Fancy Scientist with Dr. Stephanie Manka fancyscientist

Around the world, carnivores have been and still are heavily persecuted. Although the percentages are low, they do kill livestock, pets, and even people. The most common knee-jerk reaction for people is to do something about it, which almost always means killing the animal. For conservationists and wildlife lovers, this is a tough pill to swallow; it seems unfair to punish an animal for doing what it does and predators play important roles in the ecosystem. But even more fundamental than that - killing them doesn’t work and chances are, there will be another one back to do it again. 
So what can one do to protect themselves, their pets, and the domestic livestock that they own? In this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I chatted with Petros Chrysafis, an expert in human-carnivore conflict resolution and founder of Predator Detection and Deterrence, an organization dedicated to helping people address carnivore-related issues using non-lethal methods about using science, research, technology, and even some simple interventions to prevent carnivores from taking the occasional chicken, sheep, or goat. 
The inspiration for this episode came from a couple of recent events that reignited my interest in solving the problems between humans and carnivores living together in the landscape. In a recent episode of "The Proof is Out There" on the History Channel, we explored animal attacks, I discussed what happened when  Utah runner and hiker Kyle Burgess was charged for several minutes by an angry female mountain lion. I interviewed Kyle in a previous podcast, and revisiting his experience led me to a fascinating podcast interview featuring Petros, where his insights and approaches to mitigating mountain lion and other carnivores conflicts captured my attention.
Additionally, a seemingly unrelated Instagram post about a dead red fox caught my eye in the worst way. The caption talked about how this was a wonderful lesson for children on being connected to the land and the close association they can have with life and death. At first glance, I agreed, but then I looked at the fox, who appeared to be robust and not looking like it was on its deathbed, and realized it was probably shot. It was, simply because it did something foxes do - predate on other animals. It ate their chickens. I commented about how the death was unnecessary and that in the end, it wouldn’t work as a means to protect chickens, but my comment advocating for non-lethal solutions was met with a block, prompting me even more to reach out to Petros. 
Our conversation today is both eye-opening and wide-ranging, touching on various aspects of human-carnivore conflict, but especially focusing on mountain lions and coyotes out west. I'm confident you'll gain valuable insights and perspectives from Petros whether you're interested in wildlife conservation, coexistence strategies, or simply curious about the intricate dynamics between humans and carnivores, this episode has something for everyone! 
Finally, you’ll learn about how Petros decided to take a unique path amongst wildlife professionals - starting his own business - and how he uses it to truly make a difference in the lives of carnivores. 
Specifically, we discussed:
How scientists study carnivores in relation to human-wildlife conflictHow to use camera traps to identify carnivores  and assess the situationDeveloping short and long-term sustainable deterrence plans for landownersHow letting resident carnivores  be can protect your land from unknown newcomersHow understanding carnivore  behavior can lead to non-lethal, humane solutionsHow Petros went from wanting to be a marine biologist to studying carnivores out westHow Petros started his own business in human-wildlife conflict solutionsAnd MORE!!
I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s L

I'm thrilled to bring you another exciting episode this week on the Fancy Scientist podcast with National Geographic explorer and science writer Jon Waterman. Jon is not only an author of an impressive 15 books, but a modern-day explorer who's ventured into many remote and wild spaces. In his latest book, "Atlas of Wild America," published by National Geographic, he takes you to North America’s wild areas in a visual masterpiece packed with stunning photographs and intricate maps.
In our discussion, we dove deep into what wilderness means in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and explored the concept of wild spaces. Jon's incredible experiences as a former national park ranger and his captivating tales, including a thrilling encounter face-on with a polar bear, make this episode a must-listen! 
Additionally, we also talk about Jon’s experiences working as a writer. For example, how and why did he start writing his first book on hiking Denali in Alaska, how he come up with ideas for his books, and what is his process for getting the resources to explore faraway places and then get paid to write about them. 
This episode with Jon Waterman is an eye-opening exploration of our untamed landscapes, a journey that highlights the importance of preserving our wild spaces, and the incredible stories that can be found within them. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an explorer at heart, or simply curious about the wonders of the natural world, this episode will leave you with a new appreciation for the untamed beauty of North America.
Specifically, we discussed:
What it’s like pursuing an unconventional career path and passion for wilderness areasWhat it’s like to be a national park ranger and some of their rolesThe writing process for successfully publishing booksThe value of following your interests in your wildlife careersHow to go about getting funding for professional explorationsAnd more!!
I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ 

Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ 

Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ 

I’d love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/

Join the “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” Facebook group to connect with other aspiring wildlife biologists, post your questions and get free advice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology

Listen to the Fancy Scientist Podcast: 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fancy-scientist-material-girl-living-in-sustainable/id1509587394 
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This week’s podcast is a little different - instead of interviewing a guest or even doing a solo episode, it’s an excerpt from a professional development session in my Successful Wildlife Professional program. 
I had my students watch a podcast interview of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Chances are, you’re probably thinking, what in the world does slimming undergarments have to do with wildlife careers? Well not a lot, but the lessons from Sara Blakely’s experiences are pure gold and 100% applicable to wildlife careers. 
Life has an uncanny way of leading us down paths we never thought we would go down. Growing up, I had watched my father, a dedicated business owner, tirelessly work to grow his business and support us. Despite his role as an incredible and present father, the store was a constant presence in our lives and he was always thinking about it. Even when he was “off,” he was never really off. Seeing this, I never wanted to own my own business, but now 20 years after I started my career in wildlife biology, I find myself as a small business owner.
I also realized that when I was a scientist, there were SO many similarities between being an entrepreneur and being in research. Even if you're officially employed by an organization, you are, in a way, an entrepreneur of your own research. You manage your own lab and therefore are in charge of others, you develop your own products (your research), and you sell them to others (writing grants). But most similar to what I observed from my dad, you can always be working and advancing your career by writing more grants, publications, doing outreach, etc. You can always be doing more. 
Moreover, both business and scientific research share the common thread of rejection. In the business world, you've likely heard that most startups fail, a statistic not too far from the realities of scientific research. There are a myriad of challenges, setbacks, and disappointments that can permeate one’s journey. Be it grant applications, paper submissions, or manuscript rejections, the path is fraught with hurdles.
I introduced this podcast to my students because Sara Blakely's mindset exemplifies what you need to thrive in the fields of wildlife biology and conservation. It's a mindset anchored in resilience, self-belief, and the willingness to explore uncharted territories to initiate change. This message is so important that I knew I needed to share it with you too.
The original podcast, "Sara Blakely on writing your billion-dollar story with Lewis Howes," is a gold mine of wisdom, creativity, and resilience. In this episode, I distill the essence of that podcast, drawing parallels and emphasizing the necessity of adopting such a mindset in our field. If you don't harbor a deep, unwavering belief that you can succeed, that very lack of faith will be the stumbling block that holds you back. But with a mindset focused on certainty of success and a strong belief in yourself, you'll discover a way forward no matter what happens.
Sara's journey took time, approximately seven years, but her unwavering resolve and self-belief carried her through. These are the exact attitudes required for a successful career in wildlife. This episode is not only unconventional but essential. I invite you to be open-minded, take away insights that will enrich your career, and share your thoughts with us.
Specifically, we discussed:
How Sara’s resilient and creative mindset can be applied to wildlife conservation and scientific researchThe commonality of rejection in both entrepreneurship and science and how to approach itNot willing to take no for an answerGoing after your dream no matter whatHow being an outsider can actually help youThe need for innovative thinking and the willingness to venture beyond traditional boundariesAnd MORE!!
I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the bo

A big lesson that I learned from studying abroad in Kenya is that  the key to understanding a place's wildlife and conservation issues is to connect with the people living there. When my travels led me to Brazil, I knew I had to seize the opportunity to learn about its unique conservation challenges and the incredible research being done there through the passionate scientists who working on the ground.
Our guest on this week’s Fancy Scientist podcast, Dr. Fernanda Teixeira, is not only a biologist, but action-oriented in the world of conservation. She's a road ecologist, urban ecology enthusiast, and a champion of community-driven conservation initiatives. What sets Fernanda apart is her ability to transform research into action, creating tangible results that benefit both wildlife and the communities that share their space. 
We know that animals get killed by cars on roads, and here in the US we often think about super abundant species like white-tailed deer being the most affected. But there are so many species impacted by road mortality, including lots we don’t think of like salamanders, lizards, turtles, and snakes, and in Brazil it can be animals like monkeys and even jaguars. 
We discussed her groundbreaking work in establishing canopy bridges, some of the first ever designed in the world, to facilitate wildlife movement across roads and reduce mortality. Fernanda also shared insights into her collaboration with government agencies to create effective conservation action plans that truly make a difference. Her passion for preserving Brazil's incredible biodiversity is palpable, and I can't wait for you to hear our conversation!
As you listen to Dr. Fernanda Teixeira speak, think about how you can contribute to conservation efforts in your own way. It could be as simple as supporting organizations working on the ground to reduce road mortality in your area, attending local meetings on city planning, or raising awareness about the importance of slowing down and being more watchful in areas with lots of wildlife and/or sensitive species. Remember, small actions can lead to significant change, and together, we can make a difference.
Specifically, we discussed:
Fernanda’s insightful work in urban environments and how it intersects with conservation effortsStudying howler monkeys and the vital role these primates play in their ecosystemsInvolving local communities in conservation initiatives and the positive impact it has on both people and wildlifeCreating effective action plans for the preservation of natureHow to go about establishing canopy bridges and new conservation initiativesThe significance of applied conservation research and its real-world implications for saving species and ecosystemsHow to go about a career in conservationAnd MORE!!
I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ 

Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ 

Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://ste

Lots of people think that the only way you can work in conservation and make a difference is by studying threatened animals to learn more about them so that we can save them. But there are a million ways to make a difference and drive impact in this field, especially when you follow your heart, pursue your passion, and open yourself up to creative possibilities.
In today’s Fancy Scientist podcast episode, we have a guest like none other before, author, keynote speaker, and facilitator Julie C. Henry, who’s using lessons from wildlife to teach and inspire others about leadership. We dive deep into this unique and captivating topic—connecting leadership to wildlife.
Julie's journey is far from typical. After realizing that the traditional path of being a scientist wasn't her calling, she embarked on a career as a senior leader in zoos and aquariums. But here's where it gets particularly interesting - Julie has since become the founder and president of Finish Line Leadership, a strategic facilitation and panel moderation services company, and has worked with over fifty-five organizations across corporate, nonprofit, government, association, and community sectors. She's also written the book, Wisdom from the Wild, on the same topic for anyone to learn. 
In our conversation, we uncover how she carved this unconventional career path for herself, transitioning from a zoologist to a keynote speaker. If you're curious about non-traditional careers, or if you've ever dreamed of stepping onto the stage as a speaker, this episode is especially for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this discussion, especially the part where we delved into public speaking, something I'm personally passionate about. Remember, there's more than one way to make an impact, and Julie's journey exemplifies just that.
As you listen, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey. Are you on the path that truly resonates with your passions and values? Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to making a difference in the world. Embrace your uniqueness and explore unconventional ways to create a positive impact on our planet.
Specifically, we discussed:
The importance of listening to yourself and pursuing your passionThat it’s okay to leave research or science careers and how to switch out of itHow to think creatively about your careerThe significance of fostering a deep connection with natureWhat careers are like as a public speakerWhat zoo and aquarium careers are likeAnd MORE!!
I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ 

Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ 

Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ 

I’d love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/pins/

Join the “Gett

After recently moving to the Chicago area, I have been captivated by the urban wildlife in the area, particularly the coyotes. Seeing them in broad daylight, not just at dusk or from afar, has been a remarkable experience! (I’ve only seen a coyote once in my life and it was in Yellowstone National Park before) I wanted to learn more about the work being done to understand and appreciate urban species like these coyotes.
In today's Fancy Scientist podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Seth Magle, whose work at the Lincoln Park Zoo focuses on studying urban wildlife. As he shares insights from his research and experiences, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with studying urban wildlife. Despite being some of the most common species we encounter, our understanding of their behavior and ecology remains remarkably limited!
Throughout the conversation, we dive into the specifics of urban wildlife research in the Chicago area. From the abundance of common coyotes and red foxes to the largest colony of endangered Black Crown Night herons in the state, we explore Dr. Seth's research, and gain valuable insights into zoo careers. He provides a glimpse into his role at the Lincoln Park Zoo and offers a broader understanding of zoo jobs as a whole in the field. 
In this conversation, networking emerges as a crucial aspect of building a successful career in wildlife, and Seth shares practical advice to help both introverts and extroverts navigate this process. We discuss the importance of networking and provide tips to overcome any fears or hesitations you may have. Remember, networking opens doors and presents exciting opportunities for career growth!
Whether you have an interest in wildlife careers or want to learn about the incredible wildlife that has adapted to and is thriving in urban areas, this interview is a must-listen. Join me as I chat with Dr. Seth Magle, and prepare to be inspired by the wonders of urban wildlife and the possibilities they hold for research and conservation.
Stay tuned until the end, where Seth shares valuable advice that compliments my own insights. 
Specifically, we discussed:
The significance of studying urban wildlife and its link to conservationThe limitations of our knowledge, why there is a lack of information about urban wildlifes, and the need for further researchThe diverse opportunities available within zoo settingsThe power of networking in wildlife careersWhat zoo jobs are like and how to get started in themAnd MORE!
I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of nearly 20 yrs with 20+ peer-reviewed scientific publications, author of the book Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Job-Wildlife-Biology-What/dp/B08JDYXS4G/) and founder of Fancy Scientist. My channel and the Fancy Scientist LLC is dedicated to connecting people to science and nature, breaking stereotypes of, and empowering scientists. I help aspiring and struggling wildlife biologists get the right training so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world.

Sign up for my next free job training: https://stephanieschuttler.com/trainingwaitlist/ 

Get a free chapter of my book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know” to see how I can help you in your career: https://stephanieschuttler.com/getting-a-job-in-wildlife-biology-book/ 

Want to learn about cool animals, conservation, and get tips about careers in wildlife biology, science, and more? Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/StephanieSchuttler and join my email list: https://stephanieschuttler.com/ 

I’d love to meet you. Connect with me on social media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co