garage scientist

This is someone that can be described by one of the following terms: amateur scientist, basement scientist, backyard scientist, citizen scientist, do-it-yourself scientist (DIY scientist), hobby scientist, non-degreed scientist, self-educated scientist, self-taught scientist, kid scientist, or student scientist. This is someone who performs scientific experiments in their garage, basement or backyard, done as a student or as a hobby. This is in contrast to a professional scientist or expert with an actual degree in the scientific field in question, particularly those who engage in scientific research as part of their job and particularly those who experiment in a laboratory or other controlled environment.