3 Ways to Get Started:
Join me every Sunday for new episodes where you can get the inside scoop on what it’s like to be a wildlife biologist, amazing animals, conservation tips, and interviews with scientists.
What’s it REALLY like to be a wildlife biologist? Read “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology” where I share my life story of how I became a wildlife biologists and tips on how to be competitive for jobs. Join the Facebook group now to get exclusive tips.
Are you an aspiring wildlife biologist? If you don’t know what type of job you want and where you want to work, you’ll miss out on key skills and experiences that you need to get the job of your dreams. Use the Job Tracker to study the job boards now.
I’m Dr. Stephanie Schuttler and I am so excited you found the world of
Fancy Scientist
Whether you are an animal lover, aspiring wildlife biologist, or just curious about nature, you’ll find that there is a lot we can learn about together here.
I believe that the best way to conserve biodiversity is by exploring, discovering, and connecting with the nature all around us – in person and virtually, while breaking stereotypes about what scientists look like. Only when we experience a deeper relationship with the other species that share this planet with us, can we care enough to protect them.
Because you’re here, I assume that you are ready to learn about wildlife biology – either careers, conservation, or the animals themselves.
Ready to Start Learning?
Who is the Fancy Scientist?
Dr. Stephanie Schuttler is an unconventional wildlife biologist, entrepreneur, and author who has spent the last 17 years studying all over the world.
Stephanie became a wildlife biologist because she loved animals and wanted to prevent species from extinction. But after watching the decline of her study species, the African forest elephant, due to poaching, she realized that most conservation solutions are about US. She created this site to give a platform to the wildlife she researches and the solutions we can do to reverse the biodiversity crisis.
After she graduated with her Ph.D., Stephanie also noticed that careers in wildlife biology were competitive and that people all over struggled to find permanent jobs despite qualifications. In 2020, she published the book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know” and piloted the Confusion to Confusion to Clarity program to help aspiring wildlife biologists ensure they get the skills, experiences, and education for the jobs that they want.
Who is the Fancy Scientist?
Dr. Stephanie Schuttler is a non-conventional wildlife biologist, entrepreneur, and author who has spent the last 17 years studying animals all over the world: from forest elephants in Gabon to white-tailed deer in the USA. She has expertise in camera traps, citizen science, human attitudes towards wildlife, education, and non-invasive genetics.
Stephanie became a wildlife biologist because she loved animals and wanted to prevent species from extinction. But after watching the decline of her study species due to poaching, she realized that most conservation solutions are about us. Science would not stop the poaching. In 2018, she created this site to give a larger platform to the wildlife she researches and the solutions we can do to reverse the biodiversity crisis.
After she graduated from her Ph.D. in 2012, Stephanie noticed that careers in wildlife biology were more competitive than ever before. Like her, people all over struggled to find permanent jobs despite their qualifications. Stephanie therefore became passionate about helping aspiring wildlife biologists avoid the mistakes that she made in her career, helping them find, and making them competitive for the job that they really want.
In 2020, she published the book “Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology: What It’s Like and What You Need to Know,” launched a podcast, and piloted the Confusion to Confusion to Clarity program to help aspiring wildlife biologists ensure they get the skills, experiences, and education for the jobs that they want.
When Stephanie isn’t working, she loves to play with her two dogs Pickles and Gus, and cuddle her four cats, Natasha, Leo, Bonnie, and Gizmo (we told you she is an animal lover!). She lives by the motto, “Life is happening for you, not to you.”
Fancy Scientist (fan-see sahy-uhn-tist):
- A person who conducts research with elevated style, flair, and confidence
- A scientist who defies the long-held stereotype of old, white men in lab coats
Fancy scientists are NOT defined by gender or wealth. Anyone can be a fancy scientist! Check out the 100+ fancy scientists featured thus far.
Are you a fancy scientist? Do you know a fancy scientist? Nominate them here.
Fancy Scientist (fan-see sahy-uhn-tist):
- A person who conducts research with elevated style, flair, and confidence
- A scientist who defies the long-held stereotype of old, white men in lab coats
Fancy scientists are NOT defined by gender or wealth. Anyone can be a fancy scientist! Check out the 100+ fancy scientists featured thus far.
Are you a fancy scientist? Do you know a fancy scientist? Nominate them here.
What People are Saying about Stephanie:
Featured Videos of Stephanie:
Biggest Tip for Careers in Wildlife Biology and Ecology | Fancy Scientist
How Did I Become a Wildlife Biologist? | Fancy Scientist
What is a Wildlife Biologist? Your FAQs answered.
Featured Podcast Episodes:
#7. 3 Tips for Aspiring Wildlife Biologists Stuck at Home
#8. Bird Basics with Ornithologist Lauren Pharr
#10. My Big Mistake in My Wildlife Biology Career and How You Can Learn From it
#13. Bats are the Best! Bat Fun with Bat Biologist Lisa Gatens
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