Low-Cost, Open, Citizen Science with IoT and TinyML

Citizen scientists are helping expand the reach of science through volunteers who collect data, analyze data, or do both. Fields of research range from biology to weather, astronomy, and beyond. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a tool that will expand data collection, while machine learning assists with predictive analytics and where applicable, edge solutions. Citizen Science projects have the best chance of success when they enhance participant recruitment and retention. The current work demonstrates that low-cost and efficient IoT solutions can be implemented alongside innovative machine learning tools, specifically TinyML, while positively impacting participation. A specific implementation of a conference badge design, that uses low-cost design elements and sensors, aimed at citizen science for data collection and analysis is described in the current work.