Over-educated and Underfunded
Weird, wacky and wonderful stories and sketches from biologists in the field.
By Vincent DiringerBiology is a fairly broad section of science encompassing everything from the study of cells to cladistics as well as conservation and astronomy. Such a vast multitude of majors also entails a similarly large and varied array of pathways leading towards them. All Paths Lead to Biology is a series by the Broke Biologists delving into the stories of how biologists have arrived to where they are and what drives them. All while she was growing up, Emilie Priou grew up wanting to work with wildlife, “I had two internships in zoos when I was in high-school, so I always kind of knew what I wanted to do,” While the French national was unsure as to where her interests would take her, she was certain that biology would be her calling card in the future, “I remember seeing a documentary teaser for a woman doing a wildlife show in Brazil and I just thought it was a dream job, you get to travel, educate people about nature and provide them information on how to protect it - and you get paid for it! It really was my dream job.” However, Emilie’s scientific journey was about to be confronted by France’s rigid academic structure. The education system in France is such that you must graduate high-school with a specialty out of Science, Socio-Economics, or Literature - and while the choices are scarce, they are also binding. Once you have graduated with a high-school diploma in one specialty, your tertiary options are confined to that track and are very subtly nudged towards France’s four main career lines: medicine and engineering (Science), business (Socio-Economics), and law (Literature). The apparent focus on medicine coaxed Emilie away from the Science track, opting instead for the Socio-Economic specialty, realizing only after graduation that most doors to a biology degree in France had been inadvertently closed by her decision. “They asked us too early for us to choose a specialization, had they asked a year later I’d have chosen the science track - I was stuck.” Facing a complicated tertiary path and still unsure about what she wanted to do, Emilie decided to take a gap year to help sharpen her focus “Don’t be scared of challenges...It's when you’re out of your comfort zone that you learn the most!” This led to the budding biologist accepting a six-month engagement with Sun Bear Outreach that was split between advocacy and communications in France, and field experiences in Indonesia. The time spent working with this rehabilitation and conservation center for sun bears would serve as her first exposure to the Wildlife conservation sector, and one that left a lasting impression, “It was hard work. I was only eighteen at the time and I learned so much and just grew a lot.” From then on Emilie started looking at options to pursue a wildlife or ecology-related degree in France but after finding very little on offer domestically, shifted her focus overseas, eventually being accepted at Liverpool John Moores University. As an undergraduate student, she found herself yearning for more experience in the field and soon chose to pursue internship positions in Malaysia at the Lang Tengah Turtle Watch as well as CorSeaCare in the Mediterranean. The current pandemic meant that the 21-year old had to finish her Bachelor’s back home in France, but also enabled her to start a new project, “Its called Conservation Journey. I wanted to use my experiences to help people who wanted to study in this field and are a bit lost. I want to inspire, inform, and unite - to have a positive impact on people.” Graduating in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Wildlife Conservation, the newly accredited biologist is seeking to pursue a Masters in Environmental Law while working on documentary filmmaking and learning about the wildlife trade. “Don’t be scared of challenges. If there is an opportunity you’re scared of but excited about, then that’s the best opportunity you can take. It's when you’re out of your comfort zone that you learn the most!”
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By Vincent DiringerAlong with physical ailments, mental health has increasingly become an area of interest for health professionals interested in noting how it can be impacted by climate change. Climate depression, or eco-anxiety as it is sometimes known, whilst not a recognized condition, has been defined by the American Psychological Association as "a chronic fear of environmental doom.", and globally, the idea of climate depression has grown. From locals’ fear of losing their ancestral lands to scientists grappling with the emotional toll of their findings to everyday people feeling powerless in the face of such widespread damage to the environment - climate change is having a marked effect on mental health. In recent years, several studies published in Nature have outlined how environmental grief has taken hold amongst a global population beginning to understand the impacts of climate change and witnessing its early impacts. Within the earth sciences community, climate depression has become a risk of the job, as scientists are asked to further investigate the potential impacts of climate change or report the latest findings. In areas facing the brunt of the environmental damage and its myriad of consequences, local populations are faced with the possibility of losing their natural heritage and abandoning their homes. At the same time, the public health sector is reporting more instances of climate-related depression coming from the population at large across all age groups. However, while feelings of helplessness and anxiety surrounding the state of the planet are on the rise, it has also been leveraged to drive more public involvement into government decision-making into environmental policy, with more and more people also willing to live more sustainably in order to save the environment. Fellow scientists, biologists, and nature lovers, you are not alone. While the news constantly cycles through the impacts of climate change, or as you read the latest publication describing the environmental damage being done across the world - there is also a lot of positive progress being made towards safeguarding the planet for future generations! It is always better to focus on the success stories and help build upon them. We have the power to choose the future we want, so let's all work together to make it happen and not let the negative stories weigh us down. Help and support are available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone, reach out to friends, family, coworkers or get in contact with a helpline.
By Vincent DiringerBiology is a fairly broad section of science encompassing everything from the study of cells to cladistics as well as conservation and astronomy. Such a vast multitude of majors also entails a similarly large and varied array of pathways leading towards them. All Paths Lead to Biology is a series by the Broke Biologists delving into the stories of how biologists have arrived to where they are and what drives them. “When I was 4 I wrote down in less than legible writing that I wanted to be either a footballer or a zookeeper,” recalls Josh Porter, “Technically you could say I’m both.” The 27-year old Mancunian is a Conservation Officer for Cempedak Island in Indonesia and has been involved in environmental work in the region since 2017. Far from the United Kingdom where his biology path started, Josh is more than happy to explain his journey, “The first step was beetles in my grandparents’ house in Northern Ireland, I’d manically collect them in jam jars. It really was a manic obsession. I was hoarding bugs and hiding them from my family. The second was Chester Zoo. It was right on my doorstep and I have ADHD and my mum needed to tire me out, so she’d let me run around like a crazy toddler three times a week for years." "I had one of those typical London-breakdowns...I found a summer position working in Costa Rica as a community manager that was more about giving back and it really helped change my perspective.” He was hooked. As Josh got older, his fascination for the natural world grew and peaked when he discovered David Attenborough’s documentaries after which he decided that he’d do his best to emulate Sir David’s career. To start things off, the budding biologist went to Cardiff University to do a Bachelor’s in Zoology which unfortunately didn’t live up to Josh’s expectations, “Instead of being like David I was wearing a lab coat and surrounded by petri dishes.” It would be a short-term affair, with the Englishman deciding to switch universities and majors to give him an opportunity to do more outdoor work and an easier path to graduation. Eventually earning a BSc in Geography from Manchester University, Josh found it hard to integrate the workforce, bouncing around between odd jobs before becoming a sales executive for a major company. “I had a company car, a wage, an apartment in London…” he continues, “After two years I had one of those typical London-breakdowns. I wasn’t passionate about sales and it was affecting my life so I decided I needed a change. I found a summer position working in Costa Rica as a community manager that was more about giving back and it really helped change my perspective.” The complete 180 reignited Josh’s love for the outdoors and his desire to work within the natural world, and after his stint in Costa Rica he accepted a position as a geographer in Singapore. His new position enabled him to work all across South East Asia, developing his knowledge and forming a network, which eventually landed him an opportunity to join the Nikoi Island Resort Group as a Guest Relations Officer on Cempedak. Recognizing the potential the position held, Josh called it quits on his Singapore experience and packed his bags to move onto the idyllic Indonesian island. “The position gave me way more time to pursue my own interests, I spent my free time learning more about nature and the local environment, and I just worked my way into becoming the island’s Conservation Officer.” Now spending his free time playing football with staff and making informative science videos on YouTube, Josh reflects on his path, “ No chance I would have this job without being in the region or working on my interests. Sometimes you just need to move and take a chance, you can always work your way towards a better position within a company.” Have an interesting path into biology yourself? Give us a shout in the comments at the end of the page, we'd love to share your story! Also make sure to check out Josh's video below! By Vincent DiringerBiology is a fairly broad section of science encompassing everything from the study of cells to cladistics as well as conservation and astronomy. Such a vast multitude of majors also entails a similarly large and varied array of pathways leading towards them. All Paths Lead to Biology is a series by the Broke Biologists delving into the stories of how biologists have arrived to where they are and what drives them. Science was an interest from a young age for Richard Frische, as the German-American biologist recalls, “I spent summers at the Kennedy Space Center, and at the time, the only TV programs in English in Germany were Discovery and National Geographic back when they had those amazing documentaries.” However, growing up with a penchant for science didn’t narrow down a singular pathway, “I was thinking of doing an undergraduate degree in biochem or maybe applied biology but I wasn’t sure about it, I was 19 and didn’t know what to do.” Still unsure about which field to focus his passion in, Richard turned to a different option: Germany’s Freiwilliges Ökologisches Jahr (FÖJ) or Voluntary Ecological Year. The FÖJ enables teenagers and young adults to spend a year working in a range of environmental and land management programs by helping them secure internships on both a national and international level. Intrigued at the prospect of working overseas within a scientific setting, Richard applied and sought to join a project in Chile, but ran into some administration issues that meant his year working a single internship turned into a year working in different settings. He spent some time at Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve as a tour guide, before working as a zookeeper at an endemic species conservation project, and later as a park ranger at the Villarrica National Park. The work was as diverse as it was enriching and it helped him choose a path, deciding to return to Germany and study a Bachelor’s in Biodiversity and Ecology at the University of Göttingen. Richard spent his undergraduate years further exploring new scientific disciplines and courses, hoping to learn as much as possible from multiple different fields, “I kind of struggled with staying on track, I was focusing on courses that seemed interesting and took too many random, nice looking courses,” he recalls with a snigger. Upon graduation, he sought to dip his toe in the job market, but his resume generated little interest, “The situation in Germany is that traditional biology like biochem funnels you towards lab work directly from bachelor level, while for ecological positions you need a masters or doctorate to get anywhere. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone say that my degree has been that useful apart from being a stepping stone towards something else.” Now 25 and working through an MSc. in Biodiversity & Sustainability at Leiden University, Richard has further narrowed his path, “My first masters internship focuses on ecotoxicology, and I’d like to make the second one on freshwater systems. In the future I’d like a stable job before going down the PhD route - I’m not sure what the specific topic would be, but it’ll involve freshwater and have some biodiversity elements.” Still working on his research throughout the pandemic-related closure of the university, Richard is also still feeding his addiction to gathering knowledge. Currently enrolled in several courses like biogeochemistry and an interdisciplinary honors course on human relationships with nature, Richard laughs, “I know I said I took too many different random courses during my bachelor’s, but I wouldn’t have made it where I am if I didn’t explore as many aspects of science as I did.” Have an interesting path into conservation biology? We'd love to share it! Leave us a message in the comments below.
The lifecycle of Ophiocordyceps unilateralis in rainforest ants.The Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is a fungus that uses ants as hosts to reach tall heights to release and spread their spores up to 30 meters. It attacks the nervous system in the muscles of the ant, controlling the ant's movement. This fungus is found in tropical areas where the warm dark rainforests help the fungi thrive. Its survival plays an important part in keeping ant populations in check, and can attack an entire colony by targeting only 3 or 4 individuals at a time. But don't worry it can't turn humans into tree climbing zombies, not yet at least.
By Vincent DiringerBiology is a fairly broad section of science encompassing everything from the study of cells to cladistics as well as conservation and astronomy. Such a vast multitude of majors also entails a similarly large and varied array of pathways leading towards them. All Paths Lead to Biology is a series by the Broke Biologists delving into the stories of how biologists have arrived to where they are and what drives them. “There was a weird shift between when I finished my Bachelors and before I started my Masters.” explains biologist Michał Pawlik, a graduate from the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław, Poland, Mike had been expecting to return to his alma mater to undertake a Masters in Biology after a gap year of living and studying in Japan but administrative issues delayed his academic plans. While facing several months of free time, the biologist decided to look for an internship overseas, settling with a six-month spell in Costa Rica facilitated by GVI. "I started thinking about my legacy and how I wanted to know that I did good by nature and the planet.” After a brief return to Poland, Mike packed his bags for a more tropical climate. Up until then he had never been exposed to conservation work, what it entailed or the impact it could have on not just local environments but also on him. “It was an eye-opening experience. I had always been in love with wildlife and animals, but living in a city you never actually get an idea of what wilderness is like. Costa Rica really opened up my eyes.” Now spending his time kayaking on rivers, leading beach clean-ups, monitoring sea turtles, and hiking through tropical rainforests spotting jaguar cubs, Mike’s perspectives began to change. “It all made me think about how secluded areas should be conserved and that wildlife should be protected. I started thinking about my legacy and how I wanted to know that I did good by nature and the planet.” While still contemplating his scientific future, the biologist would have the opportunity to work at the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve for a couple months, where he helped with bird surveys and worked directly with researchers in the field. This latest experience would serve to cement Mike’s mind, “I liked the freedom that the Cloudbridge Reserve offered and the work we were doing, it pushed me towards doing a biodiversity masters instead of just general biology.” Returning home with a fresh perspective, Michał sought to capitalize on his field experience and searched for a new Masters course, eventually settling on one in the Netherlands focusing on Biodiversity and Sustainability. Currently midway through his first year, Mike is more certain than ever in his decision to start a career in the conservation sector. While times are uncertain and he isn’t sure what the job market may look like by the time he graduates, he remains excited at the prospect of working towards protecting the environment, in whatever capacity that may be. Before the coronavirus pandemic ground the world to an impromptu halt, the twenty-six year old scientist was just days away from returning to Costa Rica and the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, this time as a researcher investigating frog populations in naturally regrowing and replanted forests. Want to share your path into conservation biology? Message us at the contact form below or share your story here to be featured in our upcoming posts!
by Vincent DiringerWhat is bright orange, tiny, and carnivorous? A snail of course! Perrottetia dermapyrrhosa was first described in 2013 after it was discovered in the limestone mountains of northern Thailand. Believed to be present in many primary forests across South East Asia, P. dermaphyrrhosa is a relatively uncommon find that this biologist was always excited to see on a rainforest hike. By Vincent DiringerWorking in the field ensures you will have some remarkable encounters and unique experiences. From finding scorpions living in every crevice of our field camp to stumbling upon a newly discovered species of snail or spotting a hard to find endemic lizard, I have some fond wildlife memories. This one, however, was not such a wonderful moment... Its early March in Malaysia. We are being buffeted by the remnants of the monsoon and all the ferry terminals have had to close due to the adverse weather, unceremoniously postponing our plans to travel to our island basecamp with a group of now disappointed high school students. Keen to keep spirits high, the teachers give the students free time for the rest of the afternoon, allowing themselves and the biologists time to figure out the monsoon contingency plan. While between phone calls I start walking around the resort, aimlessly kicking rocks until I notice something out of the corner of my eye. Thirty meters away to my left, there is a thin stick jostling on the ground moving away from me. “Snake!” I yell enthusiastically, hoping to grab the attention of my colleagues, “What kind?” comes the response as I hear frantic footsteps behind me “I don’t know let me get closer, it looks like it could be a juvenile. As I get close enough to start identifying my new reptilian friend I realize that not only have my colleagues rushed over in excitement but so have several students and a biology teacher intrigued by my shrieking. The danger noodle is still slithering away, it is roughly thirty centimeters long, maybe two centimeters wide… jet black… rounded head... it has a noticeable hood… oh dear. Students are starting to congregate as the silky spitting cobra tries to leave as quickly as possible, the biology teacher turns to me, “Uhh... is that… what I think it is?” “Well, yes,” I say, trying to gloss over the fact I’d unwittingly drawn a crowd of pupils under our care to come see one of Asia’s most venomous snakes, “Come on guys lets leave this snake alone, nothing to see here, go back to your rooms, snakes aren’t that interesting anyways, lets leave this little guy alone.” Thankfully the students disperse fairly easily as we remind them that any wildlife they see or find must be treated with respect and that whatever it may be, they should seek us out to report what they encounter. The teacher shares a nervous giggle with the rest of us as we watch the slippery serpent disappear into a storm drain. We alert the resort staff to the presence of a juvenile spitting cobra on the grounds, to which they inform us that they’ve been dealing with several over the past few days, suggesting an adult female has made herself comfortable somewhere near and nested, resulting in a brood of adorable yet dangerous snake babies roaming the area. Feeling both excited and worried about the prospect of multiple tiny cobras staring at us from the shadows we decided to keep a watchful eye for the sneaky reptiles and reminded everyone to only use lit pathways when moving around. The weather would abate and we would leave the next day, making that my first and only encounter with an Equatorial Spitting Cobra (Naja sumatrana). I’ve now learnt to not loudly exclaim what I’ve spotted until I can accurately determine what it is. No students, biologists or snakes were hurt during these events.
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About the AuthorsThese stories come from several biologists working in the field around the globe. Archives
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