#itsawildlife by Susie

Cecilia Pamich is a passionate conservationist and the Director of Growth and Communication with the Sloth Conservation Foundation (SCF) in Costa Rica. As one of the founding members of SCF, Cecilia is a passionate advocate for sloths and the importance of their conservation - and she shares her energy and inspiration with us today. Welcome Cecilia!

Dr Lucy Kemp (pronouns: she/her) is an ecologist and conservationist emersed in her work to protect the Mabula Ground Hornbills. Based in South Africa, she is Project Manager of the Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project and co-chair of the IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group. Lucy shares –

Dr Liberty Boyd (pronouns: she/her) is a conservation biologist and ocean adventurer, working with sea turtles in South Florida, USA for her post-doc research project. She brings her energy and enthusiasm to the #itsawildlifepod and we talk about –

Wildlife conservation is more than just a career for many—it’s a passion, a calling, and in some cases, a lifelong pursuit. Saskia Gerhady (pronouns: she/her) is a passionate ecologist and a PhD student who exemplifies the dedication it takes to protect elusive and endangered species like the Plains Wanderer, a small but fascinating bird endemic to Australia. Her journey offers valuable insights into the importance of researching unique species, the challenges of working in wildlife conservation, and career advice for aspiring wildlife professionals.

Conservation science is a rewarding yet challenging fieldand today we speak with Dr. Kelly Dixon (pronouns: she/her), a wildlife ecologist, Ecological Programs Manager at Territory Natural Resource Management (TNRM), and Adjunct Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University, based in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

Gabriella Pereiro (pronouns: she/her) is a biologist, wildlife rehabilitator and coordinator of interns and volunteers at the Wild Sun wildlife rescue centre in Costa Rica.

Mary Buford Turnage (pronouns: she/her) is a wildlife biologist and science communicator. Originally from the USA, MB is now a PhD candidate studying the interactions between wildlife and farmland in New Zealand. We talk all about –

Josh Overend (pronouns: he/him) is a wildlife photographerand biologist working on a riparian ecosystem restoration project in Christchurch, New Zealand.

María Dabrowski (pronouns: she/her) is a cognitive neuroscientist turned ecologist who currently works for an international NGO called Rare that does work in conservation and behavioural sciences. Like many in the field of conservation, María shares her non-linear journey as well as her experiences as a Latina working in STEM and her pointers for others looking to pursue a career in conservation!

“Every day is a different conversation” – affordable wildlife travel with Cassandra Ray

Lemurs, the enchanting primates endemic to Madagascar, are facing unprecedented threats. With approximately 98% of the 110 known lemur species classified as endangered, research on their behaviour and physiology in relation to human disturbance is vital for their conservation.

When it comes to pursuing a career in wildlife conservation, the journey is often as diverse and unpredictable as the ecosystems we seek to protect. Beatriz Maia (pronouns: she/her) now works as a Project Manager at Epacha Private Game Reserve in Namibia with her partner and two dogs – and lives a picture-perfect, wild life surrounded by giraffes, zebras and lions. And while with hindsight it can be easy to connect the dots, Beatriz shares the ups and downs of her journey to work her dream job with wildlife – the leaps of faith and the slow waits. She also shares advice for your own journey to land your dream job with wildlife – as well as finding work with your partner as a couple in conservation.

Living as a wildlife vet nurse is a dream for many animal lovers, but few understand the complexities and challenges involved in this rewarding career. Joey Solimine (pronouns: she/her) is a wildlife conservationist and veterinary nurse who has dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in central and south America, particularly the Amazon region. Through her experiences, Joey sheds light on the unique joys and challenges faced by wildlife veterinarians and conservationists. Joey now works in wildlife rehabilitation and veterinary medicine, and is the founder of the non-profit organization, Jungle Rescue Reform in the Amazon rainforest. Joey shares her insights about working in wildlife conservation as a veterinarian, travelling to have a meaningful impact for wildlife rehabilitation projects and her tips for pursuing your passion for wildlife as paid work.

Teneale Hayes (pronouns: she/her) is a wildlife and domestic vet nurse and passionate wildlife carer who now specializes in rehabilitation of flying foxes. Teneale’s journey within the wildlife space led her to try many different career options within the wildlife field and she has found a role that suits her passions, interests and supports her passion for wildlife care. Teneale shares some options for getting involved in wildlife care as well as her advice for taking care or wildlife carers!

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and education? Have you ever thought about sharing that passion through YouTube as a science communicator? Or creating a side hustle that aligns with your passion for wildlife storytelling? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, stay tuned for today’s step-by-step guide on how to get started!

Are you a budding wildlife enthusiast with a passion for photography? Jesse Campbell (pronouns: he/him) is a 21-year-old reptile enthusiast. Jesse balances his time as an undergraduate student, studying biology in the final year of his degree at Wollongong University, with his wildlife photography business and content creation on his YouTube channel, Jesse’s WildLife. Jesse has worked with reptiles in various capacities: at zoo facilities such as Symbio Wildlife Park, doing snake relocations and more recently as an ecologist doing fauna surveys. He also works around the conservation and awareness of the Monaro Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis osbornei), an endangered lizard endemic to that area. In this post, we explore Jesse’s journey to work with wildlife, social media and wildlife photography as well as his insights and valuable tips for those looking to embark on their own wildlife adventure.

In the realm of ecology and conservation, diverse voices and experiences are crucial to shaping a more inclusive field. One such voice is Şeniz Mustafa (pronouns: she/her), a recent graduate with a master’s degree in ecology and conservation. Her journey, marked by curiosity and determination, offers valuable insights into both the challenges and opportunities faced by aspiring ecologists today. Şeniz shares her journey and commitment to promoting equality and diversity within wildlife careers, as well as her thoughts on how we can open up the space on all levels. For a transcript of this conversation, click here.

Kelsey Prediger (pronouns: she/her) is a passionate wildlife biologist who works in Namibia to conserve pangolins. Originally from Michigan, USA, Kelsey followed her passion to make a meaningful impact for wildlife conservation with an unexpected career pathway shifting from veterinary medicine to wildlife management. She moved halfway around the world and her adventures led her to jump headfirst into pangolin conservation.

Chiara Bono (pronouns: she/her) is an Italian biologist and nature blogger focused on ethology (animal behaviour) who is passionate about nature connection. Chiara shares her process for taking time to connect with nature as well as the experiences that are available to each and every one of us when we take the time to slow down, appreciate the world around us and tune into our emotions – the way we feel when we are in nature. Chiara also speaks about her blog – and the importance of promoting sustainability as something that is simple, accessible and attainable.

Are you looking to find your way into a career in conservation? Feel like you’ve tried everything to land that dream job and still can’t get beyond the interview stage? Starting to doubt your decision to follow your passion for wildlife?

Kayla Zoon (pronouns: she/her) is a wildlife biologist, conservation storyteller and career coach, based in South Africa. Initially as a conservation biologist, Kayla worked across several remote research stations, monitoring wildlife and educating students on how to get involved in wildlife conservation. Throughout her fieldwork, Kayla observed a disconnect between what conservation looked like on the ground and what society thought it should look like – so much so, that when Kayla posted pictures from her fieldwork, people often didn’t understand how it benefited wildlife conservation. By sharing her experiences, Kayla discovered her passion for science communication and conservation education. As such, she has since transitioned into wildlife photography, content creation and conservation storytelling. She also operates her own safari lodge on the edge of Kruger National Park and works as a wildlife career coach, helping people on their journey to become wildlife conservationists. #ITSAWILDLIFE

Birdwatching is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to connect with nature, unwind, and experience the beauty of our feathered friends.

Brittany Sawrey-Coulson (pronouns: she/her) is a conservationist and mental health therapist in a private practice in Arizona, USA. During her first career was immersed in her passion for wildlife ecology and zookeeping before she recognized her passion for… people! Brittany now spends her professional life sitting one-on-one with people working through trauma and life transition –including anything from anxiety and depression, to career change, childhood trauma, and more.

Dina-Leigh Simons (pronouns: she/her) is a passionate marine biologist and PhD student at the University of Liverpool in the UK. Her research focuses on developing innovative methods using environmental DNA (eDNA) to monitor marine biodiversity along the UK’s coastlines, particularly in rocky shores—a fascinating environment filled with starfish and anemones.

“Above all, don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t!”

In today’s complex world, where issues related to the environment and science are becoming increasingly urgent, effective communication is key to fostering understanding and driving positive change.

Eric Losh (pronouns: he/him) is a graphic designer and illustrator with a passion for wildlife and conservation based in New York, USA.  Eric shares his journey as well as some of his achievements including the creation of two children’s books about the wonders and wildlife of the natural world. He also shares his advice for anyone looking to apply their creative passion for wildlife to any career and about being an advocate for nature in your spare time. Eric’s story is a testament to the meaningful impact that individuals can have when they let their passion guide them in the world of conservation. Whether you’re an artist, a marketer, or simply someone with a deep love for nature, his journey serves as an inspiration to us all.

Angus Hamilton (pronouns: he/him) is a wildlife and nature tour guide, a wildlife conservation filmmaker and a construction labourer in Australia. Angus is passionate about sharing his experiences with wildlife with people on his tours in order to inspire a connection in them and help his guests fall in love with wildlife. Angus takes tours and shares his adventures with wildlife through Life Gone Wild – and shares his experiences and advice for navigating the eco-tourism space with us today! #ITSAWILDLIFE

Lauren Pharr (pronouns: she/her) is an avian ecologist, science communicator and PhD candidate in her third year of studies at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina focused on the endangered Red Pileated Woodpecker. In the world of conservation, promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and representative field. Lauren, a passionate advocate for DEI in conservation, shares her journey and insights into how we can create a more inclusive environment in the conservation sector.

Lauren Arthur (pronouns: she/her) is a biologist, wildlife educator, and TV presenter as a live safari guide with WildEarth, a daily wildlife show that is broadcast across the world. Lauren shares the ins and outs of a day-in-the-life of a live safari guide living in a safari camp in the savannas of southern Africa. We also do a deep dive and shares advice for not just starting but sustaining your career with wildlife – and Lauren addresses the over-glamorization of careers in this industry, and provides pointers for anyone looking to carve their own pathway out in the wildlife space.

Are you feeling lost in the sea of opportunities or grappling with self-doubt as a conservationist? You’re not alone. In the world of conservation, there’s often a glamorized portrayal of the work, with images of breath-taking landscapes and exotic wildlife dominating the narrative. But often behind the scenes, the reality can be very different —a reality of frustration, isolation, and the struggle for recognition and validation.

Meet Bridget (pronouns: she/her) and Soph Thomson (pronouns: they/them), the passionate duo behind an innovative wildlife education platform, the Wildlife Twins that aims to ignite a spark of curiosity and conservation in people of all ages. With a background in wildlife science from the University of Queensland, Bridget leads the charge in bringing wildlife closer to the hearts and minds of their audience, while Soph, a seasoned dog trainer, adds her expertise in handling and training their furry and scaly ambassadors. Based in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia, this dynamic duo work as wildlife educators and mobile exhibitors for their family of native wildlife throughout that region and online! Together, they form a dynamic team dedicated to spreading awareness about the importance of coexisting with wildlife. #ITSAWILDLIFE

Vicky Graves (pronouns: she/her) is a passionate large mammalian carnivore biologist and PhD candidate with research focused around the Scottish Wildcat. Vicky has travelled around the world to work on conservation projects and has learnt to speak four languages – English, French, Spanish and Portuguese! Vicky discusses her journey through the conservation space, the benefits of travelling to broaden your perspective, as well as the importance of communication and speaking in native languages to deliver effective conservation outcomes. Vicky also shares her advice for aspiring biologists to work with wildlife. #ITSAWILDLIFE

Ganyah Goldstein (pronouns: she/her) is a wildlife biologist, conservationist, science communicator and wildlife career coach who shares her wild and inspiring journey to work with wildlife. We talk all about life as a conservationist – the feelings we feel, the adventures we have and the impact we want to create. Ganyah shares her top tips for pursuing this career path and finding dream experiences with wildlife all over the world.

Jack Baddams (pronouns: he/him) is a wildlife ecologist, science communicator and bird ringer – predominantly known for talking about birds. Jack has built his experience in bird ringing which he considered a springboard into paid work in the wildlife industry – and now works in nature television. Jack shares his knowledge on bird ringing in the UK and how you can get involved. He also shares his journey through the industry – and his advice on how to land your very own job as a passionate ecologist and bird nerd! #ITSAWILDLIFE

Alex Troutman (pronouns: he/him) is a wildlife biologist, author and science communicator who has worked all over the world with a whole suite of species from birds to bats to sea turtles. He talks about the challenges and opportunities he faced as a black person in a predominantly white field, and how he strives to inspire future black conservationists. He discusses how he uses his books and social media to educate and engage the public about wildlife and conservation. He also gives some advice for aspiring biologists and nature lovers, such as being curious, passionate, flexible, and persistent. Alex hopes to increase accessibility to this career pathway for all people by promoting diversity and inclusion in wildlife sciences and related fields. and to foster a love and respect for the natural world in all people.

Jason Kitting (pronouns: he/him) is a bird banding expert who studies migratory birds and how they interact with the environment. Bird banding is a scientific practice of catching and releasing birds to understand their ages, movements and life histories – one of many that is governed by hands-on experience and mentorship rather than formal education and qualifications. For this reason, it is a wonderful way for people to gain practical experience in wildlife handling and monitoring without the barrier of a tertiary degree. Jason shares his story of how he became fascinated by birds, fell into bird banding and bird research for work and years later, is finishing up his first undergraduate degree. He discusses what bird banding involves and his advice for aspiring bird lovers looking to work with wildlife. #ITSAWILDLIFE

Dr Morgan Hughes (pronouns: she/her), is a bat researcher and freelance ecologist specializing in bats in the UK currently. She shares her journey through ecology as a mature student starting her degree and completing her Bachelors in her 20s, her Masters in her 30s and now her PhD in her 40s. Morgan has been brave and adventurous in her career – and unafraid to change her mind or switch her focus – focusing on birds, then bees and now bats. Morgan encourages anyone at any stage of life to pursue their passions and give wildlife conservation a try.

Dr Kate Evans (pronouns: she/her) is the founder and director of Elephants for Africa, a non-profit organisation dedicated to African elephant research and conservation. While Elephants for Africa focuses their research around male elephant ecology in Botswana, it also partners with organisations in South Africa and Malawi currently as well as hosting many international students and collaborators. We speak about Kate’s journey through the world of African wildlife conservation as well as her experiences balancing motherhood with your career, overcoming dyslexia to complete a PhD and the process of starting and running a non-profit organisation for elephant conservation.

Holly Garrod (pronouns: she/her) is an ornithologist, science communicator and bird bander with a wealth of experience across the Americas. Holly fell in love with birds early on and after banding her first duck at the age of 10, Holly been chasing opportunities to work with them since! Whilst studying and doing the fieldwork circuit for a number of years, Holly built her experience across Central and South America working with birds and communities to build capacity and sustain long-term bird monitoring projects in the neotropics.

 Melina Budden (pronouns: she/her), a botanist, zoologist and conservationist who has studied two undergraduate degrees, a Master’s degree, and currently enrolled in a PhD focused around the impacts of fire and climate change on Greater Gliders. Her career has spanned work across a variety of sectors within the environmental space – working for government, the private industry, and now academia with her PhD. Following the 2019 bush fires, Melina and other passionate wildlife lovers also founded a wildlife rescue group called the Blue Mountains Wombats which continues today. Inspired by a deep connection with nature since childhood, Melina shares her story navigating the career pathway for a wildlife biologist – her experiences, the struggles and her advice for overcoming these challenges and staying true to your values and your why! welcome back to #itsawildlife in 2024 - it has been a minute! This year we are all about magnifying our impact to support you on your journey to live your wild life!

Dr. Kita Ashman (pronouns: she/her) is a threatened species and climate adaptation ecologist working with WWF Australia, we delve into Kita’s inspiring journey in the field of wildlife and ecology. Kita shares her experiences, from her undergraduate studies to her current role, where she focuses on conservation efforts for threatened and culturally significant species. Throughout the conversation, Kita offers valuable insights on how to stay positive in the face of conservation challenges, avoid burnout, and make a meaningful impact by letting your voice be heard.

Angela Simms (pronouns: she/her) is a PhD candidate studying freshwater turtle biology in Victoria, Australia. Although she never considered herself to be academic, Angela has followed her passion for reptiles studying chameleons and now freshwater turtles through the pursuit of her research career.

welcome back to #itsawildlife in 2024 - it has been a minute! This year we are all about magnifying our impact to support you on your journey to live your wild life!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live with a rescue kangaroo… whilst balancing a career as a professional surfer and free diver?

Mathieu Charette (pronouns: he/him) is a French-Canadian ecologist, bird bander and founder of the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (or TREES for short), a registered Belizean non-profit field research station in Belize with a focus on ecological monitoring, capacity building in the local community and conservation education. Mathieu shares the journey that he and his business partner Vanessa embarked on when they made the decision to found Toucan Ridge.

Leila Nefdt (pronouns: she/her) is a marine biologist with a Masters of Marine Science from Cape Town, South Africa. As a passionate ocean lover and youth educator, Leila shares her journey through this field as well as her experiences as a woman of colour in this space and the importance of mentorship in inspiring the next generation of marine scientists.

“It’s hard to love what you don’t know. And it’s very hard to protect what you don’t love”

Katie Propp (pronouns: she/her) is an ecologist and wildlife educator, currently working as the Conservation Education Director at Penguins International. With 18 years of experience in the field of wildlife conservation, Katie shares her tips and tricks in delivering effective science communication, as well as her advice for landing your very own dream job with wildlife.

Daniela Ventura is a Caribbean wildlife biologist and bird bander based in Havana, Cuba. Fascinated by nature from a young age, Daniela started studying biology at the University of Havana as soon as she finished high school. She continues to work there since her graduation as both a biology lecturer and bird research scientist.

 Caitlin Weatherstone (pronouns: she/her) is a wildlife ecologist, educator, and nature connection business owner of Life Wild on Bundjalung country in Lennox Head, New South Wales. After a long resume of fantastic jobs and opportunities throughout the wildlife industry, Caitlin has landed her first permanent position as a Koala Project Officer. Caitlin shares her experiences working in the world of wildlife as well as ways she encourages women to connect with nature and our ancestral human evolution.

Originally from the UK, Kate Sheridan is a conservation biologist and scuba diver, living and working in the Maldives for a coral restoration and research project, Reefscapers. Although everyday life looks like a tropical dream – marine conservation set in island paradise – we discuss some of the hardships of creating a long-term career in conservation.

Flavia Tirelli is a Brazilian research scientist and conservationist focused on mammalian carnivores especially small wildcats. After completing her Masters at Federal University of Rio Grande o Sul (UFRGS) and her PhD at the private university (PUCRS) in Brazil, Flavia continues to follow her passion by monitoring wildcats and addressing issues of human-wildlife conflict that threaten them.

Jake Schwebel (pronouns: he/him) is a botanist working for an environmental consultancy firm in Sydney, Australia. After completing a Bachelor of Zoology, Jake started looking for field experience and found a role doing bush regeneration which provided an opportunity for him to start getting to know his plant species. Embracing the wonderful world of plant identification was a foot in the door for Jake who accepted a role in botanical consulting and continues to work within the field. Jake shares his experience working as a botanist as well as his top tips for starting out in this space.

Jose Francisco Bergua (pronouns: Mr.), from Spain has a huge passion for wildlife conservation and science communication. After completing his PhD in biotechnology, Jose spent 6 months working on wildlife conservation projects in Indonesia and following this experience, decided to transition his career into biology teaching. We caught up only a week after Jose had made the switch in his career and he speaks bravely about the considerations and rewards of navigating a career change in order to follow your passion and work to promote the environment.

Susie Buetow (pronouns: she/her) is a registered wildlife carer and co-founder of Wild Hearts Wildlife Rescue in southern Tasmania, Australia. Susie specialises in Bare-nosed Wombats, Tasmanian Pademelons and Bennett’s Wallabies and cares for many animals each year to give them a second chance of survival.  With only around 300 active wildlife carers across Tasmania at the moment but approximately 2000 animals in need of support and rehabilitation per year, this service is not only important but in desperate need of expansion. Susie and her partner also run a small boat business together called Wild Ocean Tasmania which facilitates marine research in this beautiful part of the world.

🌎🦉why pay when you don’t need to (or can’t!) 💰this week we talk about ways to reliably side step the paywall on scientific publications 🌟we talk three hacks using ✨1️⃣Google Scholar ✨2️⃣Research Gate✨3️⃣Email the corresponding author directly (that's why they include contact details on every paper!)✨

🌿did you know how much information you can get from job advertisements?

Phewf! Welcome to 2023. And we're starting with an absolute bang - covering a big topic today that's been a long time in the coming. Today we are shining a light on this uncomfortable topic to share strategies on how to manage your #impostersyndrome and ultimately thrive in ecology 🤠🌿🪲

Emily Davenport (she/her) is the founder and executive director of the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance, a non-profit wildlife rescue centre in Colorado, USA with the mission to elevate the care and protection of wildlife which is done by fostering a sense of community and collaboration through the alliance. In this refreshingly real and insightful conversation, Emily shares her story and how she started a non-profit as well as her experiences combating gate-keeping and managing burnout and compassion fatigue within this space. Above all, Emily’s top advice is to never stop learning, regardless of where you’re at in your career!

Kacie Hanke (pronouns: she/her) is a zoology student at UC Santa Barbara. Having found her passion for wildlife conservation, Kacie has spent her most recent summer working with the Forest Service as a field technician with Southern Steelhead, an endangered fish in Los Padres. Kacie shares her experience with science communication and social media and it’s power for spreading conservation stories as well as inspiring people to follow their passion and work as a scientist with wildlife.

Karla Pound, 34 years old, is a zookeeper and an expedition leader with an incredible story to tell. Currently with Coral Expeditions, Karla works on large tour boats, taking guests on expeditions through some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the world.

Lewis Smith (pronouns: he/him) is in his fourth year of wildlife conservation at the University of Kent, England, president of the Conservation Society there and was recently diagnosed with ADHD which has been a big part of his journey through this space. Lewis shares his experiences with us today as well as the importance of accommodating and embracing neurodiversity within the wildlife conservation field.

Ariana Klappert (pronouns: she/her) is an all-rounded biologist with a passion for working with African mammals as well as a love of science communication which she does a lot of on the side. She recently completed her masters and is looking towards the next steps. We speak about Ariana’s experiences, ways to get involved in science communication and aiming for balance when your life is crazy busy! Wherever you’re at in your career, her main advice is to follow your passions and stick with it!

NOTE: this blog post is published in full on Conservation Careers blog.

Dr Susan Wiper (pronouns: she/her) is a primatologist and wildlife carer based at the Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary in Liberia, west Africa. Her current role involves the rehabilitation of 140 animals including Pangolins, monkeys and Pottos that have been rescued across the region. These wild animals are characteristic of Liberia’s untold biodiversity and Susan devotes her time to protecting these species and educating the community around their conservation. Susan shares her story as well as the amazing work they are doing at Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary to change the fate of wildlife in this area.

Dr Rachel Standish (pronouns: she/her) is a plant community ecologist, specializing in restoration ecology in damaged ecosystems with Murdoch University, in Perth, Western Australia. As she explains:

Jannico Kelk (pronouns: he/him) is an ecologist and wildlife photography enthusiast, a precursor to his pursuit of this career path. From exciting short-term roles catching animals for field guide photographs and Netflix documentaries, to more stable long-term roles, Jannico’s passion and career has taken him all around Australia and all over the world. We caught up with Jannico to talk about his experience within the wildlife industry, the merits of shorter-term contracts compared with permanent positions as well as his advice for people navigating this space.

Claire Nelson (pronouns: she/her) has a life full of animals! During the day, she works as an ecological consultant, and when she goes home, she continues to care for the sick and injured wildlife brought into WIRES from all over New South Wales, Australia. WIRES or Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service is a not-for-profit wildlife rescue service established in 1985, caring for wild animals brought in by the community until they can be released.

The amazing Milly Formby (pronouns: she/her or they/them) is a zoologist, pilot and illustrator on a science communication mission to raise awareness for the plight of migratory shorebirds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. And how is she doing this? Would you believe it even if we share this!?

Based in Canberra, Australia, Dr Kate Grarock (pronouns: she/her) is an ecologist with Bush Blitz and a hiking enthusiast who has created a YouTube channel dedicated to this passion of hers. From a young age, hiking has always been a massive part of Kate’s life – as both a place to direct her energy as well as a mindful practice that immerses her in the natural world. We caught up to talk all about hiking is and how important it can be as an activity that helps people connect with nature around them.

Zoe Keen (pronouns: she/her) is a science writer, communicator and science journalist from lutruwita (Hobart), Tasmania where she lives near kunanyi (Mount Wellington). Her general focus as a writer and science communicator is evolution, ecology and the environment although she has written across a broad diversity of topics outside this area. Zoe now works as a freelance science writer and communicator who has written for ABC, BBC, Cosmos & The Guardian. Zoe shares her journey through this space and advice for anyone looking to do a similar role!

“I guess just a bit about me: I’ve been into wildlife since day one and I count myself as very lucky that I am able to pursue my passion doing research and honestly loving my life”

Alyssa Sargent (pronouns: she/her) is a PhD student at the University of Washington, USA, for which she studies hummingbirds in South America (one of the greatest projects she could possibly imagine!). Alyssa has experience working in bird research all over the world, as well as a passion for science communication, which she spends a lot of her time doing. Alyssa shares the steps she took on her journey in wildlife research and outreach as well as pointers to help you do the same!

Emily Wagdin (pronouns: she/her) is a Masters student studying Island Biodiversity and Conservation with a focus on the impacts of changing ocean conditions on crustaceans. Originally from Manchester in England, Emily lives on Jersey, one of the Channel Islands where her study species, the Brown Crab, Spider Crab and European Lobster, also live. Emily shares her experience pursuing a career in wildlife conservation, as well as her efforts to stay optimistic and make a positive difference in the face of widespread climate change, pollution and other challenges worldwide that threaten the ocean and its inhabitants.

“You take anything inside your brain, put it on paper and immediately it becomes real”

Jo Munnik (pronouns: she/her) is a South African documentary producer who covers stories across Africa; from 33 degrees South to 33 North, and a lot of East and West in between. Her work mostly focuses on wildlife conservation, social change and women’s issues. She is passionate about telling authentic and meaningful stories, which connect global audiences to Africa – stories that reflect the changing world in a responsible, sensitive, and engaging way.

Today we're exploring ways to set heartfelt, ambitious goals amidst our busy lives as ecologists and wildlife lovers! The three steps we look at are:

#ITSAWILDLIFE

Herpetologist, wildlife photographer and self-confessed lizard nerd, Dr Sophie Cross (pronouns: she/her) has spent the past few years working to understand the behaviour and ecology of vertebrate fauna, specifically reptiles following mine site restoration in the remote mid-west of Western Australia. Today, Sophie shares her journey as well as some great career advice for getting to where you want to be in the wildlife space…

Dr Tahneal Hawke (pronouns: she/her) is an ecologist working with the Platypus Conservation Initiative, a group at University of New South Wales dedicated to, as they put it, reducing the risk of extinction to platypuses through scientific research, improved management, and increased awareness. Tahneal shares her experience working with these elusive and quirky critters, as well as her career advice for anyone looking to do the same! 

 Tess Poyner (pronouns: she/her) grew up on the south coast of New South Wales and had not long finished school when she and her partner took a gap year travelling around Australia to experience and photograph the many unique and beautiful critters that call this country home. Tess shares her award-winning wildlife photography on her Instagram page @tess_poyner. Today we speak all about starting out in wildlife conservation with the passionate and talented Tess! 

 The amazing Kaitie Schneider (pronouns: she/her) is not only a full-time wildlife biologist and conservation advocate in Colorado, USA, but also uses her creative content to raise awareness and inspire positive change. Her goal is to rethink the way we communicate for both wildlife and the biologists who dedicate their lives to them! Kaitie is the founder of the @theunderstorystudio, her own creative small business which blends together art, science and everything in between. 

Dillon Jones (pronouns: he/him) is a biologist and science communicator who wears many hats in both of these worlds. His Masters research is combining ecology and evolution to examine the diversity and biogeography of reptiles and amphibians in Central America. Over on his online platform, @dillonthebiologist, Dillon gamifies ecology with live-streamed nature-themed gameshows, iNaturalist bio blitz challenges and even field trips to engage people in wildlife conservation and natural sciences in a totally unique way!

Working as an ecologist for a consultancy based in Perth, Western Australia, Sam Girvan (pronouns: she/her) shares her experience of coming to ecology later, getting her foot in the door and landing a permanent, full-time role (the holy grail in ecology!) – and her advice so that you can do the same! Sam also shares her experience as a woman in natural sciences and ways we can further empower women and anyone that doesn’t identify as traditionally masculine.

Today we speak with Dr Meg Edwards about all thing’s academia, surviving and thriving as a biology student and translating your studies into meaningful employment. After completing her PhD in wildlife science a couple of years back, Meg now works as an academic and lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland and creates her own academia-inspired art which she collates and shares on her Instagram page: @alittlebitmeg.

Millie Sutherland Saines is an ecologist and science communicator with the Woodlands & Wetlands Trust, that looks after two reserves in the ACT: Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary & Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Emersed in important box-gum grassy-woodland, a critically endangered habitat, Mulligans Flat is a wildlife reserve situated on Ngunnawal country with a feral-proof fence protecting some unique and threatened Australian animals like the Eastern Bettong, the Eastern Quoll and the Spotted-tail Quoll.

6 tips to consider when writing a kickass CV to land your dream job in wildlife conservation… AND of course we have a free template to use when writing your very own so sink your teeth into this bad boy!

Today we have some top tips for how to start learning your flora and fauna. This episode elaborates on 10 steps towards your career in wildlife conservation (AND 8 steps to take today to step into your dream career) so check those out if you'd like more info!

Today we speak with behavioural ecologist and Purple-crowned Fairywren specialist, Dr Niki Teunissen. She has spent the last 8 years living and working in the remote Kimberley region to study the intricate lives of these small, lively, socially fascinating birds and learn what is being done to protect this threatened species. 

Today we have the absolute pleasure of speaking with the lovely Gael Sanchez (pronouns: she/her) – wildlife biologist, silversmith, science communicator creator of Cactus Quoll Creations and all-round amazing human being. Gael works as the Lead Inland Wildlife Biologist for the Bay Mills Indian Community in Texas and also leads a charge to level the playing field in the wildlife conservation space and increase diversity and opportunity.

The wonderful work of Eliza Stott for women in the wildlife space is fast being recognized within the natural science community worldwide. A zoo keeper, wildlife researcher and lover of wombats, Eliza is also known for founding Women in Wildlife, an online platform that amplifies and connects women working in the wildlife industry. We caught up with Eliza to hear her story, career advice and journey with Women in Wildlife.

As ecology and wildlife conservation are such practical fields, internships (or apprenticeships) are a great way to build hands-on skills, field experience and networks as well as get your foot in the door when starting your career.

Everyone wants different things from their studies: it’s one of those things (like so many) where your level of commitment is largely up to you and your own personal motivations. For some people, studying is more of a background activity to their lifestyle whereas for others it is more of a full-time commitment. It can be the same qualification and same level and it will mean different things to different people.