Hudson Valley Residents Can Get Paid to Monitor Air Quality

Bard Community Sciences Lab seeks volunteers for short-term indoor air quality study.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:20am

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A minimalist neon outline illustration of an air quality sensor device, with glowing lines of green, blue, and orange defining the shape and technology of the device against a dark background.Volunteers in the Hudson Valley can earn a $30 gift card by allowing air quality sensors to be installed in their homes for a week-long study.Poughkeepsie Today

Researchers are looking for local volunteers in the Hudson Valley region to participate in a short-term study measuring indoor air quality. Participants will receive a $30 gift card in exchange for allowing air quality sensors to be placed in their homes for about one week.

Why it matters

The data collected will help scientists better understand how environmental factors in the Hudson Valley may influence the air people breathe inside their homes, which could guide future public health research and recommendations.

The details

The project is being conducted by the Bard Community Sciences Lab in partnership with Bard Lab at the University at Albany. Participants will have small air sensor monitors placed in their homes for about one week, and if the home has a backyard, a second monitor may also be installed outdoors to compare conditions. Researchers are focusing on identifying common pollutants that can affect indoor air quality, including soot, noxious gases and toxic chemicals.

  • The study is currently seeking participants through April 18, 2026.
  • The equipment will be installed in participants' homes for about one week.

The players

Bard Community Sciences Lab

A research lab at Bard College conducting the indoor air quality study.

Bard Lab at the University at Albany

A partner organization collaborating on the indoor air quality study.

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What’s next

Anyone interested in participating can contact the research team directly at mcordel@bard.edu for more information or to sign up.

The takeaway

This study provides an opportunity for Hudson Valley residents to contribute to important air quality research while earning a small financial incentive. The findings could lead to future public health recommendations to improve indoor air quality in the region.