Citizen Science and Community Engagement: Sabiya Sabir on the Power of Bioblitzes

Sabiya Sabir, a graduate of the Global Field Program (GFP) from New York, New York, has recently been published in NSTA’s Connected Science Learning. In her article, Sabir discusses the importance of organizing community bioblitzes and provides educators with insights on how to do so effectively. A bioblitz is a biological survey that brings together students, teachers, parents, and scientists to survey local habitats and introduce citizen science to communities.

Sabir highlights the role of web-based citizen science projects, such as bioblitzes, in providing scientists and the general public access to valuable data about the natural world. Through these projects, a vast amount of information can be gathered and shared, fostering a better understanding of local ecosystems.

As a student in Miami’s biology department, Sabir pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in the Biological Sciences through Project Dragonfly’s GFP program. Simultaneously, she held the position of Director of Public Programs at a science museum in Bronx, New York. Sabir’s dedication to both education and community engagement is evident in her work and advocacy for citizen science initiatives like bioblitzes.