Fancy Scientist with Dr. Stephanie Manka

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Fancy Scientist with Dr. Stephanie Manka

Dr. Stephanie Schuttler, the Fancy Scientist, is a wildlife biologist who loves breaking stereotypes and talking about the natural world. In this podcast, she shares her knowledge of animals, experiences as a wildlife biologist, and simple lifestyle choices you can make to conserve nature. Her 17 years in wildlife biology taught her that science alone cannot save species. We need to take collective action through simple things we can do every day. This podcast is for anyone who likes animals and wants to help make the world a better place for them, and for us too. You’ll learn cool things about the animals around you from her own and other scientists’ research. She’ll also give tips for other scientists to succeed (that really ANYONE can use), strategies for effective science communication, and how she gained the confidence to become a fancy scientist. Hit subscribe and let’s change the world!

  1. The Science and Ethics of De-extinction: The Case of the Dire Wolf

    6D AGO

    The Science and Ethics of De-extinction: The Case of the Dire Wolf

    Chances are, you've seen the headlines that the dire wolf is no longer extinct. The company Colossal Biosciences claims to have brought it back from extinction in the form of three living, breathing dire wolf pups. But my headlines have actually been flooded with scientists saying “not so fast…” so what is really going on here?  Having studied African forest elephants using genetics during my Ph.D., a species related to the extinct woolly mammoth and a target of de-extinction efforts, this topic has long been on my mind to discuss on the podcast.  Given the recent dire wolf news, I’ve been getting so many questions about this, that I thought it would be a great time to discuss this and prepared this episode as soon as I could (despite a myriad of technical difficulties).  De-extinction is the concept of bringing back a fully extinct species back to life and as you’ve seen now as evidenced from the dire wolves, scientists are actively working on it. But should they be? And why?  First, I break down the dire wolf headlines, offering insight into the scientific process of de-extinction as a whole, how the team at Colossal Biosciences approached de-extinction and why, and how most scientists feel about their result: Are these really dire wolves?  I then open up to a larger conversation about de-extinction: why are scientists attempting to de-extinct species at all? Is there conservation merit in doing so? Which species are being considered? I address a plethora of topics as well as moral and ethical considerations.  Specifically, I go over:  What exactly is de-extinction and how it can be doneWhy de-extinction is so hard to actually doHow Colossal Biosciences resurrected what they are calling the dire wolfWhat scientists think of Colossal’s dire wolves; are they really dire wolves? Why or why not?Insights on how scientists think about species in generalWhat else goes into a species being a species aside from geneticsWhat is the point of de-extinction? Why should scientists attempt it? Which kinds of species are being considered?My opinions on de-extinction: which species are okay to bring back and whyDoes de-extinction help conservation? How? How de-extinction can hurt conservation effortsHow the Trump administration is attempting to use de-extinction efforts to undermine the Endangered Species ActAnd more! Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then… ✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/ 🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/ 📚 Read 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/ 🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/ I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world. 🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg  Full show notes: 👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/126-de-extinction/ Jump links: 01:14 My Scientific Background and Expertise 03:07 Understanding De-Extinction 04:28 How De-Extinction Works, & Why It’s So Hard to Do 09:27 Woolly Mammoth and Tasmanian Tiger De-Extinction Challenges 12:01 The Dire Wolf Project by Colossal Biosciences 15:27 Scientific Skepticism and Ethical Considerations 22:15 Why Colossal Chose the Dire Wolf 24:41 Species Concepts and Controversies 27:49 More Than Genetics: What Makes a Species a Species 31:39 Why Bring an Extinct Species Back 32:39 Argument of Ecological Restoration of Resurrected Species 39:13 Ethical and Moral Considerations 40:45 Is De-extinction Good for Conservation? 46:11 De-extinction and the Endangered Species Act Let’s connect! 🤝✨ Website: https://fancyscientist.com/ Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

    49 min
  2. Facts Don’t Change Minds: What Actually Works in Science Communication

    APR 8

    Facts Don’t Change Minds: What Actually Works in Science Communication

    Are you somebody who really cares about wildlife and conservation and you're trying to get people to change their behavior? Reduce their carbon footprint? Get them to not litter? Or keep their cats indoors to save birds?  Whether it’s getting people to switch to clean energy sources or eating less meat to help save the planet, all of these things all require human behavior change, and the foundation of such change is communication.  A lot of people tend to think we just need to educate people more - that people have a deficiency in knowledge, and that if only we could get people to understand the data and studies like we do, then they would see the error in their ways. But as we've seen with well-researched topics with lots of supporting data and studies like climate change and vaccines, this is not true. There is more to it! We need effective communication, which requires dialogue.  This week’s podcast is inspired by two events: (1) the results of the 2024 election here in the United States where we saw the public vote for an administration that is anti-environment and science and (2) the aftermath of me reading an eye-opening, enlightening, and highly entertaining book on the subject of rethinking by social scientist Adam Grant: Think Again.  In this episode I talk about how to be a more effective communicator, get people to rethink their opinions and values (including yourself!), and teach you how to have productive, engaging, and useful debates with people who think, at times, very differently than you. I am living proof it is possible! The lessons shared largely come from the book Think Again, but also my own personal experience engaging with and even being friends with people from “the other side.” You’ll learn how to reframe your perspective on arguments so you don’t feel exhausted, angry, or drained, how effective listening is critical in debate, and how providing nuance, multiple perspectives, and humility can make you more effective in changing minds.  Often when we talk about working with wildlife, we think about it from the animal's perspective and studying the species, but in reality, almost all of the conservation solutions with declining biodiversity have to do with interventions on the human side. Want to save wolves? We need to reduce poaching. Want to save monarchs? We need to get people to plant more milk weed and reduce habitat loss. These things require interventions on the human side.  So if you are someone who works in science or conservation, or are simply someone who wants to create more positive change in the world, then this episode is for you! Specifically I talk about:  Why it’s important to engage in debate and that it doesn’t have to be hostile, exhausting, or heatedHow debate makes us stronger leaders and better scientistsHow spirited discussions helped Disney create Pixar’s The Incredibles that went on to win two OscarsHow to reframe arguments into debates and learn how to dance rather than fightCommon “don’ts” and mistakes that many people make that close people off and cause them to dig more into their original beliefsHow to motivate someone to share information with youWhy facts alone don’t work in changing mindsThat asking questions activates a rethinking cycle in your debate partner (and yourself!)Why listening is critical to getting people to open up and be receptiveHow the “vaccine whisperer” got people to vaccinate their children through non-judgemental empowerment and listeningThat binary or black and white thinking can actually cause people to move away from your causeHow uncertainty and humility can make you more effective in changing mindsAnd more! Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then… ✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/ 🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/ 📚 Read 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/ 🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/ I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world. 🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg Full show notes: 👉https://stephanieschuttler.com/125-facts-dont-change-minds/ Jump links: 00:22 Challenges in Science Communication 01:19 The Role of Personal Experience and Think Again book 01:53 Human Interaction in Wildlife Conservation 03:40 Why Engage in Debate 09:00 Changing Perspectives on Arguing: The Dance of Debate 10:08 Don'ts in Science Communication 12:40 Building Relationships Outside the Screen 14:24 Engaging with the Opposition 16:39 Finding Common Ground with Wildlife Enthusiasts 16:55 Managing Emotions in Heated Discussions 17:50 The Power of Genuine Compliments 18:31 Engaging with Curiosity and Questions 21:43 The Art of Motivational Listening 22:35 Building Trust and Empowering Others 29:23 Introducing Nuance and Gray Areas 32:55 Avoiding Jargon and Being Approachable 34:50 Next Steps and Call to Action Let’s connect! 🤝✨ Website: https://fancyscientist.com/ Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

    36 min
  3. Wildlife Careers in Crisis: Surviving Trying Times

    MAR 4

    Wildlife Careers in Crisis: Surviving Trying Times

    I’m not going to lie…things seem pretty dire here right now in the United States for the environment, conservation, and wildlife. Because of what the current administration is doing, people are worried and understandably so. Things are quite honestly in chaos right now and there have already been severe consequences for those who work in wildlife. Over the past couple of weeks, my social media feeds have been flooded with images of the thousands of federal workers who have unfairly lost their jobs in the name of government budget cuts. Funding for conservation, research, and protections is and will continue to be slashed, and even whole organizations within our federal government are under threat of being taken away. Although it’s not quite clear yet what things are going to hold up legally in court, the results have already impacted people who work in wildlife. Entire livelihoods have been shattered from people losing their critical paychecks doing what they loved while serving and protecting our wildlife, land, and environment. In the previous episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I talked about what we can do as individuals to continue to stand up for what we believe in while bridging the gap to others who voted differently than us so that we can reclaim the necessary political power to enact pro-wildlife legislation. But when scrolling through my social media feeds and seeing the faces of those who lost their jobs, I realized people really needed help. One post on Instagram left a particularly strong impact on me. It was a post that offered some hope by someone who secured a wildlife job under the first Trump administration. And what I could see from this post was that it was really needed by people out there. Some said they read the post and left crying because they desperately needed some help and encouragement during these unprecedented times. This post really inspired me. If you are not new to this podcast, you’ll know that a huge focus of mine is those in wildlife careers, so if this is you, then you’ll definitely want to listen to the whole episode. Here I take the time to address the concerns of those who may have lost their job, are worried about losing their job, or are feeling anxiety about the increasing competition from fewer now being offered in our field. Honestly, no matter where you are in your career, the advice today is going to apply to you. So for those of you who are in wildlife, environmental, or conservation careers and are feeling panicked, maybe wondering, “How do I handle this new administration? How do I handle this new landscape?” This episode is for you! I know you don’t want to give up your lifelong dream of having a wildlife career, but the reality is, I know some of you are thinking about it. As I read that Instagram post, I read numerous comments from people saying they felt like they had to give it all up considering what is going on. But you DON’T. In this episode, I give you hope, concrete tips on what you can do if you are in a wildlife profession, how you can navigate this new administration and landscape, and reassure you that there’s going to be jobs for you, that you are needed, that your work is important and valuable. Specifically I go over: The illusion of a permanent jobHow the landscape of jobs has and is still changing, and how to handle itThe misconception that you have to work continuously in this field – gaps to take other jobs are okay!How to make things work for you in the long run if it feels like you need to take a pause from wildlife work (either wanted or unwanted)Past experiences and results of wildlife work during administrations unfavorable to wildlife and conservationThinking outside of the box and implementing creative solutions in wildlife workHow to start making yourself competitive as possible so that when the right job is available, you get itAnd more! Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then… ✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/ 🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/ 📚 Read 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/ 🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://fancyscientist.com/work-with-me/ I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world. 🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg  Full show notes: 👉https://fancyscientist.com/124-wildlife-careers-in-crisis/ Jump links: 00:00 Introduction: Current Environmental Concerns 00:45 Finding Hope in Uncertain Times 01:19 Career Advice for Wildlife Professionals 03:05 The Illusion of Permanent Jobs 06:58 Navigating the New Administration 10:14 Mindset and Career Development 19:44 Concrete Steps for Job Seekers 27:34 Creative Solutions and Side Hustles 32:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Let’s connect! 🤝✨ Website: https://fancyscientist.com/ Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

    35 min
  4. Conversations and Connections: Tips for Navigating Conservation Post Election

    FEB 9

    Conversations and Connections: Tips for Navigating Conservation Post Election

    We recently had an election here in the United States, and now have just started this new administration. For so many of us out there, especially in the conservation and environmental space, this one was and is going to be TOUGH.  I normally don't talk about politics on the Fancy Scientist podcast because I want to be as inclusive as possible and that STILL stands for today's episode - you are welcome no matter how you voted. In fact, a big part of this week’s episode is about how to keep connections and conversations going with others in spite of huge political differences. The reality is that wildlife research, science, and conservation are HEAVILY dependent on politics; they are innately intertwined. There are several goals I want to accomplish with this week’s podcast. First, I want to help others, like myself, who were deeply affected by the results of this election. I discuss why this election is so different from others, even from the 2016 election, and why it has affected people in such a heavy way. Sharing my personal experience, I offer tips on how I'm dealing that you can apply to your own life.  My next goal is to encourage, inspire, and hopefully motivate you to keep connections and the importance of doing so, as well as potentially having uncomfortable conversations. The core premise of this podcast and the mission of my brand is conservation and we can't do that with just the people who think like us. If we stay isolated and in our own bubble, we will keep repeating the results we got with this election. It is possible to maintain positive connections with people who vote differently than you and this is incredibly important for our conservation efforts to persist. I’ve created and maintained friendships with people who have very different opinions on topics that I care deeply about a lot. In fact, some of my biggest social media fans are Trump voters! In this episode, I share with you strategies and ways of thinking that you can use for talking to people that are not draining, antagonistic, or make you feel like you have to convince the other person. Finally, I've gotten the sense and actual feedback from people that they are afraid to speak out for the things that they believe in and before felt comfortable talking about. I was amazed to hear that some of my friends in science communication who are normally vocal about the issues that they care about, like climate change, were starting to feel uncomfortable discussing the same issues they regularly talked about before the election. Using the results of the election and a new perspective in looking at them, I hope to give you some inspiration that we can't give up, won't give up, and that there’s more people than you may think right now supporting our goals for the environment.  Before you listen to this episode, I want to acknowledge that not everyone may feel safe, be in the right mental space, or be in a safe environment to speak up or associate with certain people. If that is you, please take all precautions to put barriers in place, keep yourself safe, and healthy. I am in NO way saying that everyone needs to do the things I go over in this podcast.  I also want to acknowledge that this election has huge consequences for many people and issues across the board, many of which are deeply important to me. This podcast episode will only focus on those related to conservation and the environment though, as this is the theme of the Fancy Scientist podcast, and I am in no way saying that other issues are not as important.  So, if you feel like you are in a safe environment, like I do, want to connect, and are willing to have some potentially uncomfortable conversations to make a difference, then you're going to benefit from this episode Specifically I go over:  Why this election feels different than any otherHow the results of this election will impact the environment in a way the country has never faced beforeHow I felt post election and using emotions to help propel me into actionPutting the results of this election into perspective; why people voted the way they did and what this means for conservationWhy I’m not giving up and you shouldn’t eitherWhy keeping channels of communication open are so important for conservationWhy I don’t de-friend people who vote differentlyWhy I am staying on Twitter despite tens of thousands of scientists leaving the platformConcrete things I am doing that you can do too and resources to help you move forward in this administrationAnd MORE! Full show notes: 👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/123-conversations-and-connections Jump links: 00:00 Introduction and Election Aftermath 03:13 Disclaimer 04:36 Reflecting on the 2024 Election 06:18 Climate Change Urgency 13:06 Personal Resolve and Moving Forward 14:13 Standing in Your Power 15:11 Nuances of the Trump Voter and Pendulum Swings 19:26 Choosing Your Hard 21:13 Tuning into Political Discussions 22:17 Voter Perspectives and Motivations 24:47 The Importance of Communication 25:39 Building Connections Across Differences 28:09 The Role of Personal Relationships in Social Change 30:02 Engaging in Difficult Conversations 37:46 Creating Joy and Local Impact 40:41 Conclusion and Resources Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then… ✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/ 🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/ 📚 Read 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/ 🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/ I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world. 🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg  Let’s connect! 🤝✨ Website: https://fancyscientist.com/ Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

    41 min

  5. JAN 23

    Wildlife Internships: What They Are and How to Get Them

    I’ve been seeing a ton of great PAID wildlife internships being posted so I thought it would be a great time to go over how to get an internship for wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, and conservation careers. So for this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, I am talking about everything to do with internships in wildlife careers. This includes ecology, conservation biology, zoology, and environmental sciences. In the first part of this podcast, I talk about what is an internship in wildlife biology and how it differs from other experiences such as temporary field assistant positions and volunteering because internships are supposed to be a more unique experience. Also, I get the impression from talking to literally hundreds, probably even thousands of struggling and aspiring wildlife biologists that internships are really coveted or desired. A lot of people actually think that you need internships to succeed. Why is this? Although they are unique and different from other experiences, is this true for wildlife careers? Next I talk about how to find internships. I go over the important wildlife job boards, but also discuss having to look elsewhere and why, including individual organization websites and maximizing your search by following organizations on LinkedIn and connecting with wildlife professionals there. In this ultra competitive field to make sure you’re not missing opportunities, I go over the importance of cold networking and using social media to cast your net even wider. Lastly, I cover all the different types of wildlife internships: paid, unpaid, and those that you pay for (yes! This is a real thing in our field). Besides payment, what are the differences in those experiences in terms of the outcomes you get? Do they prepare you and give you the experience you need to get you on track for your wildlife dream job? Of course you want to get paid, and although those are becoming more common, they are more competitive, so this may not be possible for you at the moment. Is it worth it to take an unpaid internship? What about those that you pay for? Once you find internships to apply to, it’s essential that your application stands out. As I mentioned above, this field is super competitive and wildlife internships, like almost all wildlife jobs, are not easy to get! You are going to be amongst dozens, and it’s not uncommon to be amongst even hundreds of other applications. I talk about the key principles needed to ensure that your application gets put into the “yes” pile. For instance, you want to make sure that you qualify for the internship, have a wildlife resume – not a regular resume, and write a compelling cover letter. To increase your chances, you want to be networking – and you don’t have to do this in person. Online is an extremely effective way to network! You might be surprised by what you learn. In fact, you might not even need an internship at all! Even if you are not looking for internships, but are interested in working in the wildlife field, what you’re going to learn in this episode is definitely going to apply. Make sure you stay tuned and listen to this whole episode. And the most important part is I want to help you get those internships or whatever experiences you are applying for. So the tips you are going to learn today are going to raise your game.My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to successfully navigate the internship landscape and ultimately secure your dream wildlife job wildlife. Specifically I go over: What is an internship and what makes it uniqueDo you really need an internship?How to find wildlife internshipsHow to make your job application stand out so that you get wildlife internshipsHow to get internships when your job applications aren’t getting you interviews and resources to helpThe importance of networking to enhance your internship searchThe difference between paid, unpaid, and internships that you pay forIf unpaid and internships that you pay for are worth it to build experience in your wildlife careerAnd MORE! Full show notes: 👉 https://stephanieschuttler.com/122-wildlife-internships Jump links: 01:39 Introduction to Wildlife Internships 03:00 Understanding Internships vs. Other Opportunities 04:28 The Importance of Experience Over Titles 12:29 Finding and Securing Internships 15:27 Networking and Leveraging LinkedIn 18:42 Steps to Secure Internships 19:56 Crafting a Wildlife Resume 24:21 Paid vs. Unpaid Internships 27:38 Evaluating Internship Value 36:33 Next Steps and Final Advice Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then… ✍️ SIGN UP for my next FREE training: https://fancyscientist.com/3-pillars-to-success/ 🗺️ Get my FREE wildlife career guide: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-career-success-guide/ 📚 Read 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/ 🚀 Work with me! Programs: https://stephanieschuttler.com/work-with-me/ I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka (formerly Schuttler), a wildlife biologist of 20 yrs who is on a mission to empower wildlife professionals and break stereotypes of scientists so they can get jobs, live out their life’s purpose and make a difference in this world. 🎥 How I became a wildlife biologist: https://youtu.be/zBvHRDO7gIg  Let’s connect! 🤝✨ Website: https://fancyscientist.com/ Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingajobinwildlifebiology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FancyScientist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancy_scientist/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgschuttler/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fancyscientist/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FancyScientist Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fancy_scientist Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fancyscientist.bsky.social Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fancyscientist/

    39 min

  6. 11/05/2024

    Becoming a Wildlife Professional: Your Free Guide to Landing Your Dream Career

    As someone who has spent two decades in the wildlife field, published nearly 30 peer-reviewed papers, and worked across multiple continents in various wildlife roles, I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities in this field. And I'm here to help you navigate them! What started as a single webinar has evolved into something much more powerful - a robust 3-part training series packed with real-world insights and actionable strategies. Why? Because I realized there was so much valuable information that couldn't be condensed into just one session! Whether you're a: Career transitioner looking to break into wildlife biologyCollege student trying to navigate your career pathRecent graduate seeking your first positionMaster's or Ph.D. student/graduateHigh school student dreaming of working with wildlifeParent guiding a future wildlife biologistThis training is designed for YOU! I'm pulling back the curtain on the essential processes that nobody else is talking about. Drawing from my experience working in government, academia, museums, zoos, and alongside nonprofits worldwide, I'll share: The three critical pillars for securing a permanent wildlife position (When you nail these, you can't NOT get jobs!)What wildlife employers actually value most in candidates (and how to develop these qualities)How to craft a focused career path that leads to a permanent, well-paying positionCommon resume and networking mistakes to avoidReal success stories from people who've landed their dream jobs (even without Master's degrees!)A game-changing insight that's rarely discussed but essential for career successIn my 20 years in wildlife biology, I've seen countless passionate individuals struggle to break into the field - not because they weren't capable, but because they didn't have access to the right guidance. I've watched my own students transform their careers once they understood these key principles. Now, I'm sharing these insights with you, completely FREE. This isn't just another wildlife career webinar. It's a comprehensive training built on real experience, real results, and real strategies that work. This training will give you the clarity, direction, and practical steps you need to make your wildlife dreams a reality. Get your sneak peek now! 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/3-pillars-to-success/ 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/  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  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW 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/ #wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

    11 min

  7. 10/23/2024

    Wildlife Crossings and Conservation: Interview with Natural Resources Manager Matt Howard

    In the fiercely competitive world of wildlife biology and conservation, insider knowledge isn't just an advantage—it's a game-changer. That's why this episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, featuring Matt Howard, is an absolute must-listen for anyone dreaming of a career in this field. Interestingly, my connection with Matt began in an unexpected place: the comments section of one of my career posts. Matt was leaving insightful comments filled with great advice for aspiring wildlife professionals. His willingness to share knowledge immediately caught my attention, and I knew I had to invite him onto the podcast to share his wisdom with a wider audience. Matt Howard isn't just any wildlife professional. As a natural resource manager for Utah's Department of Transportation, he's at the forefront of road ecology—a fascinating niche where wildlife conservation meets infrastructure development. His work involves analyzing the impacts of roads on threatened and endangered species, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and finding innovative solutions to minimize human-wildlife conflicts. But Matt's experience extends far beyond his current role. Having navigated through various facets of the wildlife field, including state agency jobs and environmental consulting, he brings a panoramic view of the industry. This diverse background allows him to offer nuanced advice on aligning personal values with professional goals—a crucial aspect often overlooked in career discussions. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! What makes Matt's advice so compelling is that it comes from years of hands-on experience. He's not just theorizing – he's sharing what has actually worked for him and others in the field. From his experience hiring countless professionals to build an impressive social media following of over 100,000 on Instagram, Matt shares golden nuggets of wisdom you won't find in any textbook or career guide. In this episode, we dive deep into: The ins and outs of working for state wildlife agencies, including the hidden challenges and unexpected rewardsA candid look at the world of environmental consulting—is it the right path for you?Practical, actionable advice to skyrocket your chances of landing that dream wildlife jobInnovative strategies for leveraging social media to build your professional network and showcase your expertiseThe art of successfully transitioning into a conservation or ecology career, even if you're starting from a different fieldAnd more!!!So, whether you're a student plotting your entry into the wildlife field, a professional looking to pivot into conservation, or simply someone fascinated by the inner workings of wildlife careers, this episode is your backstage pass to the industry. Tune in, take notes, and prepare to transform your approach to wildlife career planning. Your future self will thank you for it! 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/3-pillars-to-success/ 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/  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  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW 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/ #wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljobs

    59 min

  8. 10/08/2024

    Managing Eco-Anxiety: Finding Strength in the Face of Environmental Challenges

    This Fancy Scientist podcast episode is quite literally years in the making. I first got the idea when one of my students in the Successful Wildlife Professional, which is my signature wildlife career group mentoring program, asked me about dealing with the feelings of depression involved in her work.  Alanna Street was conducting research on the Great Barrier Reef, which has lost some estimates, up to 50% of its coral cover and might even completely disappear within decades, Alanna asked me how to maintain hope and a positive outlook while working amidst such negativity. When I answered this question in the mentoring session, I realized my answer was long and complex. In fact, I even wrote it down first with bullet points of the things that I wanted to cover. Across the years of running the Successful Wildlife Professional, I realized other students had similar feelings and were suffering in the same way. Therefore, I thought this would be a great podcast episode for so many people too. Eco-anxiety, often described as a feeling of chronic fear of environmental doom, conservation depression, and/or hopelessness in the face of environmental challenges, is increasingly common in our field, not only in our field but amongst the general population, especially younger generations. Eco-anxiety is not just an academic concept; it affects people's daily lives. It's a distress caused by a perception of loss and destruction in nature.  These emotions can be debilitating, but the good thing is that they're also a testament to how deeply many people care about this state of the planet and what’s going on. Throughout this episode, I'll unpack some of these emotions and offer you tips and perspectives on how to take care of yourself, not let eco-anxiety weigh you down, but still care about the planet enough to take action and inspire others.    If you have been following me for some time, you know that I'm huge on mindset. Growing up in what I thought was a normal household, I later realized I had been programmed with a negative outlook. I've worked hard to reverse this programming and overcome depression. Having been diagnosed with depression and anxiety since my early 20s, I understand how debilitating these feelings can be in general - even independent of eco-anxiety. But I recently learned that it doesn’t have to be this way. For the past seven years, I’ve worked intentionally on my mindset and worked hard to overcome my own negative thought patterns, and it works. I'm here to tell you that you have a choice in what you choose to focus on, that there's hope, and that there are ways to cope. Remember, your passion for nature and wildlife is a strength, not a burden. The Earth needs your passion, your dedication, and your hope. By addressing these emotions head-on and equipping yourself with coping strategies, you are not only taking care of yourself, but you are becoming an even more effective advocate for the planet.  I encourage you to listen to this episode, reflect on your own experiences, and try out some of the strategies I discuss. Specifically, I go over: Understanding and defining eco-anxiety and conservation depressionThe power of perspective and finding the 'good' in challenging situationsLetting go of control and trusting in nature's resilienceHealthy ways to process emotions related to environmental concernsThe importance of building a supportive community in conservationPractical steps to take positive action and combat anxietyCultivating gratitude and joy through connection with natureAnd 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/  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  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29swiuHG4TWKbS9gRZrORW #wildlifebiology #wildlifebiologist #wildlife #conservation #wildlifemanagement #wildlifeconservation #zoology #zoologist #ecology #ecologist #scientist #animals #science #graduatestudent #graduateschool #wildliferesearch #animalcareers #animaljob

    37 min
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4.9
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Dr. Stephanie Schuttler, the Fancy Scientist, is a wildlife biologist who loves breaking stereotypes and talking about the natural world. In this podcast, she shares her knowledge of animals, experiences as a wildlife biologist, and simple lifestyle choices you can make to conserve nature. Her 17 years in wildlife biology taught her that science alone cannot save species. We need to take collective action through simple things we can do every day. This podcast is for anyone who likes animals and wants to help make the world a better place for them, and for us too. You’ll learn cool things about the animals around you from her own and other scientists’ research. She’ll also give tips for other scientists to succeed (that really ANYONE can use), strategies for effective science communication, and how she gained the confidence to become a fancy scientist. Hit subscribe and let’s change the world!

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