As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting with gratitude on how Girl Scouts, families, and citizen scientists around the world came together to power Alzheimer’s research through Stall Catchers, a citizen science game developed by the Human Computation Institute (HCI).

This blog post recaps two connected programs: the 4th Annual USAGSO Catch-A-Thon, which ran from November 24 to December 1, as well as the Girl Scouts Steminist (think: STEM feminist) program earlier in November that featured core members of the HCI team.

4th Annual USAGSO Catch-A-Thon

This exciting program is now in its fourth year! Girl Scouts from around the world engaged in a friendly competition to see which individuals and country-based teams could engage in the most Alzheimer’s research. Below are highlights celebrating impact and a thank you from our Executive Director, Pietro Michelucci.

STEMinist Program Workshop (November 15): Meeting the Team Behind Stall Catchers

In advance of the Catch-A-Thon, Girl Scouts joined a virtual workshop where three members of HCI introduced themselves and shared their pathways into citizen science research. This fun, inspiring session empowered HCI team members to share their own stories and then practice Stall Catchers with attendees in advance of the Catchathon.

Check out a highlight reel from the event and explore the bios of HCI’s own steminists, below.

Gretė Vaičaitytė

Gretė grew up exploring forests in Lithuania, eventually studying biology and becoming a science journalist. She now works at HCI as a storyteller, helping audiences understand complex research through clear, engaging communication.

Maggie Lane

Maggie described her path from childhood science enthusiast to musician to healthcare professional and ultimately to coordinating large-scale scientific research efforts at HCI.

Caroline Nickerson

Caroline shared her early experiences as a citizen scientist observing monarch butterflies, which eventually led to a PhD and her role as a communicator and outreach specialist at HCI.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Catch-A-Thon demonstrated that when thousands of volunteers across time zones and continents join forces, they can accelerate research that matters. Girl Scouts analyzed thousands of vessels, deepened their STEM skills, and contributed directly to a field of science that affects millions of families.

We look forward to seeing what discoveries and achievements the global Girl Scout community will make in the 2026 Catch-A-Thon.

And remember, anytime Girl Scouts play 100 minutes of Stall Catchers, they can earn a badge!