Laying the Foundations of a PAID Wildlife Career: Becoming a Wildlife Professional Training 1

In this special episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, you'll gain access to my free training series Becoming a Wildlife Professional Training. This 3 part series teaching you the 3 essential factors you need to secure a permanent job in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or conservation biology careers so that you can do what you love and make a difference is available only until October 23rd until midnight. In this training, you’ll learn the three key components that comprise a winning strategy towards getting your dream job. Using the results from PUBLISHED research, we break down exactly what employers are looking for and the winning formula that leads to paid jobs in wildlife, conservation, and environmental fields. I’ll address the elephant in the room: How do you get experience if you don’t have a job to get experience? And without going broke volunteering or going into debt for paid programs! You’ll understand exactly where you’re going wrong when it comes to experience, what’s keeping you stuck, and how to break free, even if you have no wildlife experience at all.To enroll in the Becoming a Wildlife Professional Free training, access the workbook, giveaways, and more, visit here: https://stephanieschuttler.com/3-pillars-to-success/Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…🗺️ 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 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/

In this special episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, you'll gain access to my free training series, Becoming a Wildlife Professional Training. This 3 part series teaching you the 3 essential factors you need to secure a permanent job in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or conservation biology careers so that you can do what you love and make a difference is available only until October 23rd until midnight. In Training 1, you'll discover the ineffective patterns and outside influences that are causing you to spin your wheels in your wildlife career…leaving you frazzled, drained, and feeling hopeless. Take the first steps towards creating an effective plan that remains resilient through turbulent times so that no matter what happens in your wildlife career, you’ll know how to push through and get results. You’ll learn why the advice you’ve been given by professors, job websites, and wildlife groups on the Internet is not working for you, that it’s not your fault, and what to do instead. We will set the groundwork for building your wildlife career that leads to results - meaning PAID jobs.To enroll in the Becoming a Wildlife Professional Free training, access the workbook, giveaways, and more, visit here: https://stephanieschuttler.com/3-pillars-to-success/Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…🗺️ 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 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/

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 love.As the northern hemisphere transitions from summer to fall, it's the ideal time to study deciduous trees as they lose their leaves. I'll guide you through the process of identifying trees by examining their leaves and bark. You'll discover why knowing plants is essential for wildlife biologists, as many animals depend on specific types of trees for food and shelter.As a special challenge for this week, I encourage you to not only identify the trees around you but also thank and hug a tree, embracing a practice known as forest bathing. This mindfulness activity helps us appreciate the profound impact trees have on our lives and the environment. Join me on this journey to deepen your connection with nature and become more aware of the incredible importance of trees.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: The Importance of Trees01:18 Why Study Trees in Wildlife Biology?01:43 Trees and Their Role in Animal Habitats03:01 Appreciating Trees: Oxygen and Climate Change03:45 How to Identify Trees: Leaves and Bark05:19 Using Technology for Tree Identification05:53 Mindfulness and Gratitude: Thanking Trees06:24 Conclusion: Your Tree ChallengeLet’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/

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 fact, during spring migration, I saw 10 new species using these tips. Perfect for both kids and adults alike, these tips will get you birding like a scientist. Bird watching is fun and educational!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/139-bird-life-list/Jump Links:00:00 Introduction to the Fancy Scientist Podcast00:06 Wildlife Biology for Kids Club Overview00:49 The Importance of Community Science01:11 Bird Watching Tips and Tricks01:59 Exploring Different Habitats02:46 Birding with Experts03:29 Using Technology for Bird Identification03:49 Traveling and Bird Watching04:07 Conclusion and Next StepsLet’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/

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/