Community Science Opportunities for Indiana High School and 4H Students

Due to the situation with COVID-19, we are unable to accept applications from high school students at this time. Please check back with us regularly

Students can collect ticks on their own time and on any property where they have permission to sample. Collection is weather dependent and typically conducted between April and September. Collections can be performed on any day, weather permitting, from mid-morning to late afternoon. Applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of three separate tick collections. The selection of sampling dates is at the discretion of the student but should ideally be performed at regular intervals depending on the seasonal activity pattern of the tick species of interest. Guidance on optimal sampling dates and locations will be provided by the Tick INsiders team throughout the season. All sampling days must be recorded and will count towards the total, whether or not ticks are recovered.

A background in biology or entomology and previous experience in field research is strongly recommended, but not required. Students enrolled in 4-H (esp. entomology, wildlife, or shooting sports education) are particularly encouraged to apply.

Participants are advised that taking part in tick collection carries a small risk of exposure to ticks and tick-borne diseases. Reasonable precaution is taken to minimize contact with ticks, including instruction in the correct use of personal protective equipment and repellent, and directions on the safe removal and disposal of ticks.

Please see https://tickinsiders.org//ticks/ or  https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/tick.html for more information about ticks, tick habitat, and disease risks.

Click here for Tick INsiders application.