Fancy Scientist with Dr. Stephanie Manka
Dr. Stephanie Schuttler, the Fancy Scientist, is a wildlife biologist who loves breaking stereotypes and talking about the natural world. In this podcast, she shares her knowledge of animals, experiences as a wildlife biologist, and simple lifestyle choices you can make to conserve nature. Her 17 years in wildlife biology taught her that science alone cannot save species. We need to take collective action through simple things we can do every day. This podcast is for anyone who likes animals and wants to help make the world a better place for them, and for us too. You’ll learn cool things about the animals around you from her own and other scientists’ research. She’ll also give tips for other scientists to succeed (that really ANYONE can use), strategies for effective science communication, and how she gained the confidence to become a fancy scientist.
Episodes
Building a Wildlife Career Without Breaking the Bank: Real Talk on Money, Salaries and Spending
If you're considering a career in wildlife, conservation, or environmental sciences, you've probably heard that these fields don't pay well and even that you have to be wealthy to make it. But surely, there must be regular folks making it in wildlife careers? Can you really make a living? Pay your bills and raise a family? Or are you doomed to be broke forever if you pursue a career yo
Landing a Permanent Wildlife Job with Steve Irwin x Tupac Energy: Interview with José Juan Rodriguez Gutierrez
One day I was mindlessly scrolling on Instagram and a video stopped me in my tracks. This reel was from a 26-year old with a permanent job, offering some excellent career advice, well beyond his years. I was intrigued, but when I read his bio, saying “Steve Irwin X Tupac,” I was instantly hooked! Landing a permanent job is tough when you are first starting out, so this is an accomplishment in itse
When Your "Dream Job" Isn't What You Thought: Finding Career Alignment in Wildlife Conservation: Interview with Dylan Karl
Have you been applying and applying to wildlife jobs or experiences only to hear nothing back? That’s exactly what happened to Dylan Karl despite having a degree from a prestigious university specializing in wildlife, a Master’s degree, years of experience, and a wildlife biologist certification from The Wildlife Society. Dylan had seemingly everything, yet, he was applying to 30-50 jobs every sea
What are Wildlife Research-Adjacent Jobs and Should You Take One?
What if I told you that most jobs in wildlife, conservation, and environmental science aren't directly in research? Would you be shocked? Well, it's true! And that's exactly what I talk about in this episode of the Fancy Scientist Podcast. When most people think of wildlife work, they think of jobs in wildlife research. Those are jobs where you pose questions or objectives, and then co
Do Zoos Help Conservation? Research, Ethics, and Careers
Do zoos actually help conservation? Contribute to wildlife research? Or are they mostly to entertain people? A couple of years ago, I did a podcast interview all about zoos, and I thought this would be a great topic for my own podcast due to the complexity. It’s not a straightforward answer…In fact, during the pandemic, when we were all watching The Tiger King, I did a whole blog post series on th
My WILDEST Wildlife Biologist Moments
As a wildlife biologist, you have incredible moments with animals that are nearly impossible for other people to experience. But you also do some pretty crazy, strange, and downright WEIRD things.In my 17 years working in the field across four continents and for a variety of organizations, I've had experiences that range from terrifying to awe-inspiring to disgusting. So in this episode of the
Don't Shoot the Messenger: Navigating AI in Wildlife Conservation Work
AI seems like it’s EVERYWHERE nowadays, and I know if you’re a conservationist like me, you’re concerned about its environmental impacts, and maybe even avoiding it because of them…But I recently read an article that scared the bejesus out of me. It basically stated: AI is here, and those who don’t know how to use it well, WILL be left behind. And then I realized, AI is already here, not just in o
Not Accepting No! Succeeding at Wildlife Careers with a Disability: Interview with Grace O’Dea
Do you want a wildlife, conservation, or environmental sciences career, but feel that it is not physically possible for you? Do you have health challenges or a condition that limits you and are worried that it prevents you from working in a field that is notoriously demanding? Or do you feel discriminated against because of these circumstances? You are not alone! I have heard from aspiring wildlif
Age is Just a Number! Breaking into the National Park Service in Your 50s: Interview with Lynda Moore
Do you have a lingering desire to start a wildlife career, but feel like it might be too late for you? Or maybe you’re working on a wildlife career, but it isn’t working for you, and time just keeps passing by? You got the degree, but then life got in the way, and you even had to get a non-wildlife job to pay the bills…Well, I’m here to tell you that whether you’re 25, 45, or older, a wildlife car
From Passive to Proactive: Making Your Wildlife Career Happen When You Feel Stuck: Interview with Makeela Mogomolla
How do you actually make your wildlife career happen when you feel like you’ve missed your window? You got the degree, maybe even got some temporary jobs here and there, but you felt like you weren’t getting traction. Or couldn’t see how it could all come together. And time just keeps ticking away…That’s exactly how my former Successful Wildlife Professional student, Makeela Magomolla, was feeling
No Experience, No problem! Building a Wildlife Career from Scratch: Interview with Christina Weber
Christina Weber did what most aspiring wildlife professionals think is impossible: she got every single offer she applied to with absolutely NO EXPERIENCE! How did she do it? That’s what this week’s episode of the Fancy Scientist Podcast is all about. After listening to this episode, I know you’ll walk away inspired, ready to take action, and make things happen in your career so that you can work
From Flour Beetles to Forest Elephants: My 20 Year Wildlife Career
I’ve recently gained a lot of new followers, so for this week’s episode of the Fancy Scientist Podcast, I wanted to share with you my vast experience that I’ve had working as a wildlife biologist for nearly twenty years, so that you can fully understand what this field is like.My career has taken me all over the world, and I’ve been on all different kinds of adventures: from hiking the deserts of
Building a Wildlife Career on Your Own Terms: Interview with ME! Dr. Stephanie Manka
Normally when I do an interview for the Fancy Scientist podcast, it’s me interviewing a guest. But for this week’s episode, I’m flipping the script and the guest is….yours truly: Me!!You see, last year I was interviewed by my friend and fellow podcaster Andrew Lewin, who hosts the How to Protect the Ocean Podcast. Because I had such a great time chatting with him and my audience has grown so much
Observing Nature Through TOUCH | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Making observations in nature isn’t just about what we see. Scientists use (almost) all of their senses to make observations, and in this video, we are focusing on the sense of touch. After exploring nature through sight, sound, and smell, it’s now time to focus on the textures of nature and discover how different plants, surfaces, and organisms actually feel. Make sure to watch the ENTIRE video a
SMELL of the Wild: Observing Nature with Your Nose
Scientists use most of their senses to conduct observations, a critical step in conducting research, and one of those senses is SMELL. We might not think of nature as being smelly, but we get so many of our everyday smells from nature. From the scents in our perfumes, deodorants, or candles to bringing nature into our homes to change the smell (think flowers or pine branches during the holidays) t
LISTEN Like a Scientist: Tips & Tools | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Today, we’re tuning into the world of animal sounds and learning to observe nature like true scientists. We’ll sharpen our sense of SOUND, and I’ll introduce an activity to close your eyes and listen to the natural world around you. Once you start REALLY listening, you’ll be amazed at how noisy our world really is. You’ll likely hear birds, mammals, and, depending on the time of year, insects and
Learn Animal Behavior with Squirrels | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Animal behavior is one of my FAVORITE topics, and we’re studying it through an animal you’ve probably seen a thousand times but never truly observed: squirrels!Why squirrels? They’re abundant, easy and fun to watch (one of my friends called them “our” monkeys), and perfect for learning how scientists study behavior in the real world. In this video, I talk about:What animal behavior is 💡The kinds o
OBSERVE Like a Scientist: Tips & Tools | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Conducting accurate and meaningful observations are a CRITICAL part of being a scientist. In this video, learn how to conduct DETAILED observations in nature. Discover the benefits of nature journaling and using a camera to capture intricate things you wouldn't notice.Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'
Plentiful Work in a Competitive Field: Wetland Conservation and Restoration with Patrick Raney
It’s well known that careers in wildlife, conservation, and the environment are incredibly competitive. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a job to have hundreds of applicants. So you might be surprised to hear that there are jobs that are difficult for employers to fill. Yes, difficult! (insert mind blown emoji here). To be honest, I was surprised too. Today’s episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast i
Leave the Leaves: Fall Leaf Science & How Leaves Help Animals | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
t’s fall, which means the leaves are falling off the trees and soon they’ll be on the ground. But don’t throw those leaves out! Here you’ll learn how leaves are a valuable resource for wildlife. In this video, we’re going to get curious about and explore the beautiful transformation of leaves from their normal green into shades of red, orange, and yellow. Have you ever wondered why this happens? A
Get to Know Your Trees | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Did you know that by modern definitions, trees ARE wildlife? Often overlooked, trees are actually living, breathing beings. In this video, we’ll explore how magnificent they are, and I’ll give you some tips to get you started with identifications so that you can get to know the trees around you! We’ll dive into the crucial role that trees play in our survival and the survival of the animals we lov
Increase Your Bird Life List | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Learn my 5 BEST and super easy tips to maximize your bird life list. That is, the number of bird species you see over your life! Birds are amazing because they are everywhere and a fantastic way to get hooked on nature. In this podcast, you'll discover things like how different habitats, times of day, expert-led walks, and the power of the Merlin Bird ID app can get you finding new species. In
Bird for Science with eBird | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Learn how to conduct a real bird survey just like wildlife biologists and provide invaluable data for REAL SCIENCE.In today's episode of the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club, I take you through the steps of using eBird, showing you how to contribute important bird data - no matter where you are located in the world. I will guide you through the process of setting up and conducting your own surve
Identify Birds by Song EASILY! | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
When studying birds, you can use two different observational skill sets: sight and SOUND.In today’s episode of the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club, I teach you how to find and identify bird songs with one of my favorite nature apps, Merlin Bird ID developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.I'll show you how easy it is to use and challenge you to find five new bird species using the app's s
Beginner Birding Tips for Migration | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Birds are around us every day, but during migration you have the opportunity to see species that are here for only short windows of time! Once you start looking for birds, you'll realize how many species there are, and you'll want to keep finding more.In this week's episode of the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club, I teach you basic tips on how to find a variety of bird species and the ke
FULLY Fund Yourself for Graduate School: Interview with NSF GRFP Winner Camilla Price
Today’s podcast episode idea was inspired by an incredible success that I recently discovered from one of my students that I know you’ll be interested in. This episode is highly relevant if you want to go into wildlife careers, especially graduate school, but the lessons that you’ll learn from my student’s experience apply to ANY situation. You’ll learn a winning process that I regularly use with
Native Bee Diversity and Pollination | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Bees are the heavy lifters in the pollination world, but NOT the honey bees that so many of us think of! It’s native bees, with over 20,000 species worldwide, that are CRITICAL pollinators.Here we explore bee diversity including bumblebees, carpenter bees, longhorn bees, mining bees, sweat bees, and leaf-cutter bees - each with unique characteristics and roles in nature.Also, you’ll learn that you
Maximizing Mental Health in Wildlife Work: How I Went Off Anti-Depressants
If you’re involved in the wildlife or conservation field in any capacity, whether you are a current or aspiring career professional, someone volunteering their time to make the world better for wildlife, or simply just want to learn more to help out, chances are, you’ve struggled with the emotional toll that comes with trying to save a species, cope with the climate change crisis, get plastic out
Native Plants and Pollinators | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Pollinators NEED native plants because of their closely tied relationships that are at times millions of years in the making! In this podcast episode, you'll learn why native plants are crucial for pollinators and how non-native plants fall short.Tune in to discover how plant-pollinator co-evolution was predicted and discovered through incredible examples of plant-pollinator relationships. At
What Is a Fancy Scientist? Embracing Diversity in Science Beyond Gender and Race
Since 2017, I decided to change my social media handles from @StephSchuttler to @FancyScientist. I was given this name and I loved it! But have you ever stopped and wondered, when coming across my content, what exactly is a Fancy Scientist?Well, that is what this podcast episode is all about! Despite running this blog for 7 years, changing all of my social accounts, and forming my small business u
Animal Pollinators Beyond Bees | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
There’s a huge diversity in the number of animal species that pollinate plants - it’s way more than bees! And most people think of honey bees when it comes to pollination, but they are actually poor pollinators and not native to North America. In this podcast episode, you’ll learn about native pollinators all over the world. You’re going to be surprised to learn how many there are - from small ins
Launching a Successful Wildlife Career After Losing Your Job: Interview with Wildlife Biologist Jamie Bowles
Sometimes, when you think the worst happens, it can actually be the best thing. For wildlife biologist Jamie Bowles of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, losing her job in the medical field launched her wildlife career…I met Jamie through LinkedIn. She has been so supportive of my posts, and I quickly recognized that, like me, she prioritized and loved mentoring. With her ample and sage a
What is Pollination? | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
You’ve heard about the importance of pollinators, but what exactly is it? When you learn what pollination consists of, you’ll quickly realize it truly is a miracle of nature! This week on the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club, we’re diving into the fascinating world of pollination—how it happens, who some pollinators are, and why it's essential for our survival. You'll discover how pollen tra
From Nature to Novels: Writing Children’s Books with Rosanne Parry
When we think about saving the environment, kids aren’t typically the first thing that comes to mind for most people – especially when it comes to fiction books written for children. But maybe that’s an important missing link…I’ve been seeing more and more scientists coming out with children’s books, and to be completely honest, it’s something I’ve thought about myself! In fact, I remember reading
The Science and Ethics of De-extinction: The Case of the Dire Wolf
Chances are, you've seen the headlines that the dire wolf is no longer extinct. The company Colossal Biosciences claims to have brought it back from extinction in the form of three living, breathing dire wolf pups.But my headlines have actually been flooded with scientists saying “not so fast…” so what is really going on here? Having studied African forest elephants using genetics during my Ph
Facts Don’t Change Minds: What Actually Works in Science Communication
Are you somebody who really cares about wildlife and conservation and you're trying to get people to change their behavior? Reduce their carbon footprint? Get them to not litter? Or keep their cats indoors to save birds? Whether it’s getting people to switch to clean energy sources or eating less meat to help save the planet, all of these things all require human behavior change, and the found
Wildlife Careers in Crisis: Surviving Trying Times
I’m not going to lie…things seem pretty dire here right now in the United States for the environment, conservation, and wildlife. Because of what the current administration is doing, people are worried and understandably so. Things are quite honestly in chaos right now and there have already been severe consequences for those who work in wildlife.Over the past couple of weeks, my social media feed
Conversations and Connections: Tips for Navigating Conservation Post Election
We recently had an election here in the United States, and now have just started this new administration. For so many of us out there, especially in the conservation and environmental space, this one was and is going to be TOUGH. I normally don't talk about politics on the Fancy Scientist podcast because I want to be as inclusive as possible and that STILL stands for today's episode - you
Wildlife Internships: What They Are and How to Get Them
I’ve been seeing a ton of great PAID wildlife internships being posted so I thought it would be a great time to go over how to get an internship for wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, and conservation careers. So for this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I am talking about everything to do with internships in wildlife careers. This includes ecology, conservation biology, zoology, and envir
Becoming a Wildlife Professional: Your Free Guide to Landing Your Dream Career
As someone who has spent two decades in the wildlife field, published nearly 30 peer-reviewed papers, and worked across multiple continents in various wildlife roles, I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities in this field. And I'm here to help you navigate them!What started as a single webinar has evolved into something much more powerful - a robust 3-part training series packed with
Wildlife Crossings and Conservation: Interview with Natural Resources Manager Matt Howard
In the fiercely competitive world of wildlife biology and conservation, insider knowledge isn't just an advantage—it's a game-changer. That's why this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, featuring Matt Howard, is an absolute must-listen for anyone dreaming of a career in this field.Interestingly, my connection with Matt began in an unexpected place: the comments section of one of m
Managing Eco-Anxiety: Finding Strength in the Face of Environmental Challenges
This Fancy Scientist podcast episode is quite literally years in the making. I first got the idea when one of my students in the Successful Wildlife Professional, which is my signature wildlife career group mentoring program, asked me about dealing with the feelings of depression involved in her work. Alanna Street was conducting research on the Great Barrier Reef, which has lost some estimates, u
Why Conservation Needs Optimism: Interview with Conservation Optimism Director Jon Taylor
Working in the conservation field innately involves loss from which is often accompanied by feelings of sadness, grief, anger, and even depression. The whole point of our field is to save species and ecosystems that are facing, often massive, declines and even extinction! As conservationists, we are compelled to help out because we love nature, often stemming from personal experiences and connecti
Language Justice in Conservation: Interview with Ana Yi Soto
I first came across Ana Yi Soto's work through a LinkedIn post she created on language justice that went viral and due to its importance, she later decided to repost in the Society for Conservation Biology forum. In her post, she shared a meme from the television show Modern Family, in which Gloria, a native Spanish-speaking character from Colombia (the actress playing Gloria, Sofia Vergara is
The Ethics of Scientist-Animal Selfies: An Eye-Opening Conversation with Dr. Cassie Freund
As early as the second episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I’ve been talking about the negative impacts of "animal selfies.” This refers to when people post photos of themselves with an exotic animal. Although selfies are new in the digital age of photography, photos like these are not. For decades, private zoos and individuals have made money by keeping exotic animals often in horrific co
Shifting the Scarcity Mindset: Thriving in Wildlife Careers on Limited Resources
As someone who's been in this field for 20 years, I know what it’s like to be in your shoes - from struggling graduate students to successful wildlife professionals - I understand the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges you're facing in this competitive field. In this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I’m tackling two of the biggest elephants in the room when it comes to getting
Becoming Unstoppable: Traits of a Successful Wildlife Professional
What does it take to be successful in wildlife careers?You might be thinking: Lots of experience in far away placesHaving a strong network of top scientists and other wildlife professionalsKnowing GIS like a proCourses in wildlife handling, trapping, and trackingHaving a Master’s or Ph.D.Some of those things *do* help (others don’t even help much!), but they still are not getting at the core of wh
Breaking through Wildlife Career Despair: Why Helpless Thinking Won’t Actually Help
If you’re like most people pursuing a wildlife career, at some point, you’ve felt like you’re giving it your all, but going nowhere. Like a field vehicle stuck in the mud, you’re pressing the gas pedal as hard as you can, but the wheels are just spinning, flinging mud (maybe even in your face - I’ve been there!) and you’re in the exact same spot. Or maybe you’ve felt like you’re furiously treading
Wildlife Career Salaries: The Hidden Costs Behind Job Postings
On the surface, it seems like careers in wildlife are pretty financially solid. If you search online for how much wildlife biologists make, you’ll discover it’s about $70K here in the US. In fact, when I discovered wildlife biology as a career option, I was incredibly relieved to see a solid salary posted! I was previously pursuing a career in acting, which is notorious for having low salaries, lo
9 Networking Mistakes Aspiring Wildlife Professionals Need to Avoid
Networking is super important. As someone who has been in the wildlife field for over 20 years and has attended countless scientific conferences since 2006, I know firsthand how networking can influence your career success. Experience is most important, but at times, who you know can even trump this. Networking can lead to jobs you didn’t know about, or maybe didn’t even exist in addition to other
Best Scientific Conferences for Wildlife: What are They and Why Attend
Have you heard of scientific conferences, but are not sure what they are? Do you think you should be attending, but aren’t sure exactly why? Or are you attending scientific conferences, but not getting as much out of them as you think you should? Whether you are a scientific conference newbie or a seasoned attendee, as we head into the summer conference season, I wanted to get you the inside scoop
Powering Conservation: Interview with The Nature Conservancy Scientist Dr. Liz Kalies
When I was working as a postdoctoral researcher studying wildlife using camera traps, I had the pleasure of working alongside Dr. Liz Kalies who was integral in modeling the results of our large-scale projects. Back then, we were both passionate young(er) scientists trying to figure out our role in conservation biology. While my path eventually led me here to science communication and career mento
Unplugged Adventures: The Art of Nature Journaling with John Muir Laws
As someone who deeply values the importance of connecting people with nature, I was thrilled to have John Muir Laws as a guest on the latest episode of The Fancy Scientist podcast. Ever since completing my PhD and working with kids, I've recognized that fostering an emotional attachment to nature, especially during childhood, is a central solution to all conservation problems. Because when peo
From Science to Storytelling: Interview with Communications Specialist Hannah Mulvany
This week, I’m continuing to turn the tables on conservation podcasters by interviewing them. I had the great pleasure of sitting down with one of the Earth to Humans podcast hosts, Hannah Mulvany. Earth to Humans explores humankind's relationship with planet Earth, covering topics within the environmental and conservation space through the diverse perspectives of its three hosts—including thi
Inspiring Powerful Forces for Nature: Interview with Science Communicator Crystal DiMiceli
I was instantly captivated when I first discovered Crystal DiMicelli's podcast, Forces for Nature. You know that feeling when you find someone who shares your passion and vibe on a level that just feels right? Well, that's exactly what I felt when I tuned in!You see, Crystal and I share a deep love for conservation and wildlife issues, and like me, Crystal understands that the “doom and gl
Journey from Nepal to a Master's degree in the US: Interview with Turtle Researcher Chitra Rekha Basyal
When it comes to careers in wildlife, one of the things you’ll hear me say over and over again is that you need to go after what you want - you can’t just sit back and wait for things to happen. YOU have to make them happen. But what happens if you don’t know how to go after what you want? You aren’t sure exactly what to do? That was the case for Chitra Rekha Basyal, one of my students in the Succ
Breaking Through the Conservation Career Trap
This week’s episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast was inspired by an extremely honest and vulnerable article by Georgina Mayhew called The Conservation Career Trap. When I posted this in my Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook group, it sparked an overwhelming response from others sharing similar sentiments or fears that the same would happen to them. Some standout comments included: “Every
Reviving the Soul of Science: Lessons from Braiding Sweetgrass
The wisdom of Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer's book Braiding Sweetgrass has lingered in my mind and heart for quite some time. This episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast is pretty different from past ones, and I'm excited to explore with you the bridge between science and spirituality I hope you’ll have an open mind to explore with me.Robin’s book inspired this podcast, leaving me with lots of t
From Rescues to Releases: Wildlife Rehabilitation Interview with Joey of the Jungle
I have so many followers interested in careers in wildlife rehabilitation so I am especially excited about this week’s episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast. I sat down with veterinarian nurse and wildlife rehabilitator, Joey Solimine AKA Joey of the Jungle. Joey is not your average adventurer - she travels all over Central and South America volunteering at different wildlife rehabilitation cente
Coexisting and Resolving Conflicts with Carnivores: Interview with Petros Chrysafis
Around the world, carnivores have been and still are heavily persecuted. Although the percentages are low, they do kill livestock, pets, and even people. The most common knee-jerk reaction for people is to do something about it, which almost always means killing the animal. For conservationists and wildlife lovers, this is a tough pill to swallow; it seems unfair to punish an animal for doing what
Journeys into the Wilderness: Interview with Explorer and Science Writer Jon Waterman
I'm thrilled to bring you another exciting episode this week on the Fancy Scientist podcast with National Geographic explorer and science writer Jon Waterman. Jon is not only an author of an impressive 15 books, but a modern-day explorer who's ventured into many remote and wild spaces. In his latest book, "Atlas of Wild America," published by National Geographic, he takes you to No
Ensuring Your Own Success in Wildlife Careers
This week’s podcast is a little different - instead of interviewing a guest or even doing a solo episode, it’s an excerpt from a professional development session in my Successful Wildlife Professional program. I had my students watch a podcast interview of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Chances are, you’re probably thinking, what in the world does slimming undergarments have to do with wildli
Road Ecology and Wildlife Conservation Challenges in Brazil's Cities: Interview with Fernanda Teixeira
A big lesson that I learned from studying abroad in Kenya is that the key to understanding a place's wildlife and conservation issues is to connect with the people living there. When my travels led me to Brazil, I knew I had to seize the opportunity to learn about its unique conservation challenges and the incredible research being done there through the passionate scientists who working on th
Leadership Lessons from the Animal Kingdom: Interview with Julie C. Henry
Lots of people think that the only way you can work in conservation and make a difference is by studying threatened animals to learn more about them so that we can save them. But there are a million ways to make a difference and drive impact in this field, especially when you follow your heart, pursue your passion, and open yourself up to creative possibilities.In today’s Fancy Scientist podcast e
What if Cities Weren’t the Bad Guys? Exploring Urban Wildlife for Conservation: Interview with Dr. Seth Magle
After recently moving to the Chicago area, I have been captivated by the urban wildlife in the area, particularly the coyotes. Seeing them in broad daylight, not just at dusk or from afar, has been a remarkable experience! (I’ve only seen a coyote once in my life and it was in Yellowstone National Park before) I wanted to learn more about the work being done to understand and appreciate urban spec
Resilience in the Face of Setbacks: Interview with Nicole Blankertz
Navigating career paths can be a daunting challenge. We pour our time and effort into applications, only to be met with rejection after rejection. Many aspiring wildlife professionals can relate to the frustration and self-doubt that arise from these setbacks.In the pursuit of our dreams and career goals, we often find ourselves facing moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. Thoughts of inadequacy
Volunteering Abroad for Wildlife Biology: Interview with Matt Snider
Experience is critical to build your career in wildlife, ecology, or conservation biology. When you’re just starting out though, this can be hard to get. Even unpaid volunteer positions can be treated like jobs where you apply and can get rejected.Some of these volunteer positions are through organizations abroad, especially Africa, where they tell aspiring wildlife professionals that they can get
The Power of Tiny Changes in Atomic Habits in Your Wildlife Career
As a wildlife professional, I understand the struggles that many professionals in this field face when trying to secure a job. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the larger goals and overlook the smaller, yet crucial, steps needed to succeed. Pursuing a wildlife career can be a challenging endeavor that demands significant effort and perseverance.Perhaps you’re currently wondering what the secret
Never Give Up on Your Wildlife Dream Job: Interview with Francisco Llauger
I love hearing success stories from people who have finally landed their dream jobs, especially after challenging and twisty career paths. I always like to say, your current situation is not your final destination, so I believe to strive toward your dream relentlessly.Additionally, most professors do not know how to advise for non-academic jobs. Have you been frustrated that your university has no
Finding Your Identity in Wildlife Work
When I give advice to young wildlife professionals or those aspiring to go into this career, I always tell them to reverse engineer it. To “start with the end in mind,” (a quote from Stephen Covey), but what if you don’t know what the end looks like?Or what happens if you thought you wanted something and you went after it, but then you realized maybe you want something else. And if you decide to p
From Web Developer to Starting an Environmental Career: Interview with Melina Shak
Have you ever thought about starting an environmental career, but instead chose a more “safe” and “secure” route? Or maybe you are currently tempted by it or you simply didn’t know how to go about a wildlife career and took a path that was more easily laid out? Is there a part of you that still wonders “what if?” but worries it might be too late or are too scared to step out of your comfort zone?W
30 years of Wildlife Career Advice: Interview with fisheries biologist Scott Putnam
It’s no secret that the wildlife or conservation field can be competitive, and many of you have always asked me, “How do I get my foot in the door?” or “Is there any chance that I will get a permanent job in the future?” And my answer is always yes. If this is what you truly want, you can get it, but it will require strategy. Gone are the days of just getting a degree and a job quickly, which will
How I Wrote My First Books and You Can Too!
You may have heard me on social media talk about how I am writing a kids’ book and unless you are new to the podcast, you will already know that I wrote a book called Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know. I am so excited to announce that my kids’ book, My First Book of Earth, is now available for pre-order and will soon be available everywhere on August 2nd.W
9 Biggest Mistakes Struggling Wildlife Job Seekers Make
I know that so many of you out there are struggling to get jobs in wildlife biology. I see all of these posts in the wildlife Facebook groups, and when people join my own Facebook group, Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology, I reach out to them and ask them what they’re struggling with. I truly understand how tough it is out there to get a job.There is more competition than ever before, and the requi
Getting a Wildlife Career with NO Wildlife Experience: Interview with Ron Lewis
One of my favorite podcast episodes to share with people is #46: Starting a Wildlife Career at 40: Interview with Jeffrey Hunter. In this episode, I interview Jeffrey Hunter of the National Parks Conservation Association on how he left his corporate job to pursue one in wildlife at 40. One of the people listening to this was Ron Lewis. During the pandemic, Ron was let go from his engineering job a
What Do Careers with Endangered Species Look Like?
Whenever I talk to someone who wants my help, I always ask them “What is your ultimate career goal?” and frequently the answer is “something with endangered species.We’ve all seen the videos of scientists opening up a cage with a wolf inside, and it sprinting out of it to return to the wild where it belongs, or some variation of that with another species. These videos are so inspiring and upliftin
How Do Scientists Choose Their Research?
Students always ask me – how do I choose my research? When I was in graduate school, this question lingered over me for the first six months. How in the world, out of all of the things to study do I pick something?Most people will tell you to follow your passion – but what happens if you (like me) are passionate about many things? How do you choose? Or what if you aren’t sure what you are passiona
Should Wildlife Professionals Start a Side Hustle?
I was having some struggles in my business – specifically how to talk about my program to potential student.I was thinking about purchasing a new course to help me with this problem and I was asking my mastermind group members what they thought.It was a big chunk of change: $2,000. Normally we encourage each other to invest in ourselves, but one of my members felt like I already had the training I
Money Mindset in Conservation and Your Career
On this week's podcast, I talk about a hot button issue and one you probably wouldn't expect from a wildlife biology and conservation based podcast: money. I always knew I wouldn't make a lot of money in my career, but was surprised at how low the salary levels were for the jobs I qualified for. And lately there's been a lot of talk about things like unpaid internships and voluntee
Being Productive for Wildlife Conservation
Productivity seems to be more of a career-oriented topic, but this is actually really important in wildlife and conservation work, and it’s something that is often overlooked.When I was in graduate school and working as a postdoc, I often felt so overwhelmed with all the work I had to do. I know that many other people out there feel exactly the same way. There’s several reasons for this.First, the
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