Community Research Scientists are volunteers who work alongside a Field Research Assistant to collect data for two parallel studies: the Cincinnati Urban Pollinator Biodiversity Study and the Urban Ant Diet Preference and Diversity Study. Together, these studies examine how urban wildlife communities differ across neighborhood types defined by their environmental stress, temperature burden, and socio-economic context, contributing to a longer-term goal of establishing Cincinnati as a formal Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site.
No prior research experience is required. All data collection methods will be taught at the sample site. No experience with iNaturalist or taxon identification is necessary.
What you'll do in the field: During each 2-hour visit, volunteers will conduct 50-meter transect walks to record flower-visiting insects and flowering plant species, using iNaturalist to photograph insects and blooming plants. This data will be used to compare pollinator diversity and abundance across neighborhood types. Volunteers will also set up and monitor bait stations with four types of food resources to record ant species and their food preferences, comparing foraging behavior across microclimates at each site.
Commitment and schedule: This is a 7-week program running June 22 – August 10, 2026. We visit 7 sample sites located in Clifton, Wyoming OH, and Indian Hill once per week. Each visit is 2 hours, held on weekdays during either the 9–11am or 12–2pm slot. Participation is fully flexible and you may join for one visit or as many as you'd like. Weekend makeup days are available if a visit is cancelled due to weather. View the full collection schedule here.
Beyond data collection: Volunteers are invited to participate in interpreting and communicating study findings to community partners and city leaders, including Cincinnati Parks, the Mill Creek Alliance, and City Council, turning the data you collect into real advocacy for Cincinnati neighborhoods.
