OpenLearn Profile

Janice Ansine

Janice Ansine

School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences

Professional biography
Janice is Senior Project Manager -Citizen Science and manages citizen science projects in the Faculty of STEM at The Open University. This includes the award winningiSpot, which helpsthe public go on their own 'learning journeys' with innovative, easily accessible web based tools and resources. Herresponsibilities include supporting informal to formal learning, public engagement,communications and outreachfor science-based initiatives (see:www.Treezilla.organdwww.opensciencelab.ac.uk). Janicealso disseminates andshares best practice supporting the Science Faculty's and University's citizen science,engagement, impact and related strategic activities. A former environment reporter and communications consultant, shealso hasa comprehensive background in project / programme management, managing projects focused on communications, public engagement, outreach and behaviour change around sustainability, biodiversity and the environment for over 15 years. Janice holds a BA(Hons) and Diploma (Hons) in Media and Communications from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica (UWI); an MSc in Environmental Change andManagement from the University of Oxford (Oxford); and an MSc in Science & Society from The Open University (OU). Janice has conductedpost graduate research in environmental change and ecological footprinting, biodiversity, sustainable development and science communications. Additionally, she is a PRINCE2 certified project manager and has training in managementcoaching. Janice is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education (EdD) with the Centre for Research in Education and Educational Technology (CREET), at the OU, in the area ofTechnology Enhanced Learning. Research interests Her current research topic focuses on 'Exploring Citizen Science Learning Journeys ThroughiSpotnature.org. Janice isinterested inpublic involvement and engagement with science andnature supported byblendedapproaches incorporating online tools, multimedia, engagement, citizen science, informal and formal learning around biodiversity.