Elakha Alliance’s Post

Now that I have shared with you the key to choosing the suitable wildlife degree for you, I'm excited to share some valuable insights from Chapter 9 of my book, "Getting a Job in Wildlife Biology, What It's Like and What You Need to Know." In this chapter, we delve into the critical topic of "Getting Valuable Experience at Any Age." Experience holds immense value in our careers - trumping grades and GRE scores. I share insights on how to secure research experience, the ins and outs of volunteering with a lab, effective ways to connect with professors, and understanding the nuances between internships, volunteer positions, and field research. But that's not all – we also explore additional elements beyond direct experience, such as crucial courses to consider, the impact of conferences, and the significance of scientific publications. I even offer guidance on obtaining experience independently if you haven't been accepted into formal programs. Here's a special opportunity just for you: When you acquire my book in 2023, you unlock a unique bonus – a complimentary mentoring session with me scheduled for January 2024. This presents an excellent chance to delve further into your wildlife biology dreams and acquire personalized insights tailored to your journey. Comment MENTORING24 below and I’ll send you the link. https://lnkd.in/gFitBzDc

Studying a conservation degree at ALU School of Wildlife Conservation is a journey towards shaping the future of African conservation.

Need ten+ minutes of restorative, beautiful, calm energy? Deevon La Rue put together clips of last week's dive in the underwater restoration area. (link in comments) Lots of fascinating animal behavior, no commentary or music (but feel free to comment and ask questions about what's happening, here or on YouTube). Getting ready to go out and monitor the area for signs of coral bleaching, to get ahead of it. Yes, I probably should have become a marine biologist, but young, single mothers are generally told to be "pragmatic," and focus on being able to earn, so I studied law and practiced policy. Absolutely grateful for the education and skill set, which helps me to see the big picture in terms of conservation. Excited to do my Research Diver training with Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program (CCRRP) soon. Better late than never. And yes, we are still trying to raise funds to complete our gear and help with training costs. Neither of us was ever able to take advantage of internships, fellowships, youth development grants, and the like. There is a whole conversation to be had about the classism and ageism barriers in many of those programs, for another day. So we crowdfund, and we appreciate your support. Enjoy the footage! We bore witness to some really cool interactions 🪸 🐟🐙🐠 🪸 #CoralRestoration #biodiversity #BlueMind #MarineConservation #ocean

**Definition of "Touch Tank":** A "touch tank" is an interactive exhibit often found in aquariums, science centers, or museums where visitors can touch and feel marine animals or other small creatures. These tanks are designed to provide an educational experience by allowing people to engage directly with the animals in a controlled environment. **Examples and Sentences:** 1. "The aquarium's touch tank featured starfish and sea urchins that kids could touch and explore." 2. "During the field trip, the students were excited to visit the touch tank and learn about marine life up close." 3. "The touch tank at the science museum had a variety of crustaceans and mollusks for visitors to handle." 4. "The staff at the touch tank explained the importance of each species and how to gently interact with them." 5. "After seeing the touch tank, the children were eager to learn more about ocean conservation." 6. "The touch tank was carefully monitored to ensure the well-being of the animals and the safety of the visitors." 7. "Visitors enjoyed the hands-on experience of feeling the textures of different sea creatures in the touch tank." 8. "The touch tank was a popular attraction at the family-friendly zoo, providing a unique educational opportunity." 9. "In the touch tank, we could feel the rough surface of the sea stars and the smoothness of the sea cucumbers." 10. "The educational program included a session at the touch tank where children learned about the habitats of the animals they were touching." **Hashtags:** - #TouchTank - #InteractiveExhibit - #MarineLife - #AquariumFun - #HandsOnLearning - #SeaCreatures - #EducationalExperience - #TouchAndLearn - #ScienceMuseum - #OceanEducation

Why apply for FRAME's Summer Studentship programme? One of our 2022 winners, Roma Fraser, shares it was the practical experience that allowed her to gain "an insight into how I am able to apply my scientific skills to promote the removal of animal-derived products in research." When people use terms like "in vitro," "cell culture" or "organoids", it's often assumed the research doesn't involve animals at all. But... That's not always the case. The substances required for cell culture are often extracted from other organisms, like foetal bovine serum, which has real ethical and animal welfare concerns about how it's collected and big scientific concerns about its use. Roma's summer studentship project is helping draw attention to this often under-discussed use of animals in research and contributing to a future where animal-free research is really animal-free. Find out more about the programme: https://lnkd.in/dWWUR7Mz #UndergraduateResearch #GrantFunding #NAMs #NATs

I’ve been hearing the news about orcas sinking boats. I read an NPR article that highlighted one of the recent incidents, which links to an open letter from scientists that included an incredibly well-articulated statement on not making assumptions about the whales’ behavior without a deeper understanding of orcas. The scientists’ statement does such a great job of encapsulating key elements of emotional intelligence, a topic near and dear to me — especially related to leadership. Essentially it espouses the importance of seeking understanding over assumption. While this is aimed at addressing narratives being applied to the orcas, the principles underlying it are a valuable reminder as we drive new initiatives, lead organizations or even just interact in our day to day lives - to get informed.. learn.. stay flexible in thought.. seek deeper understanding. Here is the excerpt from the scientists’ open letter (direct links further below): “In the absence of further evidence, people should not assume they understand the animals’ motivations. The orca is an intelligent, socially complex species, and each population has its own culture—different vocalisations (known as dialects), prey preferences, hunting techniques, even different social structures and migratory behaviours. The Iberian orcas are exhibiting a behaviour never before seen with this consistency among cetaceans—even in the days of industrial whaling from wooden ships and boats, when far larger whales were known to smash or otherwise damage vessels, such incidents were relatively uncommon. Science cannot yet explain why the Iberian orcas are doing this, although we repeat that it is more likely related to play/socialising than aggression. However, it is unfounded and potentially harmful to the animals to claim it is for revenge for past wrongs or to promote some other melodramatic storyline. When we are at sea, we are in the realm of marine life. We should not punish wildlife for being wild. We need to keep cool heads when wild animals exhibit novel behaviour and we must put greater effort into adapting our own actions and behaviour to the presence of wildlife. The survival of the species with which we share this planet depends on it.” Links: 1) NPR article: https://lnkd.in/gTfTxjhS 2) Scientists’ open letter: https://lnkd.in/griszDPE #emotionalintelligence #emotionalintelligencetraining #lifelonglearning #lifelonglearner

What did I achieve in 2023? - Moved nearly 200 miles to the most amazing home right next to the ocean - Quit the 9-5 life and committed to my childhood dream of being a marine biologist - Started my second undergraduate degree, this time in Marine Biology with Conservation - Spent time volunteering with Surfers Against Sewage, organised a national protest with a turnout of hundreds of people, AND was on BBC News - Attended numerous marine biology conferences - Learned to SCUBA dive and free dive, now able to hold my breath over 4 minutes, and swim 80 metres on one breath - Earned 100% on my first assignment - Met a shark scientist who has offered me work experience, and who took me out to tick off a bucket list item- freediving with wild sharks - Became a trained marine mammal surveyor with Cornwall Wildlife Trust - Became a member of the Marine Biological Association - Quit drinking - Finally felt happy and content with my life and future What have I achieved in January 2024? - Earned 80% on my second assignment - Completed exam week (results tbc) - Had a full deep clean and clear out of our home for a fresh start, and finally got new, matching furniture to make our home perfect - Stopped eating refined sugar and other processed foods - Signed up to be trained as an under water surveyor with Cornwall Wildlife Trust - Applied to my first marine biology job (whether or not I get it, I still see this as an achievement) - Had confirmation that I will be undertaking a book review for The Marine Biologist Magazine, a quarterly science magazine by the MBA. This will be published in the July edition. It's insane how much I have achieved and how much my life has changed in this last year. Every day I look out my window to the ocean and can't believe how lucky I am. I've found my purpose, and I can't wait to share the exciting times ahead 👀 🦈 🌴 🚤

Zoology is the scientific study of animals, including their structure, habits, and how they interact with their environment. It's a branch of biology that covers a wide range of topics, including: 1. Anatomy: The structure of animals 2. Physiology: How animals function  3. Ecology: How animals interact with their environment 4. Behavior: How animals behave  5. Genetics: The genetics of animals  6. Evolution: The evolution of animals  7. Conservation: How to conserve animals Zoologists study animals of all sizes, from insects to mammals, and their relationships with each other, plants, and the environment. Some careers for zoology graduates include: Wildlife biologist, Conservationist, Zookeeper, Marine biologist, Environmental consultant, and Policy developer. To stand out, zoology graduates can gain practical experience through internships, summer work placements, or volunteer jobs. Relevant organizations include animal welfare groups, zoos, wildlife parks, and conservation projects.  . . . #biology #zoology #zoologyfacts #people #species #animal #anatomy #physiology #ecology #Genetics

NOAA provides a search engine to look up listings of species that are protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Give it try and let me know what you learn that you didn't know yesterday. My research focuses on these two species. Humpback whales in the North Atlantic are no longer listed. That means the population (or "stock") has recovered to numbers that mean they are surviving long enough to keep the population growing! Killer whales in the Gulf of Mexico and waters around Puerto Rico are not listed. These groups do not have enough research that has been done to understand how many there are in this area. Keep an eye out for opportunities join me as part of my research team as a university internship or a citizen scientist and support protecting whales, dolphins, and the flora and fauna within their ecological niches in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Marine-Eco.org MCERC www.Marine-Eco.org CLICK ON THIS LINK ---> https://lnkd.in/eEErm_B5

How can measurements of empathy be used to promote pro-conservation behaviors in visitors to zoos, aquariums, and other informal learning settings? Check out our recently published post celebrating Earth Week on the American Evaluation Association blog to learn more.