Meet some of our citizen scientists
Anthony Alindogan: La Trobe Valley Caring for Waterhole Creek Project
Why did you become a citizen scientist?
I became a citizen scientist because of my interest in the environment. I think monitoring our surroundings and tracking whether things are in check is an important task. The Citizen Science Program gives me an opportunity to contribute to our community. At the same time, I gain new skills and knowledge related to our environment.
How long have you been in the EPA's citizen science program?
I have been in the Citizen Science Program for almost a year now.
What do you enjoy most about being a citizen scientist?
I do enjoy having the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge that could help me understand the environment more. I like the hands-on aspect, specifically using the chemical test kits and other gadgets. Trying to make sense of our collected data was also a good experience.
What do you think are the benefits of citizen science?
Environmental monitoring is a huge task. I think EPA is showing efficiency in trying to engage interested community members to contribute to the work.
Bob Temple: La Trobe Valley Caring for Waterhole Creek project
Why did you become a citizen scientist?
I became interested in citizen science when I retired from working as a chemist. I had worked in both the industrial and environmental science fields.
I have a personal need to share the knowledge I have gained over a long working life. I think I can make a worthwhile contribution by increasing the community's interest in science.
How long have you been in EPA's citizen science program?
I have been in EPA's citizen science program for more than two years. My involvement has covered aspects of air and water science.
Which projects have you worked on?
I worked on the La Trobe Valley Caring for Waterhole Creek project. It aimed to gauge the health of the creek.
In an earlier study, I took part in a summer assessment of the Latrobe Valley airshed. We did this by direct observation of air quality, particularly power station emissions and fuel reduction burning.
I also took part in the La Trobe Valley Air Monitoring Co-design project to improve EPA's air monitoring in the Latrobe Valley.
What do you most enjoy about being a citizen scientist?
I particularly enjoy the opportunity to share knowledge and experience with like-minded members of the community. Regardless of your life stage, we can all play a valuable role in helping to address and solve issues in our communities.
What do you think are the benefits of citizen science?
There is a present dumbing-down of science, particularly in the environmental and climate change area. It's important for EPA and other science-based organisations to do what they can to involve everybody. In a small way, citizen science can play its part in increasing community awareness of environmental problems.
Find out more about our citizen science program
Reviewed 20 September 2022
