The Goal

With coastal erosion hazards predicted to increase globally, data to inform decision-making on erosion mitigation and adaptation strategies is becoming critical. However, gathering data over wide geographical areas is expensive and time-consuming and often requires highly trained professionals and scientists.

We would like you to explore how software solutions can allow individuals who lack formal scientific training to meaningfully contribute to coastal erosion and ocean storm-related research projects as “citizen scientists”.

In this project, you will research common risks and problems caused by the impact of coastal erosion and ocean storms, and how climate change will affect those. Then, examine how citizen scientists can help evaluate/ prepare for/mitigate/respond to these problems. What kind of websites or software can assist them in these efforts?

• Study the project goals and objectives thoroughly
• Prepare a concrete project plan and milestones
• Weekly or biweekly updates and feedback after the project begins
• Escalate issues when appropriate
• Document your processes
• Wrap up the project
• Final presentation

We will avail ourselves to meeting with students participating in this study once a week or two, or as necessary to provide guidance and suggested research.