Biology & Ecology Careers & Scientists
Dear students,
I have had several students come up to me and say they are interested in a job in science, but don't know what to do. Also, after learning about tardigrades, several of you are interested in a career in a biology field. AND.. .alot of you are girls! YAY GIRLS IN SCIENCE.
Here is a great list for you to help you out with research as you discover what you want to do for a living in the future if you are considering a science field. I have a list of scientists and resources for you to check out. The best way to figure out what you want to do is to put yourself out there, learn and grow, and do your research. Here are a few helpful pointers, great connections and science role models to help you in this journey.
Dr. Meg Lowman is the scientist I researched with in the Amazon and Malaysia. She is a rainforest ecologist. She focuses on herbivory, the eating of plants. She is a professor at California Academy of Sciences but also researches all over the world. She is AMAZING. She travels the world, conducts research, builds canopy walkways, and helps bridge the gap between the scientific community and public. She's also helping create jobs for locals in tropical rainforests, to build the economy and also help save the rainforests.
Below is a link to my introduction to her and what I learned in the Amazon. (Scroll down to Dr. Lowman on the page and then to learn more about her, you can click the link too.) This is a website I made for when I went to the Amazon with JASON Learning.
https://amazondiscoveries.weebly.com/
A film maker was on the Amazon expedition with Dr. Lowman and me, and is working on a final version of a flim that talks about the work Meg is doing. Here's the draft of it- (and it's cool- I'm in the video a little bit!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch018GRAvUU&feature=youtu.be
Here's also a video that is really short but shows how you can help people in need and learn about life on earth (it's also about Dr. Meg Lowman.)
https://canopymeg.com/2018/04/09/helping-ethiopian-women-go-from-surviving-to-thriving/
The link below is from my class website and it has some videos of her that I took when I was learning from her in the Amazon. Take a look at these videos first. (She also gives advice about careers and being a woman in a male saturated field.) There are also links to help guide you through thinking about what you may want to do when you graduate. Don't feel like you have to have it all mapped out. That's one thing I've learned. There are so many options out there and lots of pathways to get to where you are happy and enjoying your work.
https://thediscoveryden.weebly.com/inquiry
Here are some other links that are helpful for looking at different careers:
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/science-technology-careers/biology/
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/life-sciences/biologist
There is also another female scientist who I met last summer at a conference who studied sound under the water, sound pollution, whales, dolphins, other aquatic animals... she lived in Hawaii for a few years and did research. Her name is Heather Heenehan. Her goal was to educate the public and shipping companies about sound pollution and how its affecting animals breeding and feeding patterns. If you like Marine Biology, you may want to consider something like that (problem solving for the future).
Here's some info about her:
https://www.jason.org/heather-heenehan
I've talked a lot about Dr. Miller, but I just wanted to remind you all about him. He's an awesome scientist who studies tardigrades and has helped me out a lot. He is a great connection to have with tardigrade study. If you see yourself pursing tardigrades long term, he may have some suggestions for careers too. I could even see being funded by the Texas Medical Association to find a cure for skin cancer. You could study biochemistry and genetics to better understand cryptobiosis and find a medical application to save lives. Just one idea! You may want to contact Dr. Miller. I can introduce you if you like with an introductory email, if you want, or you can just email him directly.
Here's my introduction to him and tardigrades (scroll down to the bottom to start with the first entries.
https://thediscoveryden.weebly.com/2018-tardigrade-research
www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3noqY445NU
For those of you considering a science career... THIS IS A MUST- you should also consider applying for different student travel research grants when you get a little older. There are lots of options for students to get them into the field with scientists to see what it's like. My FAVORITE one that you HAVE to apply for (when you turn 13) is JASON Learning. They are the organization that I went with to study in the Amazon. That's where I met Dr. Lowman, which eventually led me to Dr. Miller in Malaysia. They are a great organization that helps get teachers and students out in the field to see what it's really like. You apply and then if you get accepted, you will travel to somewhere in the world and study with scientists. It's AMAZING!
Here's their info. Tuck this away for when you get older (they don't accept applicants under 13 because they go out of the country.)
I've already have two students get accepted and go on amazing scientific explorations!
https://www.jason.org/argonauts
Also- JASON Learning has videos of scientists in the field, and interview with scientists so we can know what it's like to be in that career. I met an entomologist and zoologist in Malaysia who were awesome! You should check them out, among other scientists:
Priscillia Miard: (studies mammals in the rainforest)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBx9poecsxA
Janet Buhleman (super smart!, and really nice! I met her at a science conference)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtD-yOCPfv8
Haley Chamberlian (if you are interested in hosting webinars, videos, integrating science and media- she works for a bunch of different networks and learns and interviews scientists for groups like the Smithsonian. )
https://www.untamedscience.com/crew/haleychamberlain/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkmiPkGvoj0&feature=youtu.be
Other cool scientists I met in Malaysia at the bioblitz who are awesome (To give you an idea of other scienstists)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAa61E3DtHo
Herps is slang for Herpetology ( the study of amphibians)
://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP-ys2EKhRg&t=1s
Keith, the fly guy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgoxganhYM8
Phil Torres, photographer and entomologist:
If you like taking photos and you like science and animals (this can be a tricky field to get into because a lot of people want to be an animal/wildlife photographer) HOWEVER, it really helps your chances if you are a scientist first, photographer second- then you have one leg up from other photographers and can also conduct science while taking photographs. This guy takes the pictures for an online science resource known as Biographic. Here are his websites, videos and a link to biographic:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClaC4xkueyTnrJQ6IvdMlgg
http://www.phil-torres.com/
https://www.biographic.com/
I hope this helps. There are A LOT of options out there, so it can be overwhelming, but try to just have fun exploring. The important thing to remember for now is to just dive into learning and explore different fields and get experience so you can see what it's like. Don't feel like you have to know now what you are going to do for the rest of your life. It can change several times over the course of a life time. The important thing is to go to college to study something you love. Learn and work hard, then put yourself out there and see what works for you. You are so bright and capable, so you can do pretty much anything you put your mind to!
YOU ROCK! YAY SCIENCE! YAY TARDIGRADES!
I have had several students come up to me and say they are interested in a job in science, but don't know what to do. Also, after learning about tardigrades, several of you are interested in a career in a biology field. AND.. .alot of you are girls! YAY GIRLS IN SCIENCE.
Here is a great list for you to help you out with research as you discover what you want to do for a living in the future if you are considering a science field. I have a list of scientists and resources for you to check out. The best way to figure out what you want to do is to put yourself out there, learn and grow, and do your research. Here are a few helpful pointers, great connections and science role models to help you in this journey.
Dr. Meg Lowman is the scientist I researched with in the Amazon and Malaysia. She is a rainforest ecologist. She focuses on herbivory, the eating of plants. She is a professor at California Academy of Sciences but also researches all over the world. She is AMAZING. She travels the world, conducts research, builds canopy walkways, and helps bridge the gap between the scientific community and public. She's also helping create jobs for locals in tropical rainforests, to build the economy and also help save the rainforests.
Below is a link to my introduction to her and what I learned in the Amazon. (Scroll down to Dr. Lowman on the page and then to learn more about her, you can click the link too.) This is a website I made for when I went to the Amazon with JASON Learning.
https://amazondiscoveries.weebly.com/
A film maker was on the Amazon expedition with Dr. Lowman and me, and is working on a final version of a flim that talks about the work Meg is doing. Here's the draft of it- (and it's cool- I'm in the video a little bit!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch018GRAvUU&feature=youtu.be
Here's also a video that is really short but shows how you can help people in need and learn about life on earth (it's also about Dr. Meg Lowman.)
https://canopymeg.com/2018/04/09/helping-ethiopian-women-go-from-surviving-to-thriving/
The link below is from my class website and it has some videos of her that I took when I was learning from her in the Amazon. Take a look at these videos first. (She also gives advice about careers and being a woman in a male saturated field.) There are also links to help guide you through thinking about what you may want to do when you graduate. Don't feel like you have to have it all mapped out. That's one thing I've learned. There are so many options out there and lots of pathways to get to where you are happy and enjoying your work.
https://thediscoveryden.weebly.com/inquiry
Here are some other links that are helpful for looking at different careers:
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/science-technology-careers/biology/
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/life-sciences/biologist
There is also another female scientist who I met last summer at a conference who studied sound under the water, sound pollution, whales, dolphins, other aquatic animals... she lived in Hawaii for a few years and did research. Her name is Heather Heenehan. Her goal was to educate the public and shipping companies about sound pollution and how its affecting animals breeding and feeding patterns. If you like Marine Biology, you may want to consider something like that (problem solving for the future).
Here's some info about her:
https://www.jason.org/heather-heenehan
I've talked a lot about Dr. Miller, but I just wanted to remind you all about him. He's an awesome scientist who studies tardigrades and has helped me out a lot. He is a great connection to have with tardigrade study. If you see yourself pursing tardigrades long term, he may have some suggestions for careers too. I could even see being funded by the Texas Medical Association to find a cure for skin cancer. You could study biochemistry and genetics to better understand cryptobiosis and find a medical application to save lives. Just one idea! You may want to contact Dr. Miller. I can introduce you if you like with an introductory email, if you want, or you can just email him directly.
Here's my introduction to him and tardigrades (scroll down to the bottom to start with the first entries.
https://thediscoveryden.weebly.com/2018-tardigrade-research
www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3noqY445NU
For those of you considering a science career... THIS IS A MUST- you should also consider applying for different student travel research grants when you get a little older. There are lots of options for students to get them into the field with scientists to see what it's like. My FAVORITE one that you HAVE to apply for (when you turn 13) is JASON Learning. They are the organization that I went with to study in the Amazon. That's where I met Dr. Lowman, which eventually led me to Dr. Miller in Malaysia. They are a great organization that helps get teachers and students out in the field to see what it's really like. You apply and then if you get accepted, you will travel to somewhere in the world and study with scientists. It's AMAZING!
Here's their info. Tuck this away for when you get older (they don't accept applicants under 13 because they go out of the country.)
I've already have two students get accepted and go on amazing scientific explorations!
https://www.jason.org/argonauts
Also- JASON Learning has videos of scientists in the field, and interview with scientists so we can know what it's like to be in that career. I met an entomologist and zoologist in Malaysia who were awesome! You should check them out, among other scientists:
Priscillia Miard: (studies mammals in the rainforest)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBx9poecsxA
Janet Buhleman (super smart!, and really nice! I met her at a science conference)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtD-yOCPfv8
Haley Chamberlian (if you are interested in hosting webinars, videos, integrating science and media- she works for a bunch of different networks and learns and interviews scientists for groups like the Smithsonian. )
https://www.untamedscience.com/crew/haleychamberlain/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkmiPkGvoj0&feature=youtu.be
Other cool scientists I met in Malaysia at the bioblitz who are awesome (To give you an idea of other scienstists)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAa61E3DtHo
Herps is slang for Herpetology ( the study of amphibians)
://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP-ys2EKhRg&t=1s
Keith, the fly guy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgoxganhYM8
Phil Torres, photographer and entomologist:
If you like taking photos and you like science and animals (this can be a tricky field to get into because a lot of people want to be an animal/wildlife photographer) HOWEVER, it really helps your chances if you are a scientist first, photographer second- then you have one leg up from other photographers and can also conduct science while taking photographs. This guy takes the pictures for an online science resource known as Biographic. Here are his websites, videos and a link to biographic:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClaC4xkueyTnrJQ6IvdMlgg
http://www.phil-torres.com/
https://www.biographic.com/
I hope this helps. There are A LOT of options out there, so it can be overwhelming, but try to just have fun exploring. The important thing to remember for now is to just dive into learning and explore different fields and get experience so you can see what it's like. Don't feel like you have to know now what you are going to do for the rest of your life. It can change several times over the course of a life time. The important thing is to go to college to study something you love. Learn and work hard, then put yourself out there and see what works for you. You are so bright and capable, so you can do pretty much anything you put your mind to!
YOU ROCK! YAY SCIENCE! YAY TARDIGRADES!
Science Careers
What to know more? Still need help finding what you want to do?
Take a look at these links:
Life Science Jobs, and other sciences
Glassdoor- Highest Paying in demand jobs LIST
Fastest Growing Green Jobs
List of Jobs in General-.gov
Physician Job Profile
BioMedical Engineer Job Profile
Pharmacist Job Profile
Software Architect Job Profile
Ecologist Job Profile
Oceanographer Job Profile
Market Research Analyst Job Profile
Clinical Research Associate Job Profile
Optomistrist Job Profile
A-Z Job Profiles
CareerGirls.com
Forbes: Highest Paying, in demand jobs Article- Physican, Tech jobs, Software Enginneer, Health Care Jobs, Pharmacists
Want to learn more about Dr. Lowman and hear her advice and learn about the rainforest?
Take a look at these links of videos I made while researching with her in the Amazon:
Dr. Meg Lowman- Giant Philodendron
Dr. Meg Lowman- Thatch Roofs in the Amazon
Dr. Meg Lowman- Advice for future Scientists
Dr. Meg Lowman- Rainforests are in trouble
Dr. Meg Lowman - How to be a good consumer and help the rainforest
Dr. Meg Lowman- Need for Women in Science
Dr. Meg Lowman and Author Heather Lang
Dr. Meg Lowman- Leaf Cutter Evidence
Dr. Meg Lowman- Primary vs. Secondary Forests
Dr. Meg Lowman- Ants on the forest floor
Dr. Meg Lowman- Buttresses
Dr. Meg Lowman- What's on that plant?
Dr. Meg Lowman- Herbivory Explained
Dr. Meg Lowman- in the Amazon
Dr. Meg Lowman- Water bears!
Take a look at these links:
Life Science Jobs, and other sciences
Glassdoor- Highest Paying in demand jobs LIST
Fastest Growing Green Jobs
List of Jobs in General-.gov
Physician Job Profile
BioMedical Engineer Job Profile
Pharmacist Job Profile
Software Architect Job Profile
Ecologist Job Profile
Oceanographer Job Profile
Market Research Analyst Job Profile
Clinical Research Associate Job Profile
Optomistrist Job Profile
A-Z Job Profiles
CareerGirls.com
Forbes: Highest Paying, in demand jobs Article- Physican, Tech jobs, Software Enginneer, Health Care Jobs, Pharmacists
Want to learn more about Dr. Lowman and hear her advice and learn about the rainforest?
Take a look at these links of videos I made while researching with her in the Amazon:
Dr. Meg Lowman- Giant Philodendron
Dr. Meg Lowman- Thatch Roofs in the Amazon
Dr. Meg Lowman- Advice for future Scientists
Dr. Meg Lowman- Rainforests are in trouble
Dr. Meg Lowman - How to be a good consumer and help the rainforest
Dr. Meg Lowman- Need for Women in Science
Dr. Meg Lowman and Author Heather Lang
Dr. Meg Lowman- Leaf Cutter Evidence
Dr. Meg Lowman- Primary vs. Secondary Forests
Dr. Meg Lowman- Ants on the forest floor
Dr. Meg Lowman- Buttresses
Dr. Meg Lowman- What's on that plant?
Dr. Meg Lowman- Herbivory Explained
Dr. Meg Lowman- in the Amazon
Dr. Meg Lowman- Water bears!