Work Life Balance
Alysa M. Handelsman, Wofford College, USA
Work-life balance in academia is a term we often hear; yet, few seem to truly attain. In this presentation, I will define what it means to balance personal and professional commitments. In addition, I will discuss broadly applicable tips and tricks from my experience working with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity on ways to be successful in an academic career while also maintaining your sanity and making your family a priority.
Funding opportunities in tropical biology and conservation
Chris Baraloto, Florida International University, USA
Our rapidly changing world is placing pressures not only on the tropical ecosystems we study but also on scientists and practitioners who face increasing challenges to fund our work. It has become vital for young researchers to expand their skills portfolios so that they can secure their projects and livelihoods. I will discuss what I recognize as three key components to fundraising, all of which I argue also make us better scientists, practitioners and educators. These include (i) finding and recognizing the breadth of funding opportunities; (ii) communicating the excitement around our science both in writing and in person, and (iii) maintaining enthusiasm to persist through a process in which rejection occurs often.
Other than Academia - Career Opportunities in Tropical Biology and Conservation
Lina Valencia, Global Wildlife Conservation, USA
Meeting the complex demands of conservation and the environmental crises the world is facing requires multidisciplinary committed individuals. Yet, how and where to start a career in conservation and tropical biology sometimes is complex, making a lot of us lost and frustrated as we define our career paths. Conservation professionals traditionally come from academic institutions and have a scientific background, being commonly perceived as scientists and NGO employees. But let's not forget however, that a career in conservation and tropical biology can be different for each person, ranging from a research position at a University or an employee of a big non-profit organization, to working for government or multilateral organizations, local grassroot organizations, or national park services. In this presentation, I will talk about how to be part of a movement that works earnestly to ensure we live in a thriving Earth, and the options and paths available to succeed at developing a career in conservation.