Conservation

Conservation Without Borders

I truly love getting to know my colleagues and fellow impassioned veterinarians, conservationists, animal care professionals and advocates.  It is one reason why I sought a career in academia–whereas for some, graduating from veterinary school closes a chapter in life they will never care to look back upon, for me it was a bittersweet time.  I loved the feeling of camaraderie and support being in an academic environment as much as I loved (and still love) the challenge and excitement of learning.  It’s no surprise that I returned to my alma mater for a PhD program shortly after graduation, and thought I would pursue a career in academia.  As all good journeys do however, my path took me not where I had intended to go, but rather where I was supposed to go, which unfortunately led me away from a career working with or in close connection with my colleagues.  Instead I forged a path alone, creating a nonprofit to serve my niche of wildlife conservation and One Health in Africa, and over time found myself working more and more remotely from my professional peers and colleagues.  Most of my daily communication with colleagues for the last several years has been through a computer!  Over time I have sincerely missed the company of my peers, and have found much joy interviewing colleagues old and new through my podcast, Conservation Without Borders.  It is so much fun to chat with people whose work I admire, and to meet new colleagues and make new friends each time I record an episode.  I wanted to showcase their work to the world, and hope you will enjoy the show as much as I do!