374- Science Doesn't Fail, It Pivots with Dr. Tanya Fendler

On this week's episode, Ru is joined by Dr. Tanya Fendler from the Wildlife Sustainability Research Department at Southern Illinois University.  Her research aims to provide fish and wildlife managers with the information they need to make more effective conservation and management decisions.   Tanya talks about her path from undergraduate to her postdoctoral position with a highlight on a new project that she will be starting in the coming month- looking into the movement on mussels after translocation! She reflects on her growth and challenges throughout her PhD at SIU and how the setbacks in her projects motivated her to co-host a session at the national AFS called "Science doesn't fail, it pivots!"    Tune in to hear about all the amazing research that Tanya has done throughout her time in academia and the incredibly cool things she will be doing in the movement world!   Takeaway: Prioritize yourself in academia and set boundaries where needed!    If you want to reach out to Tanya- reach out to her via bluesky or instagram @scifendler or via email at [email protected]   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on most social media platforms: @FisheriesPod Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

"This is a story about one wild animal and the very long reach of eight flexible arms. A story about a sudden rise, a change in sea, and the communities caught somewhere in between..." This week, Elise (IG: @elisemobranchii) sits down with David Palfrey (IG: @david_palfrey), a multi-skilled, multi-genre underwater camera operator and filmmaker working in natural history TV, conservation, feature film, and more! Throughout his career, he’s used his skills behind the camera to work directly with marine life, scientists, fishers, tourists, and other stakeholders to document and participate in marine research activities at remote research facilities, on liveaboard vessels, and in public-facing education and conservation centers. In this episode, we discuss David's latest project, his new short film "Bloomin' Octopus! A Tentacular Spectacular", which explores a sudden, unexpected rise in octopus numbers in UK waters from multiple perspectives in a way that is refreshing, fun, and community-focused. Listen in to learn about the making of this incredible scicomm project, as well as David's unique career path which has allowed him to work at the intersection of film and marine science, and to document and translate scientific research to screens around the world! Check out the short film, Bloomin' Octopus! here!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEK8P4b-2Qw Main point: Just go do the thing!   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

On this weeks episode Brendan is joined by Riley Versluis from the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium. Riley is the science coordinator for the Consortium, where he oversees field operations for ecosystem research and monitoring. In addition, he manages the science crew on the M.V Namao, which is the 2nd largest ship on Lake Winnipeg, where he ensures effective project coordination and environmental data collection.  They discuss the work the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium conducts with public and private partners, as well as his own Masters work on Lake Winnipeg Walleye recruitment that was conducted aboard the Namao.   If you'd like to learn more about the work the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium oversees, you can check out these links:   [email protected] https://www.lakewinnipegresearch.org/ https://www.instagram.com/lakewpgresearch/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Lake-Winnipeg-Research-Consortium-61575283530718/   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

In this episode, Conrad sits down with Florida State University PhD candidate Emma Jackson to discuss her journey from growing up in St. Louis to becoming a shark researcher working along Florida’s Gulf Coast and in the deep sea. Emma shares how the NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship helped confirm that shark research was the career path she wanted and introduced her to the balance of fieldwork, data analysis, and collaboration involved in marine science. She also discusses her current research on large fish and shark communities, as well as the development of DODAT—Dietary Observation and Detection Assessment Technology—a patent-pending method designed to improve how scientists study shark diets. Along the way, Emma offers advice for students interested in graduate school, scholarships, networking, mentorship, and overcoming imposter syndrome. The episode also explores the realities of fieldwork, the importance of saying yes to new opportunities, and Emma’s goal of using innovative research to better inform shark conservation and management. Contact Emaa: Instagram: Em.Jacks  Email: [email protected] Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

This week Ru sits down and chats with Ryan Skowronski, a PhD. student at Southern Illinois University. They chat about Ryan's path and his current project- looking at the spatial ecology of American Paddlefish! They also dive deep into the importance of fun, to keep challenging yourself, and future plans. Tune in to hear more about Ryan's journey and work in both stream and river ecosystems!   Remember- Always have fun in the things you do!   If you want to reach out to Ryan- reach out to him via instagram @ryan_skowronski65 or via email at [email protected]   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on most social media platforms: @FisheriesPod Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

On this weeks episode Brendan is joined by Sam Chasse, a M.Sc Candidate from the University of Winnipeg with past guest Dr. Hasler!  He's been working on a super cool project that involves Musky, machine learning, and angler photos. Tune in to learn how Sam and the team at the University of Winnipeg built a system to identify individuals in angler photos from the Master Angler Program in Manitoba.  They discuss the challenges and benefits of this technique, and what it could mean for future behaviour studies and fisheries assessments!   Manitoba Master Angler Program - https://anglers.travelmanitoba.com/   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

Morgan Cleary's path to becoming a shark researcher wasn't defined by luck—it was built through hard work, determination, and an unwavering passion for marine science. From working three jobs to create opportunities that would shape her future to unforgettable days studying sharks in the field, Morgan's story is a reminder that chasing your dreams is rarely easy, but it's always worth it. In this episode of The Fisheries Podcast, we dive into the experiences that shaped her career, the mentors who helped guide her, the value of internships and graduate school, and the lessons she's learned along the way. We also discuss her research using nurse shark blood to monitor contaminants in coastal waters and how sharks can serve as important indicators of ecosystem health. Whether you're pursuing a career in science, fascinated by sharks, or simply chasing a dream of your own, this conversation is sure to leave you inspired. Contact Morgan! email: [email protected] Instagram: @morgan_cleary8 or @fintastic_sharks #TheFisheriesPodcast #MarineBiology #SharkResearch #MarineScience #FisheriesScience #WomenInSTEM #Conservation #OceanScience #Sharks #Podcast “Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).”  

In this week's episode we chat with Ruhika Bhattacharya. Ru is just beginning her Master's degree at the University of Manitoba studying stress physiology in elasmobranchs. She will also be joining The Fisheries Podcast as one of our regular hosts. We discuss her what got her interested in fish and her journey to get to this point. Main Point: Our research and profession should be as diverse as nature! Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).  

This week, Preston chats with the Assistant Chief of SCDNR's Freshwater Fisheries Section Lynn Quattro. They discuss Lynn's meandering (riverine pun intended!) career journey and the myriad day-to-day responsibilities of an Assistant Fish Chief in a natural resources management agency. Lynn also highlights her involvement with AFS and how her role in the AFS Fisheries Administration Section has helped navigate some unforeseen issues that popped up in recent years following the publication of the newest Names of Fishes book. We hope you enjoy this episode! Lynn's email: [email protected] Main Point: We're all in this together.   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries- podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity that those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

On this weeks episode Brendan connects with Dr. Matthew Yates to talk about his work on GEN-FISH, a massive collaboration of researchers, professionals, and community-members who collectively worked to determine the location and abundance of Canada’s 200+ freshwater fish species, and measure how they are performing in the face of increasing (mostly human-caused) stressors.   Dr. Yates discusses the who, what, when, where, and why of GEN-FISH, how the work is being used to help better manage fisheries in Canada, and some of the amazing things they've discovered doing the work.  Included in this is the use of eDNA for phylogeography in Canada, and the use of long amplicon markers (and what exactly those are).   Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).