Fancy Scientist with Dr. Stephanie Manka

t’s fall, which means the leaves are falling off the trees and soon they’ll be on the ground. But don’t throw those leaves out! Here you’ll learn how leaves are a valuable resource for wildlife. In this video, we’re going to get curious about and explore the beautiful transformation of leaves from their normal green into shades of red, orange, and yellow. Have you ever wondered why this happens? And why, after this color change leaves eventually fall off? Then, I’ll talk about why leaves are so important for wildlife and give you tips on what you can do with your leaves to help the animals out around you. You’ll learn that animals like frogs, salamanders, turtles, butterflies, moths, chipmunks, and more use fallen leaves to not only survive, but thrive. As always, I'll provide an activity for you to contribute to real science. You’ll learn how to help scientists track leaf color changes, and when you join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club, you’ll get access to this activity with downloadable worksheets and step-by-step instructions, as well as a leaf scavenger hunt to find all of the colors in the canopy. Join me in making a difference for our wildlife!

Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.

🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/

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/141-leave-the-leaves

00:00 Introduction: The Magic of Fall Leaves

01:51 Why Trees Lose Their Leaves

03:14 The Science of Leaf Color Change

04:57 How You Can Help Scientists Track Leaf Changes

06:22 How Leaving the Leaves Benefits Animals

08:36 Simple Actions to Help Wildlife

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/

In this special episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, you'll gain access to my free training series Becoming a Wildlife Professional Training. This 3 part series teaching you the 3 essential factors you need to secure a permanent job in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or conservation biology careers so that you can do what you love and make a difference, is available only until October 23rd until midnight. In this epsiode, you'll finally, understand why you are applying and applying to jobs and not getting interviews! No matter how many job applications you submit and how much experience you have or courses you take, if you cannot translate this into effective cover letters and resumes, you’ll keep ending up with rejections. We’ll go over the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to applications, and I‘ll provide proof that when they change these things, they finally get interviews. Then, I’ll show you how to put the 3 pillars to work to get your ultimate career goal and the jobs and support you need along the way to get you there. Roadblocks WILL come your way - that is inevitable for careers in wildlife, you’ll learn how my students make the 3 pillars a permanent fixture in their wildlife career so that no matter what happens, they can achieve their ultimate dream job.

To enroll in the Becoming a Wildlife Professional Free training, access the workbook, giveaways, and more, visit here: https://stephanieschuttler.com/3-pillars-to-success/

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

🗺️ 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/

In this special episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, you'll gain access to my free training series Becoming a Wildlife Professional Training. This 3 part series teaching you the 3 essential factors you need to secure a permanent job in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or conservation biology careers so that you can do what you love and make a difference is available only until October 23rd until midnight. In this training, you’ll learn the three key components that comprise a winning strategy towards getting your dream job. Using the results from PUBLISHED research, we break down exactly what employers are looking for and the winning formula that leads to paid jobs in wildlife, conservation, and environmental fields. I’ll address the elephant in the room: How do you get experience if you don’t have a job to get experience? And without going broke volunteering or going into debt for paid programs! You’ll understand exactly where you’re going wrong when it comes to experience, what’s keeping you stuck, and how to break free, even if you have no wildlife experience at all.

To enroll in the Becoming a Wildlife Professional Free training, access the workbook, giveaways, and more, visit here: https://stephanieschuttler.com/3-pillars-to-success/

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

🗺️ 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/

In this special episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast, you'll gain access to my free training series, Becoming a Wildlife Professional Training. This 3 part series teaching you the 3 essential factors you need to secure a permanent job in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or conservation biology careers so that you can do what you love and make a difference is available only until October 23rd until midnight. In Training 1, you'll discover the ineffective patterns and outside influences that are causing you to spin your wheels in your wildlife career…leaving you frazzled, drained, and feeling hopeless. Take the first steps towards creating an effective plan that remains resilient through turbulent times so that no matter what happens in your wildlife career, you’ll know how to push through and get results. You’ll learn why the advice you’ve been given by professors, job websites, and wildlife groups on the Internet is not working for you, that it’s not your fault, and what to do instead. We will set the groundwork for building your wildlife career that leads to results - meaning PAID jobs.

To enroll in the Becoming a Wildlife Professional Free training, access the workbook, giveaways, and more, visit here: https://stephanieschuttler.com/3-pillars-to-success/

Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?🌿🐘 Then…

🗺️ 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/

Did you know that by modern definitions, trees ARE wildlife? Often overlooked, trees are actually living, breathing beings. In this video, we’ll explore how magnificent they are, and I’ll give you some tips to get you started with identifications so that you can get to know the trees around you! We’ll dive into the crucial role that trees play in our survival and the survival of the animals we love.

As the northern hemisphere transitions from summer to fall, it's the ideal time to study deciduous trees as they lose their leaves. I'll guide you through the process of identifying trees by examining their leaves and bark. You'll discover why knowing plants is essential for wildlife biologists, as many animals depend on specific types of trees for food and shelter.

As a special challenge for this week, I encourage you to not only identify the trees around you but also thank and hug a tree, embracing a practice known as forest bathing. This mindfulness activity helps us appreciate the profound impact trees have on our lives and the environment. Join me on this journey to deepen your connection with nature and become more aware of the incredible importance of trees.

Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.

🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/

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/140-know-your-trees/

Jump Links:

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Trees

01:18 Why Study Trees in Wildlife Biology?

01:43 Trees and Their Role in Animal Habitats

03:01 Appreciating Trees: Oxygen and Climate Change

03:45 How to Identify Trees: Leaves and Bark

05:19 Using Technology for Tree Identification

05:53 Mindfulness and Gratitude: Thanking Trees

06:24 Conclusion: Your Tree Challenge

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/

Learn my 5 BEST and super easy tips to maximize your bird life list. That is, the number of bird species you see over your life! Birds are amazing because they are everywhere and a fantastic way to get hooked on nature.

In this podcast, you'll discover things like how different habitats, times of day, expert-led walks, and the power of the Merlin Bird ID app can get you finding new species. In fact, during spring migration, I saw 10 new species using these tips. Perfect for both kids and adults alike, these tips will get you birding like a scientist. Bird watching is fun and educational!

Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.

🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/

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/139-bird-life-list/

Jump Links:

00:00 Introduction to the Fancy Scientist Podcast

00:06 Wildlife Biology for Kids Club Overview

00:49 The Importance of Community Science

01:11 Bird Watching Tips and Tricks

01:59 Exploring Different Habitats

02:46 Birding with Experts

03:29 Using Technology for Bird Identification

03:49 Traveling and Bird Watching

04:07 Conclusion and Next Steps

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/

Learn how to conduct a real bird survey just like wildlife biologists and provide invaluable data for REAL SCIENCE.

In today's episode of the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club, I take you through the steps of using eBird, showing you how to contribute important bird data - no matter where you are located in the world. 

I will guide you through the process of setting up and conducting your own survey, whether from a single spot or while walking, and show you how to use the eBird app. 

You'll also the use the Merlin Bird ID app to help you find and identify more birds.

Don't forget to subscribe for more fun and educational content, and join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club for exclusive worksheets and interaction with me and like-minded parents! 

Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.

🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/

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/138-ebird/

Jump Links:

00:00 Introduction to the Fancy Scientist Podcast

00:06 Wildlife Biology for Kids Club Overview

00:49 The Importance of Community Science

01:11 Conducting a Real Bird Survey

02:00 Using eBird and Merlin Bird ID Apps

03:24 Bird Watching Tips and Observations

04:34 Submitting Your Bird Survey Data

05:47 Encouragement and Next Steps

05:57 Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

06:26 Conclusion 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/

When studying birds, you can use two different observational skill sets: sight and SOUND.

In today’s episode of the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club, I teach you how to find and identify bird songs with one of my favorite nature apps, Merlin Bird ID developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

I'll show you how easy it is to use and challenge you to find five new bird species using the app's sound identification feature.

Don't forget to subscribe for more fun and educational content, and join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club for exclusive worksheets and interaction with me and like-minded parents! 

Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.

🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/

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/137-bird-song/

Jump Links:

00:00 Introduction & Podcast Overview

01:11 Using Sight and Sound to Identify Birds

01:33 Why Bird Song Matters in Surveys

02:19 Challenges of Learning Bird Songs

02:59 Introducing the Merlin Bird ID App

03:23 How Merlin Bird ID Works

03:54 Live Demo: Using the App

04:33 Why Bird Song Is Key for Similar Species

04:55 Tips for Using Bird Song Recordings Responsibly

05:24 Confirming Bird Song IDs & Challenge

05:48 Migration Season & Upcoming Activities

06:16 How to Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

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/

Birds are around us every day, but during migration you have the opportunity to see species that are here for only short windows of time! Once you start looking for birds, you'll realize how many species there are, and you'll want to keep finding more.

In this week's episode of the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club, I teach you basic tips on how to find a variety of bird species and the key characteristics to start identification.

 You’ll learn about why birds migrate for thousands of miles, the best times and places to find them, and tips on using your observation and listening skills.

Join me in the challenge to find at least five unique bird species and dive into the wonderful world of birdwatching!

Don't forget to subscribe for more fun and educational content, and join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club for exclusive worksheets and interaction with me and like-minded parents! 

Are you a parent wanting to get your kids outside and learning about wildlife? Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club! You'll receive exclusive access to the accompanying downloadable activities, printables, get connected with a community of like-minded individuals, and more.

🦊 Enroll in the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club here: https://fancyscientist.com/wildlife-biology-kids-program/

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/136-bird-migration/

Jump Links:

00:00 Introduction to the Fancy Scientist Podcast

00:06 Wildlife Biology for Kids Club Overview

00:49 The Importance of Community Science

01:29 Bird Migration Insights

02:56 Bird Watching Challenge

03:22 Tips for Bird Watching

04:40 Identifying Bird Species

06:27 Join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club

06:50 Conclusion 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/

Today’s podcast episode idea was inspired by an incredible success that I recently discovered from one of my students that I know you’ll be interested in. This episode is highly relevant if you want to go into wildlife careers, especially graduate school, but the lessons that you’ll learn from my student’s experience apply to ANY situation. You’ll learn a winning process that I regularly use with my students that will get you results. In her case, it was an extremely prestigious grant that enabled her to go to basically any graduate school in the US!

You see, I was recently on LinkedIn and happened to notice that one of my former students, Camilla Price, is now going to graduate school. I was so excited for her and ready to congratulate her, when I noticed something even more exciting: that she was the recipient of a prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP) grant. But even more exciting than this…she was the recipient after applying to the grant just one time and without having an established advisor to work with. Keep reading to understand why this is such a big deal…

The NSF GRFP grant is a super competitive grant and a HUGE honor. I’ve known people who’ve received the grant and I was even awarded an honorable mention myself when I applied, but I didn’t know anyone who got it BEFORE they started working with an advisor in graduate school, meaning that they did it all on their own!

I cannot emphasize enough what a big deal this is for aspiring students wanting to go to graduate school: if you get it, you can go pretty much wherever you want for graduate school. You have your choice! This NSF grant provides all of your funding and a lack of funding is one of the biggest reasons why so many people seeking to go to graduate school can’t get in. They approach potential graduate advisors and even if the advisors are interested in having another student, if they don’t have the funding, then they can’t take on that student for a Master’s or Ph.D. This was a problem that Camilla was facing.

I was so excited for Camilla – the last we had talked, Camilla had been trying to get into graduate school for a year or more. And I was super intrigued by how she went about writing the NSF GRFP. When I wrote my grant applications, I knew the advisor I would be working with and I had a specific Ph.D. project in mind. Without having a specific advisor to work with and therefore a lab and research area to focus on, how did she know what to write about? How did she do this all on her own? Without the help of an advisor to give her feedback and guidance?

After extending my congratulations to Camilla, I knew I had to invite her to be on the podcast so that we could all share her success and learn the process that she took to gain this great honor.

So many of my followers and students are interested in going to graduate school, and when you listen to Camilla’s tips and tricks, you’ll learn a ton from this episode. Even if you’re not ready to go to graduate school, if you’re looking to get into a wildlife career, you’re going to benefit a lot. And if you’re not interested in wildlife careers, that’s okay too – there’s still so much you can learn from Camilla’s approach to receiving this grant. The strategy that she used is something that I teach in my Successful Wildlife Professional Program: start with the end in mind and work backwards.

Tune in and hear about the strategies Camilla used in order to pick the graduate school of her dreams, and learn about how she settled upon the University of Colorado and chose to study wolverines. Along with Camilla’s advice, I offer some additional tips and key takeaways to really solidify those points, no matter where you are in your career and what you’re going for. These tips work!

Specifically, I go over:

• Camilla’s journey as an early-career professional
• What the the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program is and why you should apply before you go to graduate school and even when you get in
• The components of a NSF GRFP proposal and what it’s like to write one
• Camilla’s entire process for creating her research proposal: from concept to submitting
• Strategies for creating a strong proposal
• The importance of networking and how Camilla used it to help her write the strongest proposal possible
• The difference between Broader Impacts and Intellectual Merit: what they are and why they are important in all NSF proposals
• and 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/

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📚 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/135-camilla-price/

Jump Links:

00:00 Introduction and Inspiration

02:19 Meet Camilla Price

02:38 Camilla's Background and Career Path

07:07 The Journey to the NSF GRFP Grant

10:07 Developing the Research Proposal

13:44 Methodology and Broader Impacts

18:27 Seeking Help and Finalizing the Application

22:48 The Joy of Receiving the Grant

23:57 Choosing the Right Program

24:26 Reaching Out to Professors

26:50 Advisors and Research Projects

29:43 Backup Plans and Career Strategies

33:32 Final Tips and Reflections

38:18 Networking and Taking Initiative

Let’s connect! 🤝✨

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