In 2014, the Miistakis Institute hosted a Citizen Science Conference, exploring this diverse field with sessions on program design, evaluation, policy implications, technology and applications in parks and protected areas. This links to the website that chronicled that event.
Small Air Quality Sensor Applications to Improve Community Engagement in Western Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada recognizes the value of small, inexpensive air quality sensors and their potential for improving community engagement around air quality issues. Western and northern Canada remains a challenge for air quality monitoring due to the number of small, remote communities—particularly first nations communities—at risk for forest fire smoke impacts in a diverse range of terrains and climates.
This work describes preliminary efforts and results from a pilot project to assess the applicability of small air quality sensors to improve community engagement and their potential role in providing air quality information and tools to decision makers in small communities.
Author bio: Matthew Parsons is a Senior Air Quality Scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, based out of Edmonton, AB. Dr. Parsons has managed many of the regional air quality monitoring programs under the Meteorological Service of Canada including atmospheric mercury and VOC programs in the Alberta Oil Sands region and also criteria air contaminant monitoring in western Canada. Recently, Dr. Parsons has started to develop MSC’s small sensor program for air quality monitoring. Dr. Parsons’ educational background specialized in laboratory- and field-based aerosol chemistry research at the University of British Columbia, Colorado State University, and the University of Alberta.