Over-educated and Underfunded
Weird, wacky and wonderful stories and sketches from biologists in the field.
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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. “I’ve always been passionate about sciences,” Marine Pietri explains to me, “from Physics to Biology, I’ve always enjoyed understanding how the world I live in works.” Driven by her curiosity, the Frenchwoman decided to pursue a career in medicine but she quickly came to realize that she was being drawn to a different path entirely, and decided to put her studies on hold. Unsure on where to channel her attention, she visited multiple schools and researched different programs until she finally found one that spoke to her, “When I was being explained the several majors available - this one came up as an evidence to me: the SKEMA Business School’s Bachelor’s in Business Administration specializing in Management of the Marine Environment. Its basically, marine biology with a bit of management and communications skills.” “I feel like science needs to be accessible to anyone, as it is the most important pathway to save our planet." Diving straight into the coursework, Marine’s interest in the ocean deepened. This connection grew, and she began to feel the need to share her marine biology knowledge to a wider audience, advocating for better marine management plans and teaching. Blending these together with her soon-to-be-finished BBA, she hopes that she will be able to promote sustainable marine practices across businesses as well, “I really enjoy linking Marine Biology and entrepreneurship. That was something I wasn’t comfortable with at all before, but I learnt that if you wanna change the world for real, you have to know about money and take it into account!” Still eager to learn more about marine biology and how to better link it to sustainable development, Marine has earmarked a Masters in Science, Conservation & Valorization of Marine Resources at Université Côte d'Azur - however, the self-starter isn’t setting limits on herself, “I am working with the Mare Vivu association on the CorSeaCare mission. We are a group of engaged young people, and we go on a sailing trip all around Corsica - a small island in the Mediterranean Sea - to gather as much scientific data as we can on a various range of things from plastic pollution to bioacoustics and plankton.” Enabling her to put her skill set to good use, the mission also promotes environmental education and grassroots, community-led involvement, Marine continues, “I also work with the Earthship Sisters program, which is a 100% feminine leadership program, taking action for women to launch their environmental project. I really love the values and core concepts of these two, and I am so glad I can do my part by helping them - and they help me a lot too!” As a biologist keen on promoting social change and advocating for sustainability, Marine is hoping that the future presents her with a slightly different project that could help her reach a larger audience: documentary filmmaking. “I feel like science needs to be accessible to anyone, as it is the most important pathway to save our planet. My ambition is to raise awareness and help escape the classic mentality of ‘You’re guilty whatever you do, and it’s never gonna be enough’, environmental issues are much more complex than this and we won’t achieve anything by saying that. Anyone can make a difference.” Are you a budding biologist eager to tell your story? Drop us a message and we will be happy to share!
By Ariana LoehrGetting that first job in conservation is tough. It’s even more difficult when you’re broke and need to save money to pay for the lengthy education required to gain full time employment as a biologist. Below is a list of resources to help those who have not yet completed a Master’s degree get a foot in the door while still being able to feed themselves. United States:The Student Conservation Association or SCA is where many young naturalists in the United States get their start. They partner with hundreds of conservation associations across the nation and don’t require any specific background experience. Each hire may also be eligible for an Americorps living allowance and education award that can be used to pay for tuition, loans, books etc. The positions can last from 3 months during summer break up to 2 years full time. Many naturalist jobs in the United States are found on a job board called USAJobs. This job board can be very difficult to maneuver and is based on a point system. The Peace Corps provides young people with the opportunity to gain preference points for USAJobs while also gaining a full time valuable work experience overseas. There are even some environmental science master’s degree programs that partner with the Peace Corps. Pacific Islands (U.S. affiliated):Kupu, like the Student Conservation Association, is affiliated with Americorps, but is only hosted by conservation organizations within the Hawaiian Islands. Unlike SCA, Kupu provides a living (albeit small) salary to their participants in addition to the education award. The best part about Kupu is that they aim to get more young people from the islands involved with their programs. Many positions don’t require a four-year degree, and kupu even has an affiliation with the University of Arizona to help members take courses during their internship. Austria and Germany:This 12 month program helps anyone ages 16-27 get practical work experience in conservation. The organization will provide a small amount of pocket money and depending on your placement, may provide room and board (or funds to cover the cost). The only additional requirement is to attend several seminars throughout the year. Singapore:The Jane Goodall Institute offers volunteerships for individuals within Singapore-free of charge. While you won’t get paid, the time commitment is not too demanding, meaning it is a great opportunity for those still in school. JGIS offers a range of volunteerships that involve very practical hands on skills-observing primate behavior, teaching the public, assisting with events or even managing social media. This opportunity allows volunteers to become very active in the tight knit wildlife community in Singapore which will prove invaluable for your future career. Malaysia:Fuze has been actively trying to recruit more community members to be involved in their programs, with less reliance on overseas staff members. While overseas staff must pay a small fee, the local interns do not, and will receive room and board for free. They have several different programs throughout the country aimed at sea turtle and reef conservation, rainforest ecology, and environmental education. They do offer some opportunities for advancement for individuals with exceptional talent as well. Note: This list is by no means comprehensive, but a compilation of places to start looking that is based off of my own experiences and that over other biologists I've met in the field over the last 10 years. The organizations that are featured are meant merely as alternatives to the pay-to-work scheme so often seen in wildlife biology. While I would love to say that there are better paying entry level jobs in this industry, they are few and far between, as are most jobs in wildlife. If you know of any other great widely available entry level conservation opportunities, please let us know in the comments 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. Much like many other biologists, Damian Meijerink’s path into science wasn’t straightforward, “I first started studying industrial business management, it was fun - but I knew it wasn’t for me.” Feeling unsure about his choice in undergraduate studies, the Dutchman reflected back on his high-school days and which courses he enjoyed the most - biology sprung to his mind immediately. Damian transferred into a Bachelor of Science, but when asked for a specialization he hesitated, he was split between environmental studies and animal behavior and wasn’t sure of which track to take. He decided to combine them, specializing in Migration Behaviour and choosing mostly environmental science electives. However, Damian’s time at Groningen University wasn’t the catalyst for his continued interest in biology. Upon the completion of his Bachelor’s, the newly accredited biologist traveled to South East Asia to indulge in one of his passions, “I’m really into coffee. I went to Thailand and Laos to discover the coffee there and it really opened my eyes to sustainable development and the idea of a circular economy as well as biodiversity conservation. Coffee plantations clear a lot of jungle, which is a problem already, but to make money from coffee means you have to mass-produce it or go into specialty coffee - all of which have their own set of issues.” Intrigued by the concept of sustainable development and how it could help different aspects of society, Damian began to think about pursuing further studies in that field. Returning to the Netherlands inspired by his travels, he narrowed his Master’s options to two programs at separate universities, Utrecht University (Circular Economics) or Leiden University (Biodiversity & Sustainability). Deciding to stay within the biological realm, Damian chose Leiden. "I'm interested in...building nations with the idea of achieving a circular economy" A change from his initial entrance into the field, the Dutch biologist is more confident in his choices. Reflecting on his undergraduate experience, Damian does express some regret as to not choosing the environmental specialization, admitting that part of the reason he didn’t take it were the questions surrounding potential job opportunities and the practical uses for such a degree after graduation. Currently halfway through his postgraduate, the 25-year old is more certain about his future and what he wants from it. He hopes to one day, "implement sustainable development to improve agriculture, promote fair trade and build nations with the idea of achieving a circular economy.” While his interest in these topics became evident during his trip overseas, he believes they stemmed from his earlier academic choices and a desire to meld both business and environmental sciences. When prompted about where exactly he thinks he’ll find himself after his masters, he admits some uncertainty but knows what he’d prefer in the meantime, “I hope to travel a lot more, I don’t care where I go, I just want to go somewhere that isn’t the Netherlands and experience research in different areas,” he laughs, “All my research has been in the Netherlands, and I’d like to change that. Doing some work overseas I believe could help me grow professionally.” Want to hear a story from an individual in a particular industry? Let us know in the comments 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. “I can never remember the moment that I chose biology, but I know I was always more into healthcare and clinical skills - I initially chose biology to enter the healthcare sector mostly because this is the only sensible choice,” the 24-year-old Texan pauses, “But in freshman year I was asked what I would do if I could do anything at all and I immediately thought ‘Wildlife biology!’ but I didn’t think it was possible, I thought of it as more of a hobby than a career option - but then that began to make me think.” Although unsure about whether altering her BA towards an ecological track would be worth it, Rachel Pringle took a leap of faith. Deciding to dive straight into biology, Rachel began exploring ways to gain more insights into a wildlife biology career. When it became clear that a move overseas might be the best option she jumped on the opportunity, “I liked the Netherlands ever since visiting it as a child, so decided to go back as a student. Leiden University had a course in animal behavior, it ticked two boxes so I decided to go for a semester abroad!” Although the semester would not count towards her BA in Biology, she believed that the trip would yield a lot more than just additional knowledge, and while she was there she would end up getting involved in research, “We were looking into neophobia, the fear of new things and novel objects in zebra finches and how birdsong correlates with it. It ended up being my first research experience and it was in a field I knew nothing about and using tools I’d never used.” Although the learning curve was steep, the opportunity was unique. Rachel and her research group would travel to Finland to present their research, and upon their return to the Netherlands, she was tasked with presenting it again in front of a group of thirty professionals, “In the end it was the best experience of my life, the entire thing was pretty mind-blowing.” Now armed with solid research experience and a better understanding of wildlife biology, Rachel had a somewhat clearer view of what her future would hold. “Ultimately I decided against pursuing animal behavior,” she laughs, “it was too intangible and unapplied, it was super interesting but you could never really see a palpable reaction. It was hard to see how your work was paying off. Too little reward for a lot of work, and I really wanted to make a palpable difference.” "It honestly keeps me up at night, I'm still unsure where to go." In a bid to explore other options and make the most of her time overseas, Rachel would move from the Netherlands to Scotland to study at the University of Strathclyde for a year, taking a variety of courses ranging from biodesign to prosthetics. Returning to the United States after a year and a half overseas, Rachel was happy to be back home, but knew that she would be back in Europe before long, “I knew I’d return to Leiden to do a Masters, the contrast between Texas and the Netherlands was immense, but it opened up my mind and changed me. The University took wildlife and biology research very seriously, it added some credence to my studies.” Now a Masters student specializing in Biodiversity and Sustainability, Rachel is still pursuing her interests but doesn’t know where they will take her in the future, “It honestly keeps me up at night, I’m still unsure where to go. I still really love biodesign and using it as a tool to find solutions through biology.” For now though, Rachel is researching the role of fungi in conservation, “Fungi have a huge role in biodesign and implications for sustainability! They have amazing properties yet remain one of the biggest mysteries in science. There is a huge gap of knowledge in mycology so they are kind of like aliens on earth…” she trails off before continuing, “I like it! You should feel excited about what you do or why would you invest time in it? ” Have you been researching something fascinating in biology? Want the world to know more about it? Drop us a message in the comments below!
By Ariana Loehr2020 has been difficult for everyone across the globe. While we’re bombarded with images of economic instability, illnesses and injustices, the mental health of everybody has been suffering. It has been hard lately to imagine that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. This is why here, at the Broke Biologists, we want to share some recent positive news to give you, our readers, hope and encourage you to continue working towards a greener and more just future. We would also like to remind you that while several of these planet positive events have come at the cost of many lives and a severe economic downturn, we must work together to find more permanent solutions that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. Only when we find the balance of all three will we begin to thrive again. 1. PM10 decreases by 44% in India Since February, the amount of particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in size has dropped 44% from the rates seen in the previous months. This change is due to a drop in road and air traffic as well as decreased production in factories. 2. Wildlife consumption has been made illegal in China and Vietnam After seeing the devastating effects that the Wuhan wildlife market had on spreading Sars-Covid-19 with the world, China and Vietnam each took decisive action against the consumption of bush meat. Wildlife markets in these areas are often filled with endangered species, so this should be great for animal populations in their native habitats. 3. Increased bird biodiversity from gardens in Sri Lanka According to an official from Biodiversity Sri Lanka, the return to gardening for sustenance and reprieve during Covid-19 lockdown has also benefited birds! Many birds enjoy the additional seeds, fruit and insects that come with gardens, and individuals have been reporting increased biological diversity around their homes as a result. 4. Hawksbill turtle nests on Singapore shores This year on World Turtle Day, a critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle swam onto the shores of East Coast Park to lay a nest. While the Singapore straits are a known breeding ground for Hawksbill Sea Turtles, their appearances have been relatively rare due to poaching and habitat loss in the surrounding region. 5. Chinchilla rats spotted in Machu Picchu Once believed to be extinct, these chinchilla rats have recently been spotted by camera traps near Machu Picchu. These animals are believed to be endangered and were a common food source for the Incas living in the area over 400 years ago. 6. Red Wolf pups born in North Carolina Zoo A litter of five red wolf pups was born on April 21 as a part of the North Carolina Zoo’s breeding program. These wolves will eventually be a part of a reintroduction program aimed at bringing the populations up to historic levels. Currently there are fewer than 34 red wolf individuals left in the wild. 7. An emergence of local and sustainable fishing practices The days of trawling for fish, excessive bycatch and wholesale fish markets may be a thing of the past. While restaurants have not been buying their pre-covid numbers of fish, American fishermen have turned to selling fish directly to their customers, ensuring that whatever is caught is going to be eaten. Have a story about planet positivity? We'd like to hear it! Share it in the comments below.
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About the AuthorsThese stories come from several biologists working in the field around the globe. Archives
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