I also find "citizen scientist" objectionable. It implies that a "citizen scientist" isn't a real scientist, so a modifier needs to be attached. (You don't see

I also find "citizen scientist" objectionable. It implies that a "citizen scientist" isn't a real scientist, so a modifier needs to be attached. (You don't see that sort of gatekeeping in programming for instance; you don't call someone a "citizen programmer" if they don't have the right background.) Also, as you point out, not everyone is a citizen. Finally, the expression doesn't even make sense since most scientists are citizens. (I should point out that the article didn't coin "citizen scientist"; it is in common use.)