Fancy Scientist
As a wildlife biologist, author, educator, and founder of Fancy Scientist, I’m on a mission to help wildlife by teaching people just like you about science, conservation, and research empowering and preparing aspiring and entry-level wildlife professionals so they can secure good jobs in this competitive career. I offer inspiration and hope to this “doom-and-gloom” field into your daily life so that we can collectively make a difference.
When you think of science, wildlife, or conservation, probably the last thing you think about is being fancy.
I have always loved wildlife and nature. But I also have always loved dressing up, putting on makeup, and fashion.
When I was a young girl, I would get muddy looking for crayfish in creeks, and catch (and release) frogs and snakes, but I also played dress-up with my friends, trying on my mom’s clothes and makeup, and getting my Barbies glamorous for their dates.
I loved drawing and would draw scenes of grizzly bears catching salmon and on the next page a series of fashion designs.
When I found out about careers in wildlife biology, I was elated because I could finally turn my love of wildlife into a profession, but I quickly found out that I didn’t quite fit in.
Most people wore Tevas and brands like Columbia and Patagonia to work, which I love, but I reserved for the field. Instead, I wore dressy blouses, shoes with heels, and sparkly jewelry.
Hardly any of my colleagues wore any makeup at all, meanwhile I loved to experiment with different shades of eyeshadow every day.
In graduate school, although I loved dressing up and wearing makeup, I didn’t feel comfortable doing it because I was worried people were judging me or thinking I spent too much time on those things over science (which is not true).
Although I was fancier than most, I held back a lot, and quite honestly, didn’t feel that good. Not being able to wear colorful makeup and sparkles dampened my spirit and my confidence.
When I started my postdoc at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the work culture was different because I was now not only surrounded by scientists. I no longer felt uncomfortable embracing who I really was.
I started to dress up again and became happier and more confident. My postdoc included working with K-12 teachers and like most people, they did not expect a scientist, especially a wildlife biologist, to be wearing dangly earrings and mascara.
The teachers loved this and kept telling me how fancy and called me the fancy scientist.
I loved this name and embraced it full on. Because of my work in classrooms, I wanted to show kids, especially girls, that they don’t have to look a certain way to be in science.
I want them to see that they too can be a fancy scientist and feel comfortable expressing their own sparkle and shine.
20
Years of education in the sciences: Bachelor’s and Ph.D. in biological sciences
10
Continents conducted research on including the countries of Kenya, Gabon, India, Mexico, and Suriname
4
Number of network television shows featured on, including the Discovery, Science, and History Channels
4
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MY SIGNATURE PROGRAM
If you’re looking to identify your wildlife career path and make a plan to get there, finally get the job you want, get into graduate school, and more, then it’s time to ensure your wildlife career is a success!
“I GOT THE JOB. I can’t even process this; it’s a dream come true.”
– Jaimie Simmons
“I struggled for a year to get any simple seasonal field jobs. Even volunteer positions. I didn’t work in the wildlife field for a year. Stephanie gave me specific advice on my cover letters and resumes. After a few months, I am now starting my first job as a Biological Science Tech position with the USFWS.”
– Rachel Smith
“I had a great interview and got offered and accepted the position today!!”
“I am very excited about it. Additionally, I had about 5 to 6 other offers as well for other positions as well. Thank you so much for this course as it’s helping me get out of my imposter syndrome mindset. ”
– Austyn Becker
“I have to thank you because I’ve used all the advice I got from you on writing cover letters and resumes…My interviewer was able to see from my resume (that improved immensely after you looked it over) that I had a strong fieldwork background…
In my first interview they began the call by stating how they really liked the way I wrote my cover letter…I was selected out of nearly 200 applicants, some of whom had years of communications experience! I’m feeling very grateful and excited about this opportunity.”
– Nicole B. (name has been changed)
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