Get involved at the Community Science Lab.
We believe that all communities should have access to drinkable water, breathable air, and fertile soil. Our research engages communities in collaborative environmental monitoring and scientific studies, in support of environmental justice. We work to make local monitoring data accessible, providing science as a resource to meet community needs. Climate change will amplify these needs. In response, we study land, air, and water to explore how crucial data can be used to help build community resilience and adaptation.
We believe that all communities should have access to drinkable water, breathable air, and fertile soil. Our research engages communities in collaborative environmental monitoring and scientific studies, in support of environmental justice. We work to make local monitoring data accessible, providing science as a resource to meet community needs. Climate change will amplify these needs. In response, we study land, air, and water to explore how crucial data can be used to help build community resilience and adaptation.
A Community Partnership
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Our ApproachCommunity science involves scientists and communities doing science collaboratively to address local priorities, in a way that leads to change. This process has the potential to address inequity by building community capacity while focusing on problems of global importance. Community or local expertise is considered equally (if not more) important to scientific expertise in the practice of community science.
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Our ToolsThe Community Science Lab has the ability to measure a wide range of parameters, conditions, and contaminants in water, air, and soil. We are building additional capacity, through the monitoring equipment and instrumentation of our core lab facility, in order to provide environmental testing in support of community concerns, particularly as related to public health and climate change.
Our Tools
The Community Science Lab has the ability to measure a wide range of parameters, conditions, and contaminants in water, air, and soil. We are building additional capacity, through the monitoring equipment and instrumentation of our core lab facility, in order to provide environmental testing in support of community concerns, particularly as related to public health and climate change.
Our initial efforts are focused on addressing the impacts of climate change on carbon storage, nutrient-mediating microbes, and waterborne pathogens that cause human disease. The data we generate will help to address pressing issues including: harmful algal blooms in drinking water reservoirs, raw sewage in public waterways, and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems globally.
Become a Community Science Lab Intern
Jump in. Reach out. Have fun.
This internship is ideal for students interested in engaging with both the Bard and outside community. At the lab, you’ll support our monitoring programs, attend community meetings, and take part in community outreach. As an intern, you’ll work closely with community members and Bard faculty, staff, and students. Interpersonal skills and an interest in bettering communication skills are a must.