Over-educated and Underfunded
Weird, wacky and wonderful stories and sketches from biologists in the field.
By Vincent DiringerLeadership in conservation biology is a topic that, while rather taboo, needs to be discussed. Thousands of young people are entering the extremely tight job market every year eager to make a difference, but are left at the whims of a select few individuals in leadership. As this new generation of environmentalists age, can they step up to the challenge of improving leadership in conservation? Or will they burnout even before they get there? This series is meant to open up frank and honest discussions on how to make our workplaces as enjoyable as the wildlife that we work with. I vividly remember being in a meeting discussing the latest round of applicants for a low-paid field internship position, there were applicants from several different backgrounds and from all over the world - one even had a PhD. However management wasn’t too keen on hiring anyone just yet, I was a bit puzzled “Wouldn’t we want to hire someone with experience?” I asked, “The more experience they have, the more money they expect,” one of the directors pointed out, “let's wait and see what other candidates present themselves.” It's a fairly disturbing reality that you’re more likely to be ghosted by a HR rep than last week’s date. Keen on finding additional biologists to fill out our already overworked staff but also trying to work with management’s demands, I pressed them further, “If we don’t want to hire experienced personnel from overseas, why not try and start a grassroots program here - or at least reach out to local institutions so we can see if we can work with more local staff?” Despite being based in South East Asia, our company hadn’t been particularly good at integrating local biologists into our operations, a vast majority of the staff hailed from the United Kingdom and we had very little interaction with local entities. The company’s founder leaned forward in their chair, “No, we’ll wait to see who else applies, there are a lot of internationals looking for work in this sector and they’ll take what they can get,” they paused, “We should gauge interest in whether or not we could make these internships a paid experience, it works for other organizations!” I stared back at them silently, not entirely sure I’d heard them right, they continued, “People are willing to pay for experience. We can do that. Won’t have to worry about paying interns, and I’ve heard how companies in the Caribbean have had to turn down people who offered to pay to work for them. I definitely think this is an option worth looking into.” And that was that. Meeting over. We walked out of the office without even discussing the stack of resumes on the desk or further exploring what a grassroots program could have even looked like. As much as I hated to admit it, the founder was right. When I’d applied for the internship position myself I was six months removed from graduating, I had received an innumerable amount of rejection letters and was set to move back in with my parents with no certainty of ever breaking into the environmental science sector. I was desperate. I was ready to take anything thrown my way, whatever the hours, whatever the pay, just as long as it was experience. A line I had drawn with myself though was not to pay for this experience. While I understood that many NGOs rely on the income from paying volunteers to fund their programmes, I couldn’t justify spending money for experience - it didn’t seem like the ‘right’ thing, it certainly didn’t seem like a very fair concept, and certain entities were definitely going to exploit it. I guess the company I was working for was ready to become one that was going to further exploit the system. And what a system it is. Young graduates unable to find work because their Bachelors aren’t enough to qualify them for entry-level positions. Candidates with several years of professional experience being turned down for not having a sufficient academic level. Scientific projects that do not recognize previous experience and aren’t always supportive of volunteers. Unpaid internships that require an MSc as a minimum requirement. Gatekeeping within academia that denigrates certain majors and does a good job of sweeping inequality issues under the rug. Unless you have the means and network connections to keep yourself in the sector, you very quickly find yourself staring at a brick wall. Is it a surprise that so many young science graduates decide to cut their losses and work in a different field? The deafening silence that serves as a rejection letter from your latest job application isn’t a reflection of you, but one of a job market that is unable to adapt to the 21st century. In what world does an entry-level position need 5 years of experience and a postgraduate degree? Why are NGOs recruiting for an unpaid, uncompensated two day a week assistant role asking for extensive experience in video production, technical writing, project management, a science degree, an ability to come in on short notice and that you live close to the office? How does a company justify an online internship where the applicant has to *pay* a grand per week to participate? When did it become the norm for rejection letters (if they even arrive) to emphasize that no feedback is to be expected? So what can be done? Well, communicate. Science has become such an insular market to crack that the best way to ensure that you or someone you know is able to succeed is to communicate. Share information about projects, companies, interviews, jobs, feedback, potential connections, anything related to the market. Most importantly, share your positive and negative experiences with certain companies, let that be as part of their workforce or as an applicant. Did you fail to qualify for a position but the HR rep sent you a personalized message and was receptive to keeping in contact and providing you with feedback? Tell your network. Were you exchanging messages with a volunteer coordinator and they were overtly dismissive and suddenly ghosted you? Tell your network. The scientific community should be exactly that - a community. We should know better than most that change is faster to take hold when individuals work together. Join networks on social media, create a group chat with other job-seekers, find ways to promote persons, NGOs, and companies that are treating applicants with basic respect and providing interesting opportunities within our field. If we take a united stand to denounce the bad habits that have encrusted themselves across the sector we might be able to ensure a more inclusive, if not more transparent, job market where applicants can have constructive conversations with their prospective employer. Companies exploiting the current model can either adapt or die - evolution at its finest. As this next generation of biologists come to positions of leadership, we should seek to provide opportunities for those coming after us. Unpaid internships and pay-for-experience schemes are increasingly coming under pressure as graduates begin to question the fairness in having your their work being taken with for only compensation a line of text on a resume. Fairness starts with fair wages. Fairness starts with effective communication. Fairness starts with creating a community. Fairness and leadership start with basic human rights. We owe it to ourselves and biologists coming after us to enact change within the job market by either doing it ourselves or by demanding the market adapt. PS: For those wondering, the company I mentioned at the start no longer exists as it once did. I resigned soon after that meeting took place and was quickly replaced by another young biologist happy to be given a chance in the sector. A refusal to adapt to current social work norms and technological advances eventually led a group of senior staff to defect to a competitor offering better conditions, respectable hours, and a safer working environment. Still recoiling from that loss, and plunged into the uncertainty that 2020 has brought upon all of us, the company is struggling to stay afloat. Evolution at its finest. Have you struggled with finding a job in conservation? Share your story with us in the comments below!
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By Ariana LoehrLeadership in conservation biology is a topic that, while rather taboo, needs to be discussed. Thousands of young people are entering the extremely tight job market every year eager to make a difference, but are left at the whims of a select few individuals in leadership. As this new generation of environmentalists age, can they step up to the challenge of improving leadership in conservation? Or will they burnout even before they get there? This series is meant to open up frank and honest discussions on how to make our workplaces as enjoyable as the wildlife that we work with. “Ah they’re lazy”, ”they’re only driven by money”, ”they won’t last long in the field” are all microaggressions I’ve heard from several of my supervisors regarding their local staff, quickly followed by a stuttered “...besides Iliana she’s one of the good locals around” added in an attempt to save their ass. In all of these instances, my supervisors were not from the country or region in which we worked. They considered themselves highly educated and even politically liberal. After all, they were working to improve the environment, and that’s a good thing, right? But while most people working in conservation have an ultimate goal of doing good for the world, the way that we’re going about it sometimes seems like just another relic of our colonial history. Many conservationists forget that the roots of our industry lie far earlier than John Muir and Alfred Wallace. Long before the grandiose protected wildlife sanctuaries that drove indigenous communities from their lands, were Mayans and Orang Asli alike, regulating farming and industry to ensure that the land could be fruitful for years to come. Yet, when I think back on my environmental science education, we focused only on the words of white male conservationists that hailed from colonial powers in the 19th and 20th centuries. So why have only a select few voices been shared throughout our conservation education? I sat down with naturalist Emma Su and M.Sc. climate, society and economics candidate Ananya Iyer to find out. Both echoed the sentiment that colonialism in conservation had not been discussed in their education in the U.S. and U.K. Ananya shared that “the conversation is near non-existent in the UK. Most of my peers said they never learnt about it in school.” While Ananya’s education was split between the UK, Singapore, The Netherlands and India she mentioned that “In India we learned a lot about how the British helped us...I think celebrating the west prolongs the effects of colonialism. ” Unfortunately for those of us who grew up in the U.S. and U.K. the western ideal of conservation made up most of our education. "Local people are often portrayed as ignorant and in need of “teaching”, but there are many different systems of knowledge" Our textbooks seemed to have missed out thousands of years of indigenous groups managing the land just fine without the help of white men. Instead the idea of the “white savior” coming to fix all environmental woes, continues to be perpetuated. “Conservation groups tend to place blame on local people for the issues such as plastic pollution, shark fishing, or selling turtle eggs” states Emma Su. Often times, what local communities may see as a cultural norm, western conservationists see as a problem, “Local people are often portrayed as ignorant and in need of “teaching”, but there are many different systems of knowledge...local and indigenous people know so much more about their environment than you could ever learn at a university.” This knowledge allowed for humans and nature to thrive side by side using systems of agriculture that were integrated within the ecosystem. The need for isolated and separate places for wildlife only emerged to counter the western led mass production seen today. The way conservation projects are funded adds fuel to the colonial flame. Pay-to-work or volunteer schemes are too often seen as the main source of funding for conservation initiatives abroad. The high fee and lack of income prohibit many locals from joining such work. Conservation projects are typically found in rural communities that are already underserved, and “based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs if everyone’s basic physiological needs are not satisfied, they are unlikely to spend money on environmental conservation.” noted Ananya. Instead, the only people who can fill these roles come from wealthier western countries. "Conservation needs to be from and for marginalized communities and communities which bear the brunt of environmental degradation" Some may say that volunteering with or donating to environmental groups is the least we in the west can do, especially after destroying much of the land for our goods and food. Ananya thinks it all depends on the particular group, “I think it varies based on what work the organisation is doing. If they are helping countries that are poor, but by empowering their citizens and creating local solutions, I think donating to the organisation is good because it helps give these countries what was taken from them back.” Emma agrees stating “We all need to do research and demand change and accountability. That being said, I think everyone should donate their money directly to local organizations.” The key takeaway here being that as conservationists we need to empower local communities to act in their own best interest in terms of natural resources. Doing this will involve growing our trust in this knowledge and incorporating it into our own work going forward. Another way to push away from colonialism in conservation- seek out projects that put community leaders at the forefront. ”Leadership needs to come from the communities” Emma continues, “Conservation needs to be from and for marginalized communities and communities which bear the brunt of environmental degradation”. If you’re unsure about a particular project, ask yourself these questions: Does the makeup of the organization represent the makeup of the community? Are there any community members in leadership positions? Is there a clear effort to engage with the community through forums or events as opposed to lecturing at or about the community’s problems? By choosing where you direct your time or money you can exercise your voice. For those that are already working in an organization, look for where you can include more local voices. This may be through hiring locals regardless of their formal education, or creating a board comprised of local, indigenous and minority peoples to help advise on policy. Researchers can look through historical documents to even find who used to inhabit the land, and what flora and fauna used to live in the area. Several organizations that I’ve worked with have included blessings or ceremonies from native groups before working at your field site, ensured that employees had regular cultural and language trainings, or even changed their seed mixes to reflect how humans and wildlife had historically used the land. Emma Su has also seen great strides made towards cultural inclusion from the leadership in her workplace, “We are really making an effort to include Native Hawaiian culture into everything we do. My boss is Native Hawaiian and leads culture and language workshops for all incoming staff.” These efforts are still far from perfect, and cannot make up for years of colonial powers taking people away from their land, but it is a start. Going forward, we can pass on more inclusive definitions of conservation to those studying the topic in school. Hopefully in the near future, a community member running a conservation project is no longer a surprise, local knowledge is seen as worthwhile as a college degree, and microaggressions are totally a thing of the past. An additional note from Emma: “Money is power and funding systems to grassroots and local conservation groups is lacking. Almost all conservation problems stem from exploitation in the name of money. This is why I have been volunteering with Key Conservation, an app that is making funding more transparent and direct to the local grassroots sources” Do you know of any organizations that are working to decolonize conservation? What other issues with leadership have you seen in conservation? Let us know in the comments below or get in touch with us today!
By Ariana LoehrLeadership in conservation biology is a topic that, while rather taboo, needs to be discussed. Thousands of young people are entering the extremely tight job market every year eager to make a difference, but are left at the whims of a select few individuals in leadership. As this new generation of environmentalists age, can they step up to the challenge of improving leadership in conservation? Or will they burnout even before they get there? This series is meant to open up frank and honest discussions on how to make our workplaces as enjoyable as the wildlife that we work with. Before the pandemic hit, whilst severely unemployed like most North American biologists during winter, I sat on my parent’s couch scrolling through job boards, linkedin and let’s be honest here, lots of social media. As I scrolled through various conservation related posts, two words kept popping up- “imposter syndrome”. Most of these posts were describing how rampant this issue is in the conservation world. I continued to question, what the hell was happening in conservation biology to cause this syndrome to be so prevalent? For those who may not be familiar, the term “imposter syndrome” was first coined by Suzanne Imes and Pauline Rose Clance in the 1970’s as a way to describe a high achieving individual who “persits in believing they are really not bright and have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise”. Those who suffer from imposter syndrome often enter jobs or education feeling that they only got there by luck, and are really not bright enough to be there. This then encourages the individual to try harder to fit in, achieve more and continue to feel like they haven’t earned their keep. Many of the people I saw posting about their own experiences with this syndrome were young, less than 10 years into their careers in conservation biology. Why were so many young environmentalists, while very eager to make a difference in the world, feeling such a heavy weight of “not being good enough” in conservation? A young naturalist working in a popular national park, Sarah*, felt that the “high barriers to entry and low pay that can contribute to feeling undervalued”. Another young and energetic environmental education professional, Riley*, echoed the sentiment, “I feel undervalued... I’m expected to work for less than minimum wage, less than 10 pounds an hour, just for the opportunity to do something that I love. “When you are bouncing between low-paying temporary jobs it is difficult to see yourself as “successful” Sarah and Riley are the lucky ones in conservation. Both managed to secure paid internships after finishing their undergraduate degrees to help build their experience. They worked up to 16 hours a day in the field studying wildlife, then tackling logistics, contacting partners and managing budgets in the hour or two before falling asleep. All this at a pay more than 3 times lower than the U.S. federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. What’s worse is that these internships did not lead to higher paying positions. In conservation, as with many industries, companies try to keep the staffing costs low by maintaining a revolving door of hiring. On several occasions I’ve entered meetings, excited to share the huge updates of my projects, only to be told I’m “too expensive” to keep on the payroll. “When you are bouncing between low-paying temporary jobs it is difficult to see yourself as 'successful'" states Sarah. By the time many conservationists pay for the advanced degrees to end up in a stable job with a living wage, they’ve spent years battling this feeling of being undervalued. It's no surprise that many find it incredulous to finally get paid for work that they had been told for so many years wasn’t worth anything. It’s these early years of being undervalued that can lead to greater issues of imposter syndrome later on in an individual’s career. Feeling undervalued is not a personal problem. It’s a problem stemming from improper leadership. The leaders in conservation organizations are the people who have the power to make staff feel valued and important. They have the power to choose how much they pay their staff, which is one way to show their appreciation of their employee’s hard work. Another way to show appreciation to staff members is by listening to their ideas, and not taking it as a threat to your own job. The more safe and secure your staff feel, the more creative they will become. This creativity is detrimental for finding new solutions to conservation problems. It could help you expand your program, build partnerships or even provide more funding (look for Leadership in Conservation, vol. III coming soon!). Not only does this help your own financial issues, but it gives young conservationists the confidence needed to branch out and start their own projects. In the end, you will all have more mental capacity to focus on what you’re truly passionate about: protecting wildlife. *names have been changed. How have you dealt with imposter syndrome? What other issues with leadership have you seen in conservation? Let us know in the comments below or get in touch with us today!
There's been some debate amongst our readers about what equipment to bring into the field based on one of our recent posts. So we thought we'd asked a few biologists the question, "what is the most essential piece of equipment for a field biologist to have?", here's what they had to say: 1. "Good boots! You can only go as far as your footwear lets you!" -Vincent Diringer, Biology M.Sc. Candidate, France 2. "A big backpack so you can look and feel like Dora the Explorer" -Emma Su, Park Ranger, U.S.A. 3. "A good wet bag...especially in the tropics!! And like different sizes, one for the phone, or bigger ones for equipment" -Ananya Iyer, Sustainability M.Sc. Candidate, India 4. "Obviously insect repellent, everything else is secondary...and good leech proof shoes" -Sylvia Gan, Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Coordinator, Singapore 5. "A good waterproof headtorch so that you can catch frogs hands-free like a pro." -Connor Butler, Ecology Ph.D. Candidate, U.K. (check out his awesome frog photos on instagram @connor_the_ecologist) 6. "A backpack with a raincover, so that you can protect all your belongings. Oh! And a camera!" -Isabelle Ng, Marine Biology M.Sc. Candidate, Hong Kong (for more cool facts and pictures of marine life check out her instagram @biotography) 7. "A waterproof case for your phone, it's saved me thousands on having to buy new phones. And download the app SEEK for a quick field ID." -Ariana Loehr, Field Biologist, U.S.A. 8. "A big a** bottle of water to stay hydrated all day." -Sophie Webb, Field Biologist, U.K. 9. "A hiking stick that helps you keep your balance in rough terrain and doubles as a makeshift measuring stick in a pinch" -Adam Goh, Biology Teacher, Singapore 10. "An umbrella, and a good camera phone." -Charles Downing, Field Biologist, U.K. Is there anything not listed here that you think should be? 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. “It started from a really young age, my dad has always loved watching Nat Geo, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet - you name it - and it became a pastime we shared together. He was often at work, and our way of spending time together was to sit on the couch and watch TV together, and as we’d watch these channels he’d teach me things while we’re watching - a lot of the things I know today are because of him,” explains Isabelle Ng, “For example, he is the one that taught me about shark-finning, and that is really what kick-started things for me. I was in about fifth, or sixth grade when he explained to me the issues of shark-finning, and at that point I’d been at banquets and family dinners where it had been served, where I’d eaten it, and I had no idea why it was bad because I was so young. Then one day we watched a show that discussed shark-finning, my dad taught me more about it, and from that point on I vowed I’d never eat it again, and I wanted to push forward that movement. It was really inspiring to see my dad do it too - at family events he’d educate my family on shark-finning, why you shouldn’t eat shark fin soup - it gave me the courage to do it too.” These early interactions were what pushed the 25-year old biologist from Hong Kong towards a life of environmental advocacy. Following on from her childhood experiences, while in high-school Isabelle got involved in an organization in Hong Kong that sought to educate the public on shark finning and ban the consumption of shark fin soup. Her interest in community engagement led her to start an environmental club for her school, enlisting it as an affiliate branch of Greenpeace and landing an internship with the NGO in the process. After years spent organizing beach cleanups, protests, coral reef surveys and promoting environmental rights, Isabelle decided to pursue an undergraduate degree that reflected similar values. “I’d been determined to go to the United States and study at Pitzer College in Claremont, California because they are very into environmental sustainability. I went there with the intention of studying Environmental Science, but I met a professor who recommended to go down the biology path and build up the scientific side first, if I still wanted to go into policy I could do that afterward, it was easier to go from science to policy than the other way around - so I majored in Organismal Biology.” "There is so much more I can do in an environment where I get to interact with the public, disseminating scientific information." Deciding to intern as a lab assistant during her summers, Isabelle found herself working in labs in Hong Kong and California, studying everything from coral reefs to epidemiology. She would graduate with a double major in Organismal Biology & Environmental Policy and would be offered a position as a field biologist in Singapore shortly thereafter. After a little under two years working, she yearned for more and decided to move to Townsville, Australia in order to undertake a Masters in Marine Biology at James Cook University. Now halfway through the program, she is focusing on finishing her postgraduate degree before moving on - but to where? “In terms of future plans… I’m clueless,” she says failing to stifle her laughter, “Well, maybe not clueless, I’m hoping that this Masters degree will bring more clarity for what I want to pursue. When I was young, my plan was to do my undergrad, my Masters, my PhD, then become a professor - I was thirteen. Now… well, I really don’t know. I think it is really easy to get sucked into the education realm once you’re exposed to it, but I feel as though there is just so much more I can do in an environment where I get to interact with the public, disseminating scientific information. I just want to find a balance between doing research, doing what I love, studying what I love, and also finding a way to spread that information to the general public,” she pauses for a bit, “I hope something will come along, or maybe I’ll create my dream job, we’ll see.” Have an interesting biology story to tell? We are always looking for interesting stories and biologists to feature. Contact us 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’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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