Self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome

Today's post comes to us from two rockstar field technicians on their experiences interacting with the public this last spring-fall, in forest preserves in densely-populated places.   By: Gabby Barnas & Raela Wataha When we first began studying wildlife biology as undergraduates, we both noticed how many men were in our classes. There were also many …

What James Bay taught me about balancing kids and fieldwork

This week we have a story from Dr. Constance O'Connor, a conservation scientist with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, which describes how she felt when she was faced with how to manage field work while she was expecting:     Sitting on the edge of the plushy couch in my midwives’ office, I took a deep …

Toxic Masculinity

Content warning: Sexual harassment We’ve all experienced it to some degree.  You’re in the field, in teams often dominated by men, most of whom are great.  But there’s sometimes that one. That guy.  He says misogynistic things. Belittles women. Talks over you.  Mansplains. Assumes you can’t hold your weight in the field. Is quick to …

Motivate your crew!

We’ve all been there.  You and your field team have been together for long hours, hot/cold days, bruising tasks, and exhaustingly mundane chores.  Rainy/snowy days stuck inside or stuck working. You’ve probably pulled more than a few ticks off of each other. Your nerves are frayed.  There's no other words to describe the feeling at …

Introvert Fielding

First off, I get really grumpy when people conflate being an introvert with being socially awkward.  They are NOT THE SAME THING. The way I like to think of being an introvert is that I get my energy and recharge through being alone in solitude.  What this means is that no matter how much I …

Who’s your #FemFieldHero?

It’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science today and we are all dying to hear who your heroes are. Please let us know under #FemFieldHero and if you want, add a picture of them, you, or both of you doing some field work!  We can’t wait to hear who inspired you! I have …

Calling all FemFieldScientists!!!

Hi everyone! It’s a new year at FemFieldSecrets and we are looking for some new ways to engage the world of women and non-binary folks doing field work.  First of all, we need you!!  We are interested in hearing diverse perspectives from people all over the world about the unique experiences our community has.  Have …

There’s no place like the field for the holidays

We've all been there. It's a special day you normally celebrate with your family. But, instead, you're with a small group of people in a remote field location.  What is one to do?! Embrace field celebrations, that's what!! Being in the field for someone's birthday or another holiday is a great time to get creative.  …

I had a miscarriage during field work

Today, we are hearing about something that happens so often to women, and to women in the field, but for some reason, our society doesn't seem to want to talk about.  Here is Sanja Hakala's experience with miscarrying a baby while working in the field. Once during an intensive two week field gig I had …

Does Field Work Make Me a Bad Mom?

It can happen at any time, and happens almost every time before I leave for an extended time for field work/science. We’re sitting,  walking, just doing something together as a family. And we start talking about what this week is going to be like, which always turns into what my upcoming travel plans are. And, …