for more information, please send an email to LawannaGelzer@aol.com