Expectation: Leaving my smiling baby each morning to have a perfect day tracking turtles in the field with one private and sterile 10-minute break to pump out my liquid gold. Reality: Leaving my stinky (but still smiling) baby each morning, filled with milk and guilt. During the day, tracking some turtles but spending a fair … Continue reading Milk, guilt, and turtles
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 … Continue reading Self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome
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 … Continue reading What James Bay taught me about balancing kids and fieldwork
The morning of August 3rd 2015 had been exhausting. Three months of supplies - our shelters, our remaining food, our scientific gear, everything that we brought to feel at home - was to leave for good. And it wasn't clear demobilization would even happen. Small craft advisory the night before, but the winds were dying, … Continue reading Field sick
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 … Continue reading Motivate your crew!
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 … Continue reading Who’s your #FemFieldHero?
As the end of the year - somehow - approaches, we wanted to dedicate this week's blog entry to thanking all of the strong, empowering women in STEM. We are so grateful for all of our mentors, colleagues, assistants, friends, and family that have inspired, taught, and encouraged us through the years. And this week, … Continue reading #FemFieldThanks
Field Secrets 