Researchers at the University of Oklahoma’s Natural Products Discovery Group are looking for citizen scientists to submit local dirt samples as part of a project to study microorganisms found in soil.
Soils are teeming with microscopic life. Many of these organisms belong to a special group of microbes known as fungi. Fungi are capable of making many new compounds that can thwart the growth of cancer cells, impede the spread of infectious pathogens, as well as treat many other human diseases. With millions of fungi estimated to be living on earth, you probably have several new species inhabiting your area that we have never tested.
This citizen science effort will go a long way to helping identify new disease-fighting compounds. Click here to make a donation to the OU Citizen Science Program and help keep this program free to the public.
The Natural Products Discovery Group is part of the university’s Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies (INPART) labs.
Citizen Science Soil Collection Program
Help University of Oklahoma scientists study microscopic life in search of new drug compounds
Project Details
- Principal Scientist: Robert Cichewicz
- Scientist Affiliation: University of Oklahoma
- Dates: Ongoing
- PROJECT TYPE: Fieldwork
- COST: Free
- GRADE LEVEL: All Ages
- TIME COMMITMENT: Variable
- HOW TO JOIN:
Request a soil collection kit, and the researchers will send you what you need to get started. Each kit includes an instruction sheet, collection materials, and prepaid return shipping container. Click here and fill out the request form to obtain a kit. If you prefer, you may email them at NPDG@ou.edu with your name and mailing address or call us at (405) 325-2219 to request a kit. If you are in the Norman, Oklahoma area, you can stop by the lab and obtain a kit in person. Click here to view an electronic copy of the soil submission sheet.
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