About EMERGE
EMERGE is a statewide initiative that helps libraries, educators, and individuals across Florida engage in public health and environmental science using real-world data tools and citizen science.
Led by the Geospatial Digital Informatics (GeoDI) Lab at the University of Florida, EMERGE is supported by NASA and powered by public participation.
Through mobile tools like GLOBE Observer, participants help monitor mosquito breeding sites, classify land cover, and contribute data to global scientific efforts.
What We Do
The EMERGE project aims to:
- Engage communities in monitoring mosquito habitats
- Magnify the impact of educators and libraries through training and resources
- Educate the public about mosquito-borne diseases and environmental change
- Research community-collected data to support science and policy
- Use satellite imagery and mapping to understand environmental risk
- Evaluate participation through surveys, data tracking, and feedback
Project Highlights
Summer–Fall 2025: Key Activities
Local Data Camps
We provide open-source curriculum, supplies, and training to support in-person and online citizen science workshops.
Check out our curricula page for background, and find templates here.
Hackathon and Data Visualization Contest (September)
A hybrid creative challenge where participants explore and visualize citizen science data. Top entries will be featured in a statewide gallery.
Virtual Kickoff Week (July)
A statewide series of free webinars designed for library staff, educators, policymakers, and the public.
Recordings available by request.
Mini-Grants to Libraries (July–August)
Ten Florida libraries or community-based organizations received $300 each to host citizen science events. Rural communities are prioritized.
Who Can Participate
Need help figuring out where to start? Visit our “start here” page, with advice about how to make the most of EMERGE.
Libraries and Library Systems
Integrate GLOBE Observer and data analysis into community programs.
Educators and Schools
Bring environmental science into the classroom and all types of education through hands-on, standards-aligned lessons.
Local Governments and Agencies
Use local mosquito mapping data to inform public health and resilience planning.
Citizen Scientists and Families
Get involved in data collection, explore science tools, and help advance research.
SciStarter Ambassadors and Facilitators
Ambassadors are motivated volunteers, getting others involved in citizen science. Support outreach and help lead community events.
Our Approach
EMERGE is an initiative of the GeoDI Lab, where we study the intersection of people, nature, and technology. Our research combines:
- Remote sensing and satellite data
- Geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI)
- Participatory science and open education
We also work closely with Florida Community Innovation (FCI), a nonprofit organization focused on civic tech and community-driven research.
Program Support
EMERGE is made possible through NASA Award #80NSSC25K7190, part of the project:
Forecasting Mosquito-Borne Disease Risk in a Changing Climate: Integrating GLOBE Citizen Science and NASA Earth System Modeling.
Join the Project
To participate, explore our resources, or apply for a mini-grant, visit our “Start Here” page.
You can also sign up for updates or contact us to get involved.
Let us know how we can support your work in education, libraries, research, or public engagement.
Awards
Did you know we won an award earlier this year for our project’s vision? Learn more!
