13: Turtles & Tainted Tables: Being Unapologetically You (w/ Alex Troutman)

Hi folks! We covered so much in this episode that I feel my titles keep getting longer and longer. The original title was “Turtles & Tainted Tables: Being Unapologetically You [Despite the Challenges in Conservation]” but a) that was way too long and b) at this point now I think it’s a given that you’ll face challenges in conservation work, amiright?

If you’re interested in working as a biologist, especially at a federal or governmental agency, Al’s story and experiences are for you. We touch on a variety of topics, such as:

• The unique and subtle struggles that come with being underpaid seasonal workers (like not getting seniority access & pay raises the same way a full time employee might)
• Underrepresentation and microaggressions in the sciences
• Pros and cons of working for the US government vs. nonprofits
• Grants and scholarships for marginalized scientists, specifically women and students of color– in fact I’d eventually love to have a page of resources on novaconservation.com that highlights these scholarship and grant opportunities!

Al encourages us all to be unapologetically ourselves, which is a beautiful thing. Let’s destroy the “tainted table” that only allows a limited number of seats, backgrounds, and beliefs, and instead rebuild a new table where all perspectives are welcomed and elevated.

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Twitter: @n8ture_al

Instagram: @n8ture_al

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