FULLY Fund Yourself for Graduate School: Interview with NSF GRFP Winner Camilla Price

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 survey, whether from a single spot or while walking, and show you how to use the eBird app. You'll also the use the Merlin Bird ID app to help you find and identify more birds.Don't forget to subscribe for more fun and educational content, and join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club for exclusive worksheets and interaction with me and like-minded parents! Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg Full show notes:👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/138-ebird/Jump Links:00:00 Introduction to the Fancy Scientist Podcast00:06 Wildlife Biology for Kids Club Overview00:49 The Importance of Community Science01:11 Conducting a Real Bird Survey02:00 Using eBird and Merlin Bird ID Apps03:24 Bird Watching Tips and Observations04:34 Submitting Your Bird Survey Data05:47 Encouragement and Next Steps05:57 Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club06:26 Conclusion and Call to ActionLet’s connect! 🤝✨Website: https://fancyscientist.com/Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistThreads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientistBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.socialPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

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 sound identification feature.Don't forget to subscribe for more fun and educational content, and join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club for exclusive worksheets and interaction with me and like-minded parents! Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg Full show notes:👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/137-bird-song/Jump Links:00:00 Introduction & Podcast Overview01:11 Using Sight and Sound to Identify Birds01:33 Why Bird Song Matters in Surveys02:19 Challenges of Learning Bird Songs02:59 Introducing the Merlin Bird ID App03:23 How Merlin Bird ID Works03:54 Live Demo: Using the App04:33 Why Bird Song Is Key for Similar Species04:55 Tips for Using Bird Song Recordings Responsibly05:24 Confirming Bird Song IDs & Challenge05:48 Migration Season & Upcoming Activities06:16 How to Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids ClubLet’s connect! 🤝✨Website: https://fancyscientist.com/Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistThreads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientistBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.socialPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

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 key characteristics to start identification. You’ll learn about why birds migrate for thousands of miles, the best times and places to find them, and tips on using your observation and listening skills.Join me in the challenge to find at least five unique bird species and dive into the wonderful world of birdwatching!Don't forget to subscribe for more fun and educational content, and join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club for exclusive worksheets and interaction with me and like-minded parents! Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg Full show notes:👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/136-bird-migration/Jump Links:00:00 Introduction to the Fancy Scientist Podcast00:06 Wildlife Biology for Kids Club Overview00:49 The Importance of Community Science01:29 Bird Migration Insights02:56 Bird Watching Challenge03:22 Tips for Bird Watching04:40 Identifying Bird Species06:27 Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club06:50 Conclusion and Call to ActionLet’s connect! 🤝✨Website: https://fancyscientist.com/Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistThreads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientistBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.socialPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

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 my students that will get you results. In her case, it was an extremely prestigious grant that enabled her to go to basically any graduate school in the US!You see, I was recently on LinkedIn and happened to notice that one of my former students, Camilla Price, is now going to graduate school. I was so excited for her and ready to congratulate her, when I noticed something even more exciting: that she was the recipient of a prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP) grant. But even more exciting than this…she was the recipient after applying to the grant just one time and without having an established advisor to work with. Keep reading to understand why this is such a big deal…The NSF GRFP grant is a super competitive grant and a HUGE honor. I’ve known people who’ve received the grant and I was even awarded an honorable mention myself when I applied, but I didn’t know anyone who got it BEFORE they started working with an advisor in graduate school, meaning that they did it all on their own!I cannot emphasize enough what a big deal this is for aspiring students wanting to go to graduate school: if you get it, you can go pretty much wherever you want for graduate school. You have your choice! This NSF grant provides all of your funding and a lack of funding is one of the biggest reasons why so many people seeking to go to graduate school can’t get in. They approach potential graduate advisors and even if the advisors are interested in having another student, if they don’t have the funding, then they can’t take on that student for a Master’s or Ph.D. This was a problem that Camilla was facing.I was so excited for Camilla – the last we had talked, Camilla had been trying to get into graduate school for a year or more. And I was super intrigued by how she went about writing the NSF GRFP. When I wrote my grant applications, I knew the advisor I would be working with and I had a specific Ph.D. project in mind. Without having a specific advisor to work with and therefore a lab and research area to focus on, how did she know what to write about? How did she do this all on her own? Without the help of an advisor to give her feedback and guidance?After extending my congratulations to Camilla, I knew I had to invite her to be on the podcast so that we could all share her success and learn the process that she took to gain this great honor.So many of my followers and students are interested in going to graduate school, and when you listen to Camilla’s tips and tricks, you’ll learn a ton from this episode. Even if you’re not ready to go to graduate school, if you’re looking to get into a wildlife career, you’re going to benefit a lot. And if you’re not interested in wildlife careers, that’s okay too – there’s still so much you can learn from Camilla’s approach to receiving this grant. The strategy that she used is something that I teach in my Successful Wildlife Professional Program: start with the end in mind and work backwards.Tune in and hear about the strategies Camilla used in order to pick the graduate school of her dreams, and learn about how she settled upon the University of Colorado and chose to study wolverines. Along with Camilla’s advice, I offer some additional tips and key takeaways to really solidify those points, no matter where you are in your career and what you’re going for. These tips work!Specifically, I go over:Camilla’s journey as an early-career professionalWhat the the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program is and why you should apply before you go to graduate school and even when you get inThe components of a NSF GRFP proposal and what it’s like to write oneCamilla’s entire process for creating her research proposal: from concept to submittingStrategies for creating a strong proposalThe importance of networking and how Camilla used it to help her write the strongest proposal possibleThe difference between Broader Impacts and Intellectual Merit: what they are and why they are important in all NSF proposalsand MORE!Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg Full show notes:👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/135-camilla-price/Jump Links:00:00 Introduction and Inspiration02:19 Meet Camilla Price02:38 Camilla's Background and Career Path07:07 The Journey to the NSF GRFP Grant10:07 Developing the Research Proposal13:44 Methodology and Broader Impacts18:27 Seeking Help and Finalizing the Application22:48 The Joy of Receiving the Grant23:57 Choosing the Right Program24:26 Reaching Out to Professors26:50 Advisors and Research Projects29:43 Backup Plans and Career Strategies33:32 Final Tips and Reflections38:18 Networking and Taking InitiativeLet’s connect! 🤝✨Website: https://fancyscientist.com/Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistThreads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientistBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.socialPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

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 can contribute to REAL science by using Project BudBurst to understand the impacts of climate change on pollinators and plants.Don't forget to subscribe for more fun and educational content, and join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club for exclusive worksheets and interaction with me and like-minded parents! Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg Full show notes:👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/132-native-plants-and-pollinators/Let’s connect! 🤝✨Website: https://fancyscientist.com/Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistThreads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientistBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.socialPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/Jump Links:00:00 Introduction to Pollination and Native Plants01:11 Introduction to Bee Diversity02:13 The Importance of Observing Bees03:28 Bumblebees03:53 Carpenter bees04:21 Longhorn bees04:50 Squash bees05:09 Mining bees05:44 Sweat bees06:05 Leafcutter bees06:18 Citizen Science and Bee Observations08:02 Conclusion and Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

 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 of our system, and the list goes on and on…Unfortunately, the nature of the conservation field (no pun intended) is inherently dealing with loss. And without giving ourselves the care and attention that we need, in addition to the Earth, these emotions can evolve into chronic conditions.Anxiety and depression are two such conditions that I have personally struggled with, have learned a lot about over the years, and now have largely overcome (although you’ll notice in this episode I’ve had a lot of ups and downs). Also, I know that I’m not alone.Today I’m talking about my journey going on and now off of anti-depressants because I know many people in the wildlife field are struggling. I read Facebook posts from my friends who are struggling desperately in graduate school, and of course, I remember my own experiences while getting my PhD. Now, aspiring wildlife professionals are expected to work all the time, constantly put in their all, while their personal health and well-being take a backseat.Even major scientific journals like Nature and Science have started to take notice and publish many articles about graduate students struggling with mental health disorders. In addition to the challenges associated with biodiversity loss, those working towards becoming wildlife professionals are suffering due to the increased demands put on them driven by intense competition.This includes more papers to publish, more grant money to bring in, and the pressures of landing a job in this ultra-competitive field. It’s tough for people to deal with. Even for entry-level jobs, expectations are much higher than they were just a couple of decades ago.In my decades of being in a wildlife and conservation field professional, I used anti-depressants really at the beginning of my career journey to help me cope. I thought there was something wrong with me that I just couldn’t be happy without them. Although they have been a valuable resource for me, in the past few years, I’ve learned so much about my mind and have developed tools, practices, and more that have allowed me to go off of them completely – something I was told by several doctors that I would not be able to do. For today’s podcast episode, I wanted to share this journey with you.Here, I detail my long and ongoing journey of dealing with anxiety and depression, and what I did to support my mental health to the point of no longer needing antidepressants.I recognize the value of antidepressants, and if you’re currently on antidepressants, I’m not trying to convince you to go off them; rather, this is an episode about engaging in self-care. I provide you with the tools and mindset work that I’ve learned over the years. It’s been truly effective, and the reason behind how I was able to go completely off my antidepressants.Specifically, I go over:How anxiety and depression are related to wildlife and conservationHow the demands of working in a wildlife career have changed over the yearsWhy focusing on mental health is essential and NEEDS to be a high priority for those in wildlife professions  My personal journey going on and off of antidepressants: why and how I did itMy favorite books for teaching you how to truly love yourself and restructure your self-talkHow a healthy lifestyle and nature are essential tools that boost your mental healthOther mindset tools for dealing with mental health strugglesThe importance of prioritizing your self care and that mental health is healthAnd MORE!Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg Full show notes:👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/133-mental-health-wildlife/Jump Links:00:00 Introduction to Mental Health in Conservation02:07 The Struggles of Mental Health in the Scientific Community04:18 Personal Journey: Overcoming Antidepressants10:43 The Importance of Self-Care and Mindset20:27 Practical Tips for Mental Wellbeing24:42 The Role of Nature and Exercise26:35 Mindset Strategies and Emotional Management37:19 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThank you to our sponsor Magic Mind!60% off First Magic Mind Subscription and 20% off one-time purchase with code FANCYS20Link to all 200 studies for Magic Mind ingredientsLet’s connect! 🤝✨Website: https://fancyscientist.com/Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistThreads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientistBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.socialPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

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 the end, I'll challenge you to a fun mini-experiment to see which attracts more pollinators: native or non-native plants.Don't forget to subscribe for more fun and educational content, and join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club for exclusive worksheets and interaction with me and like-minded parents! Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg Full show notes:👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/132-native-plants-and-pollinators/Let’s connect! 🤝✨Website: https://fancyscientist.com/Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistThreads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientistBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.socialPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/Jump Links:00:00 Introduction to Pollination and Native Plants01:02 The Importance of Native Plants for Pollinators01:50 Unique Plant-Pollinator Relationships02:43 Historical Discoveries in Pollination03:26 Native vs. Non-Native Plants: A Challenge04:23 Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

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 under the same name, I realized I never really told the story of HOW I became known as the Fancy Scientist…And it’s important to me because over the years, I’ve received emails from numerous members of my audience who’ve read my story and told me that it really resonated with them, that they also didn’t feel like they quite fit in in the wildlife biology field.My nickname goes back to when I was a postdoc, working on the eMammal project with middle school teachers. To them and their students, I didn’t look like the stereotypical scientist, especially a wildlife biologist. For starters, I’m a woman, and I showed up to work in makeup, high heels, and with sparkly jewelry. Proudly defying these norms, I became known as the Fancy Scientist.But I didn’t always proudly defy these norms…Diversity is undoubtedly important in science, and recently, much attention has been given to increasing gender and racial diversity within the sciences. But in this episode, I share how increasing diversity can go even deeper than that and why it’s so important.When I was in graduate school, my peers tended to have a specific look that I didn’t fit into: field clothes, no makeup, and Chaco sandals. For a while, I dulled my sparkle (literally and figuratively) and toned down my look to fit in. To be honest, suppressing who I was didn’t feel good because I was no longer being true to myself. I just felt down.But later, when I fully embraced being a Fancy Scientist, and working in the eye of the public in bright colors and glitter, I served as a reminder to both myself and the future generation that you can be both fancy AND a scientist.As a business owner, I also defined what being a Fancy Scientist means through my company values. And I didn’t want it to be exclusive. What about people who aren’t fancy in the traditional sense that we think of? Can they be Fancy Scientists too?The answer is yes! What you’ll learn from this episode is that being fancy is more than just makeup and sparkles; it’s about being unexpected, unconventional, and apart from the norm. But most importantly, it’s about the courage to be yourself loudly and proudly!Specifically, I go over:The origin of the name “Fancy Scientist”What is a Fancy Scientist, and how I define it to be inclusiveHow the public, especially children, perceives scientistsThe importance of representation and breaking stereotypes in scienceHow community science engages the public, especially childrenMental health and how to be true to yourselfand MORE!Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg Full show notes:👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/131-what-is-a-fancy-scientist/Jump Links:00:00 Welcome to the Fancy Scientist Podcast01:39 Defining the Fancy Scientist02:25 The Origin of the Fancy Scientist Name03:36 Citizen Science and Classroom Integration07:25 Breaking Stereotypes in Science11:38 Embracing the Fancy Scientist Identity12:55 The Fancy Scientist Definition21:19 The Importance of Representation25:44 Blending Science with Other Passions29:31 Encouragement to Embrace Your Unique Self31:13 Conclusion and Call to ActionThank you to our sponsor Magic Mind!60% off First Magic Mind Subscription and 20% off one-time purchase with code FANCYS20Link to all 200 studies for Magic Mind ingredientsLet’s connect! 🤝✨Website: https://fancyscientist.com/Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistThreads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientistBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.socialPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

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 insects to large mammals and even carnivores. Pollinators are everywhere! I challenge you to watch a plant or scan an area and see how much pollinator diversity you can find. Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg Full show notes:👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/130-animal-pollinators/Let’s connect! 🤝✨Website: https://fancyscientist.com/Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistThreads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientistBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.socialPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

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 advice about getting into wildlife careers, I knew she would be the perfect guest for the podcast.Throughout this interview, Jamie calls herself lucky. I don’t think she’s lucky at all. Rather, she did the RIGHT things to set herself up so that when opportunities were available, they were GIVEN to her. As the Roman philosopher Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Jamie set herself up for success.Now having worked at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for nine years, Jamie has held a multitude of different jobs. She started out working in fish, but later moved on to work on everything from habitat, to wolves, to now porcupines, and working with the public. She also did this while being a mom of four! As you’ll find out from our interview, Jamie had children when she was 18 and went to college after she became a mom. In her wildlife career, she was always going to school and working towards getting this career while balancing it with motherhood, and she has some amazing wisdom about how she did it.However, Jamie’s story is not without its challenges–she got a later start in her career than more traditional students, having turned to wildlife biology after losing her job in the medical field amidst the COVID-19 pandemic (which she later realized was a blessing in disguise!). She returned to school as a non-traditional student, being older and also a mom.Although Jamie was aware of these challenges, she didn’t let them hold her back. She was strategic. Through networking, flexibility, and operating with knowledge of a long-term career plan, Bowles was well-prepared when opportunity presented itself. Luck alone would not have gotten her to where she is today!I have worked with hundreds of students, sharing my over 20 years of knowledge as a wildlife biologist to help them land permanent careers in this field, and I know for a FACT that you don’t need luck to land your dream job – you make it happen.Jamie’s hard work has led her all over Oregon, working with numerous species of wildlife. From backpacking up the mountains as an intern with fish in bags (yes, fish in bags!), to managing wolf-human relationships, to launching a community science project to document North American porcupine presence, Jamie Bowles has truly done it all! I can’t wait for you to listen to this episode and hear all about the exciting, fun, and crazy stories she has to tell.Jamie also recognizes that success is not a path that is walked alone. She stresses the importance of mentorship, and we talk all about how to find a mentor, what you can gain from mentorship, and the role it played in her career. Once a mentee, and now a mentor herself, check out Jamie Bowles’ LinkedIn for great advice about wildlife careers!If you’re interested in wildlife biology, especially as a non-traditional student or career switcher, you will be left inspired following along with Jamie Bowles’ journey and how she got to where she is today. Her resilience will motivate you, and her wisdom will leave you feeling like you, too, can conquer not only the challenges that this field presents but whatever personal obstacles you’re facing as well.You will learn that Jamie put herself out there, that she was actively networking, and she made opportunities happen for her.Specifically, I go over:Jamie Bowles’ experience working in wildlife biology at the state level and how she landed her first jobsWhat it’s like to work in different types of positions within a state agency, and what it takes to get jobs like thoseThe competitive nature of wildlife careersThe importance of networking and finding good mentorsHow experience and education help you land a permanent position in wildlife careersCrazy experiences she’s had while on the jobWhat it’s like working with wolvesHer experiences working in wildlife biology as a mom of four And MORE!Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/📚 Read Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg Full show notes:👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/129-jamie-bowles/Jump Links:00:00 Introduction to the Episode01:34 The Fancy Scientist: Embracing the Title03:44 Jamie’s Role at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife04:58 Career Path: From Intern to District Wildlife Biologist13:44 The Importance of Networking in Wildlife Careers14:53 Volunteering and Gaining Experience18:04 LinkedIn for Wildlife Careers Masterclass21:51 Fisheries: A Gateway to Wildlife Careers23:47 Pursuing a Master's Degree in Wildlife25:13 Overcoming Educational Gaps in Wildlife Careers25:50 The Sierra Nevada Red Fox Project26:15 Pursuing Higher Education in Wildlife Management27:19 Career Opportunities Without a Master's Degree28:38 The North American Porcupine Project31:14 Working as an Assistant Wolf Biologist34:12 Balancing Motherhood and a Wildlife Career39:29 Unusual and Memorable Wildlife Experiences41:32 The Importance of Mentorship in Wildlife Careers45:56 Final Thoughts and EncouragementLet’s connect! 🤝✨Website: https://fancyscientist.com/Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiologyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientistThreads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientistBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.socialPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/