Specimens
The world is looking pretty scary at the moment. Our climate needs nourishing, fast. If you love science and conservation and want discover new ways to protect our planet be inspired by conversations with guests who work within the science genre, but whose job titles may need a little unpacking. Strap in for entomology, taxidermy, diaphonization, pet remains, human pathology and all those that work with specimens.
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Jack Baddams - Ornithologist + Wildlife Researcher
04/22/2024
Jack Baddams - Ornithologist + Wildlife Researcher
In episode 047 Elle chats with Jack Baddams: Ornithologist and Wildlife Researcher whose field work is focused on the tagging of different species of birds to learn more about their lives. He shares this work on social media where he talks about the birds he rings and shows off the diversity of the natural world. Socials: Jack's Podcast 'Arrow Stork' Operation Wallacea British Ornithology Organisation Springwatch/Winterwatch- BBC Support Jack Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials wwww.twitter.com/ellektaxidermy Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Dr. Matthew Kasson - Mycologist + Plant Pathologist
03/22/2024
Dr. Matthew Kasson - Mycologist + Plant Pathologist
In episode 046 Elle chats with Dr. Matthew Kasson: Mycologist and Plant Pathologist who studies fungus biodiversity centered around tree diseases and fungus-arthropod interactions. Socials: Research, Sci-Comm and related press and media: Online media, Nightmare-fuel fungi exist in real life, Popular Science (PopSci) . Single author piece on the real-life fungal threats we face given all the attention fungi are getting from HBO’s The Last of Us. Feb. 3, 2023. Online media, How to keep your jack-o’-lantern from turning into moldy, maggoty mush before Halloween, The Conversation, . Single author piece on how fungi impact our seasonal celebrations and rituals particularly around Halloween. Oct. 6, 2022. Re-published by Scientific American, Popular Science, and PBS. Printed and Online media, Wild mushrooms are curious organisms that require respect, The Washington Post, . Single author piece on how our fears of a small number of fungi shape our willingness to interact with them. August 24, 2022 Online media, Beyond flora and fauna: Why it’s time to include fungi in global conservation goals, The Conversation, . Co-authored piece with Brian Lovett (WVU PSS) and Patty Kaishian (Bard College) on how fungi are regularly excluded from talks on global conservation. May 17, 2022. Re-published in Indonesian. Online media, Finding mental-health clarity under pandemic pressures. Nature. Single author column on my mental health struggles in academia. Dec. 14, 2021. Research Podcast with Online Media, Episode 25: “Of Peeps and People…and Plant Pathology” Plantopia, . The official podcast on The American Phytopathological Society featuring my work in forest pathology, science communication, and advocacy. July 21. 2022. Podcast with Online Media, Episode 4: How cicadas become flying saltshakers of death Overheard at National Geographic, May 25, 2021. National Radio with Online Media, Drugged Cicadas Mate Like Wild After Their Butts Fall Off, All Things Considered, National Public Radio., Coverage of Brood X and my lab’s research of cicada fungus Massospora. May 18, 2021. Online Media, Drugged, Castrated, Eager to Mate: the Lives of Fungi-Infected Cicadas, The New York Times, , Coverage of our Fungal Ecology paper on cicadas " Psychoactive plant- and mushroom-associated alkaloids from two behavior modifying cicada pathogens.", July 28, 2019. Online Media, This Parasite Drugs Its Hosts With the Psychedelic Chemical in Shrooms, The Atlantic, , Coverage of our BioRxiv pre-print "Psychoactive plant- and mushroom-associated alkaloids from two behavior modifying cicada pathogens.", July 30, 2018. SciComm Online media, These fungi demand more pumpkin in their pumpkin spice lattes. Popular Science. . Coverage of my Sept. 9, 2022 viral tweet seeing which fungi preferred growth media with real pumpkin compared with pumpkin spice and pumpkin spice latte-substituted growth media. Sept. 15, 2022. National Radio with Online Media, A Disturbing Twinkie That Has, So Far, Defied Science, National Public Radio, , Coverage of my viral Twitter experiment isolating fungi from moldy Twinkies. Oct. 15, 2020. Online Media, Injecting Marshmallow Peeps With Fungi, for Science, The New York Times, , Coverage of our Twitter #fungalPeeps project, March 29, 2019. Expertise Online and printed media, Janet Yellen ate magic mushrooms. Here's why she didn't get high. The Washington Post. Interview to talk about Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's trip to China and consumption of a mushroom known as jian shou qing. Aug. 16, 2023. Online media, The fungal threat to human health is growing in a warmer, wetter, sicker world. CNN. . Coverage on the fungal craze surrounding HBO’s The Last of Us. Feb. 7, 2023. Online media, We Asked a Mycologist About The Last of Us and It Got Weird. Esquire. Interview to speak about the fungal craze surrounding HBO’s The Last of Us. Feb. 5, 2023. National Radio with Online Media, Finally, scientists have found a true millipede, All Things Considered, National Public Radio., Finally, scientists have found a true millipede : NPR Coverage of my colleague’s discovery of the first true millipede with commentary from me. Dec. 20, 2021. Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials wwww.twitter.com/ellektaxidermy Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Jazmine Miles-Long - Taxidermist
01/31/2024
Jazmine Miles-Long - Taxidermist
In episode 045 Elle chats with Jazmine Miles-Long; Taxidermist, Artist, Educator and Natural History Restorer based in Hastings UK. Jazmine calls herself an ‘ethical’ taxidermist to describe the way she produces work only using animals that have died from natural causes. Jazmine specialises in creating ethically sourced bespoke taxidermy for galleries and museums, promoting ethical practices and delivering lectures and workshops at various institutions. She aims to elevate taxidermy as a respected art form, shedding light on its scientific and cultural benefits, and also runs educational workshops focusing on ethics and the role of makers in creating a better future for the planet. Jazmine uses sustainable and stable Oddy tested and conservation grade materials to produce her work. Social media links Subscribe to Jazmine's mailing list Jazmines work for sale Videos Recent Press DYCP Funding QEST scholarship ODDY testing SPNHC: The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Martha Maxwell Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials wwww.twitter.com/ellektaxidermy Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Dr. Samuel Mitchell - Volcanologist + Marine Geologist
11/29/2023
Dr. Samuel Mitchell - Volcanologist + Marine Geologist
In episode 044 Elle chats with Dr. Samuel Mitchell, volcanologist, marine geologist and earth and ocean science communicator based at the University of Bristol, UK. His main research focuses on volcanic eruptions in our oceans, which has taken him across the world conducting field research on volcanoes on land and on the seafloor using oceanographic research vessels. Beyond academic interests, Samuel is an active science communicator across various social media platforms, podcast host, and chair of an international commission on submarine volcanism. Social media links Samuel's podcast and socials School of Sciences at Bristol Natural events mentioned by Samuel Sumatra–Andaman earthquake - Mount Pinatubo - Hula Dante's Peak Watch via Amazon Prime TV, Apple TV or YouTube Further reading Geological Society US - UK - Dr. Samuel's work Outreach Submersible Alvin and Research Vessel Atlantis Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials wwww.twitter.com/ellektaxidermy Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Leif Bersweden - Botanist, Author + Nature Communicator
08/01/2023
Leif Bersweden - Botanist, Author + Nature Communicator
In episode 043 Elle chats with Leif Bersweden, botanist, author and nature communicator. Leif Bersweden is a writer and botanist with a lifelong interest in nature, focusing on wild plants from the age of seven. He grew up in rural Wiltshire where he taught himself how to identify the local flora, eventually becoming a botanical tutor for The Species Recovery Trust. In 2016, Leif graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biology and has completed a PhD at Kew Gardens. In a world where an interest in botany is becoming increasingly rare, he wants to help put plants back on the map and is endeavouring to do this through his teaching, research and publications. Leif’s first book, The Orchid Hunter was published in 2017 and his second, Where the Wildflowers Grow in 2022. Social media links Twitter: TikTok: @leifbersweden Instagram: Website: Purchase Where the Wildflowers Grow Independent sellers: Audible Version = Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Sophie Pavelle - Science Communicator + Author
06/19/2023
Sophie Pavelle - Science Communicator + Author
In episode 042 Elle chats with Sophie Pavelle, science communicator and author. Sophie finds creative routes to storytelling, putting a contemporary twist on the natural history genre across wide audiences through her compelling science communication and candid approach. Sophie currently works as Communications Coordinator for Beaver Trust and presented their award-winning documentary . She is also an Ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, and sits on the RSPB England Advisory Committee. Sophie co-hosts for Beaver Trust, and has narrated several independent natural history documentaries, as well as narrating her own audiobook for Bloomsbury. She also narrates the long-read articles for the podcast. Sophie has been a keynote speaker for festivals and conferences, including Kendal Mountain Festival, The Southwest Outdoor Festival, Top of the Gorge Festival, the Festival of Nature, the University of Exeter, University of Bristol and UWE. Her research into science communication via social media (2020) is peer reviewed, and . Her data and related seminars have been presented at institutions including the University of Washington (USA), Brown University (USA) and UWE. has appeared in New Scientist, The i Newspaper, National Geographic Traveller, The Guardian, The Metro, BBC Wildlife, BBC Countryfile, Coast and The Scotsman. She has featured as an expert panelist and contributor on programmes for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live, as well as on Channel 4 News, BBC Points West, BBC Spotlight and ITV Westcountry. Sophie’s social links Website: Instagram: Twitter: YouTube: Sophie Pavelle is the author of Forget Me Not: Finding the forgotten species of climate-change Britain, published in paperback by Bloomsbury on 22nd June. Pre-Order Paperback Forget Me Not! Audible Version Guardian review/Book of the Day: Caught by the River review: Geographical review: Podcast interviews: Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Celina Chien - Intersectional Environmentalist + Visual Storyteller
04/23/2023
Celina Chien - Intersectional Environmentalist + Visual Storyteller
In episode 041 Elle chats with Celina Chien, intersectional environmentalist and storyteller. She combines her work as an ecologist, photojournalist and artist to harness empathy for change and to advocate for biodversity. Celina contextualises her work within the climate and biodiversity crises, whilst also discussing enviornmental and social issues. As a photographer, Celina’s documentary work has focused on exploring the nuances of environmental topics from palm oil expansion to the zoo debate to the wildlife trade. She also releases her work as fine art pieces, most recently after a successful exhibition in October 2022 in support of leopard conservation with Dolce&Gabbana. This work strives to forge links between the fashion, artistic and conservation worlds with more collaborative releases to follow. In 2021, Celina placed in the prestigious 57th Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition as a highly commended finalist in the photojournalism category. She sits on the judging panel of the same competition hosted by the Natural History Museum of London in 2023. Celina is a TEDx speaker and serves on the board and council of numerous international NGOs such as Panthera, Rewriting Extinction, Reserva Youth Land Trust, Girls Who Click and more. In 2021, Celina was a highly commended finalist in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and currently sits on its 2023 judging panel. She has a BSc in Biological Sciences and MRes in Tropical Forest Ecology from Imperial College London. Celina's social links Website: Instagram: Twitter: Panthera Exhibition + Press for 'Leopard Honouring the Muse': A Celina Chien X Dolce&Gabbana Photographic Exhibition Reserva: The Youth Land Trust Girls who Click Outside reading + watching on Celina: 'In Conservation with...' Wildlife Photographer of the Year - TEDx Talk - Women of STEM Interview - Article in Wild Lens Magazine - Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Ben Rothery - Natural History Author + Illustrator
01/30/2023
Ben Rothery - Natural History Author + Illustrator
Love science and conservation? Want to discover new ways to protect our species? Elle Kaye chats with guests who work within the science genre, but whose job titles may need a little unpacking. Strap in for entomology, taxidermy, diaphonization, pet remains, human pathology and all those that work with specimens. In episode 040 Elle chats with Ben Rothery, natural history author and illustrator. He shares his journey of discovery, from growing up in South Africa to opening his art and plant haven 'Hidden Planet' in London. Ben discusses the pitfalls and postives of working across two genres - art and science - and how he copes with Imposter Syndrome. Ben social links Videos on Bens work John Audubon National Audubon Society Drypoint Materials Penguin Roundhouse Ladybird Publishing John Lewis Natural History Museum London Hidden Planet Hackney, London Into the red BTO WWF Pangolin Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Tea Francis - Arachnologist
01/09/2023
Tea Francis - Arachnologist
Love science and conservation? Want to discover new ways to protect our species? Elle Kaye chats with guests who work within the science genre, but whose job titles may need a little unpacking. Strap in for entomology, taxidermy, diaphonization, pet remains, human pathology and all those that work with specimens. In episode 039 Elle chats with Arachnologist Tea Francis. Tea is a science communicator, Arachnologist and spider advocate. Her work includes working actively with contacts in the field of arachnology and taxonomy - which is her main area of interest. She works with a handful of museums and labs both within the UK & elsewher. In her advocacy she teaches through her Patreon, where she also shares her macro photography and resources for spider care. She is also an illustrator, multimedia artist and taxidermist. Tea Social Links ICUN Redlist Tring Museum Anthropomorphism Pelican Spider Poecilotheria Metallica Imposter Syndrome Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Aoife Sutton - Archaeology Researcher
10/31/2022
Aoife Sutton - Archaeology Researcher
Love science and conservation? Want to discover new ways to protect our species? Elle Kaye chats with guests who work within the science genre, but whose job titles may need a little unpacking. Strap in for entomology, taxidermy, diaphonization, pet remains, human pathology and all those that work with specimens. In episode 038 Elle chats with Archaeology Researcher Aoife Sutton. Aoife is a doctoral researcher in archaeology at the University of Bradford. Her work looks at themes surrounding 18-19th century anatomical fluid preserved specimens in Britain - including death, dying and ethics. Aoife runs a blog called Pathological Bodies Project where she writes about many death related topics, including history of medicine, archaeology and bereavement. She has worked on death related projects - including the Dying 2 Talk project and the Continuing Bonds project. Aoife is also a trustee of Undercliffe Cemetery in Bradford and has observed work in modern death industry settings. TW: Death/Dying Aoife Socials: Dying to Talk project The Feminine Macabre Aoife features in Vol IIII due out Autumn 2022 Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Nadeem Perera - Flock Together Co-Founder + Wildlife TV Presenter + Researcher
10/07/2022
Nadeem Perera - Flock Together Co-Founder + Wildlife TV Presenter + Researcher
Love science and conservation? Want to discover new ways to protect our species? Elle Kaye chats with guests who work within the science genre, but whose job titles may need a little unpacking. Strap in for entomology, taxidermy, diaphonization, pet remains, human pathology and all those that work with specimens. In episode 037 Elle chats with self-proclaimed 'nature boy' and half of Flock Together, Nadeem Perera. Nadeem shares when he started paying attention to nature, and how it developed to become the foundation of what he does today. We discuss the ethos of Flock Together, and who this community he has helped built represents. Nadeem's socials instagram.com/birdnerdeem Flock Together instagram.com/flocktogether.world linktr.ee/flocktogether.world Join FT https://mailchi.mp/41a0999a5b31/jointheflock FT Book amazon.co.uk/flock-together-outsiders-connecting-people/dp/1856754782 Press Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Claire Morgan - Visual Artist
08/27/2022
Claire Morgan - Visual Artist
Love science and conservation? Want to discover new ways to protect our species? Elle Kaye chats with guests who work within the science genre, but whose job titles may need a little unpacking. Strap in for entomology, taxidermy, diaphonization, pet remains, human pathology and all those that work with specimens. In episode 036 Elle chats with internationally-recognised visual artist Claire Morgan about her work. Claire speaks about her multi-faceted practice; drawing, the use of taxidermy and 3D sculpture using natural and organic materials. She also shares her approach to these large-scale works, and how she finds patterns and rhythms through the installation of these pieces. Claire speaks about being an artist, Imposters Syndrome, and how working close to nature can reflect thoughts on life and death. TW: Death/Dying/Taxidermy/Dead Animals Claire Morgan socials Previous exhibits Current exhibs Nick Knight Alexander McQueen Press + features Film + talk Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Dr. Michelle Taylor - Marine Biologist
06/09/2022
Dr. Michelle Taylor - Marine Biologist
Love science and conservation? Want to discover new ways to protect our species? Elle Kaye chats with guests who work within the science genre, but whose job titles may need a little unpacking. Strap in for entomology, taxidermy, diaphonization, pet remains, human pathology and all those that work with specimens. In episode 035 Elle chats with Dr. Michelle Taylor about her work as Director of Marine Biology at Essex University in the United Kingdom and President of the Deep-Sea Biology Society. She discusses her journey into marine biology, and where around the world her research and exploration has taken her. She shares details about her research in deep-sea corals deep-sea ecosystems, what drives their biodiversity and how we can limit human impacts in vulnerable habitats such as coral reefs. Dr. Michelle Taylor socials Dr. Michelle Taylor’s research Reef Doctor Madagascar DSBOC Resources International Seabed Authority Nautilus Camera E.O Wilson Additional links/videos Shackleton's Discovery Greenland Shark Discovery Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Dr. Ryan Terrill - Ornithologist
05/18/2022
Dr. Ryan Terrill - Ornithologist
Love science and conservation? Want to discover new ways to protect our species? Elle Kaye chats with guests who work within the science genre, but whose job titles may need a little unpacking. Strap in for entomology, taxidermy, diaphonization, pet remains, human pathology and all those that work with specimens. In episode 034 Elle chats with Dr. Ryan Terrill about his work as an ornithological postdoctoral researcher and the work he does at the Moore Lab of Zoology in California. We discuss the primary focus of his research in molt and character evolution through feather replacement in birds; and the biogeography and natural history of the birds of the New World tropics. Ryan Terrill Socials Research Simultaneous Wing Molt as a Catalyst for the Evolution of Flightlessness in Birds: Feather growth rate increases with latitude in four species of widespread resident Neotropical birds: Threshold models improve estimates of molt parameters in datasets with small sample sizes: Evolution of breeding plumages in birds: A multiple-step pathway to seasonal dichromatism in New World warblers (Aves: Parulidae): Moore Lab of Zoology Birding in California Ryan Terrill Profile Oxy Further Reading Non-breeding changes in at-sea distribution and abundance of the threatened marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) in a portion of its range exhibiting long-term breeding season declines: A Matter of Timing: Can Birds Keep Up With Earlier and Earlier Springs?: Birding Organisations California Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Dr. Ben Garrod - Professor of Evolutionary Biology + Science Engagement
04/25/2022
Dr. Ben Garrod - Professor of Evolutionary Biology + Science Engagement
Love science and conservation? Want to discover new ways to protect our species? Elle Kaye chats with guests who work within the science genre, but whose job titles may need a little unpacking. Strap in for entomology, taxidermy, diaphonization, pet remains, human pathology and all those that work with specimens. In episode 033 Elle chats with Dr. Ben Garrod about his work: from primatology and evolutionary biology to broadcasting and lecturing. Ben discusses the objective behind his new children’s book series ‘Extinct’ and how he helps empower children about conservation. Ben discusses what it means to be a scientist and his thoughs on how the subject is intersectional and multi-faceted. Dr. Ben Garrod Socials Dr. Jane Goodall Institute ZSL Royal Vet Collage Darwins Finches University of East Anglia Norfolk Wildlife Trust Youth STEMM Awards Ben’s Books ‘EXTINCT’ Ben’s TEDX Talk Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Dr. Allison Shultz - Ornithologist
04/04/2022
Dr. Allison Shultz - Ornithologist
Love science and conservation? Want to discover new ways to protect our species? Elle Kaye chats with guests who work within the science genre, but whose job titles may need a little unpacking. Strap in for entomology, taxidermy, diaphonization, pet remains, human pathology and all those that work with specimens. In episode 032 Elle chats with Dr. Allison Shultz about how she became Assistant Curator of Ornithology at NHMLA. We discuss her research in colouration and plumeology, and she gives us an education in why birds look the way that they are and what are the genes that make up colours. We discuss plumage evolution and micro-structure, as well as the role, form and function of feathers. Dr. Allison also discusses her role at the museum and the types of specimens and study-skins she works with. Dr. Allison Shultz Socials Profiles NHMLA La Brea Tar Pits Museum Natural History Museum of Los Angeles San Diego Zoo (live cams link, because, well, live cams) Great Frigate Bird Structural Colour Article Turacin Museum of Vertabrate Zoology “Meet the Scientist” by (NHMLA) video interview with Dr. Allison Shultz Articles/Research on Coloration Leucism Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Tom Hanner - Wildlife Filmmaker
03/03/2022
Tom Hanner - Wildlife Filmmaker
Love science and conservation? Want to discover new ways to protect our species? Elle Kaye chats with guests who work within the science genre, but whose job titles may need a little unpacking. Strap in for entomology, taxidermy, diaphonization, pet remains, human pathology and all those that work with specimens. In episode 031 Elle chats with Tom about how he became head over heels for the natural world. He shares how at a hard time in his life, he found solace in nature and discovery and how this helped him to heal. We discuss his filmmaking projects and their conservational objectives, and his science communication plans for the future. Tom's Socials Tom's Films BBC Earth BBC Natural History Unit Elle Kaye socials Podcast socials Artwork © 2021 Madison Erin Mayfield Music Giraffes - Harrison Amer via premiumbeat.com Researched, edited and produced by Elle Kaye Concept/Title © 2020 Elle Kaye
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Cat Irving - Human Remains Conservator
01/26/2022
Cat Irving - Human Remains Conservator
TW: Death/Dying and Human Remains
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Kristi Dranginis - Bird Educator
01/13/2022
Kristi Dranginis - Bird Educator
In episode 028 Elle chats with Kristi about her journey to becoming a bird educator. She discusses the moment she fell in love with birds, and how this became the foundation for everything that she now does. Kristi talks about her word as a 'Bird Mentor' and what that means for participants to her courses. We talk about the For Love of Birds festival which Kristi hosts, which brings together some of the most influential voices in the avian world.
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Kaylan Reddy - Medicinal Plant Scientist
12/23/2021
Kaylan Reddy - Medicinal Plant Scientist
In episode 028 Elle chats with Kaylan about his journey to becoming a medicinal plant scientist.. From growing up in Pretoria in South Africa, to moving to pursue study in Medicinal Plants in Stellenbosch. Kaylan talks about Sceletium, the plant at the centre of his study, and how it has traditionally been used as a mood elevator. We talk about sustainable practises for obtaining this endemic plant, and the Indigenous People who contribute to science by sharing their knowledge and traditions.
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Mariana Di Giacomo - Natural History Conservator
12/08/2021
Mariana Di Giacomo - Natural History Conservator
In episode 027 Elle chats with Mariana about growing up in Uruguay and entering the world of conservation there, before moving to the US to pursue her education in the subject. She discusses moving into the field of Palaeontology and her role at the Yale Peabody Museum, and shares what specimens are housed at one of the oldest natural history establishments in the world. Mariana also talks about her new role as a science-communicator, and the methods she uses to get the word out.
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Siobhan Leachman - Wikimedia Editor + Citizen Scientist
11/10/2021
Siobhan Leachman - Wikimedia Editor + Citizen Scientist
In episode 026 Elle chats with Siobhan about her journey to becoming an Wikimedia editor and citizen scientist. Siobhan explains what her role entails and how she helps give visibility online to incredible people from the natural history world.
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Dr. Tommy McElrath - Entomologist
10/28/2021
Dr. Tommy McElrath - Entomologist
In episode 025 Elle chats with Tommy about his journey to becoming an entomologist and insect collections manager at the Natural History Survey in Illinois. Tommy explains what his role entails and how he helps to look after the seven million specimens in the collection. Tommy also shares his advice for how we can get more connected to insects in our own lives, and the importance of having collections like the INHS.
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Dillon Jones - Evolutionary Biologist
10/14/2021
Dillon Jones - Evolutionary Biologist
In episode 024 Elle chats with Dillon about his journey to becoming a wildlife and Evolutionary biologist. Dillon discusses how a growing up in Texas with a fear of critters was transformed by exposure to them, and ended up becoming his greatest passion. Now studying for his masters, Dillon shares how he successfully creates and holds down his incredible science communication, whilst working towards his qualification.
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Danielle Belleny - Wildlife Biologist
09/30/2021
Danielle Belleny - Wildlife Biologist
In episode 023 Elle chats with Danielle about her journey to becoming a wildlife biologist. She discusses her work co-founding the Black Birders Week initiative and how her birding pursuits led to her being coined 'The Cemetery Birder'. Danielle also shares her advice for getting into cemetery birding, and her plans and dreams for her future as a birder and wildlife biologist.
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Sarah Roberts - Author and Science Communicator
08/12/2021
Sarah Roberts - Author and Science Communicator
In episode 022 Elle chats with Sarah about growing up in England and how this environment had an effect on her interests and career. She discusses her experience as an animal behaviorist working out in the field, from working with sharks in the Bahamas to grizzly bears in Canada; and how documenting our natural world became her primary focus, resulting in the publication of her children's book 'Somebody Swallowed Stanley'.
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Lucy Lapwing - Wildlife and Science Communicator
07/22/2021
Lucy Lapwing - Wildlife and Science Communicator
In episode 021 Elle chats with Lucy about growing up in rural England and how this environment had an effect on her interests and career. She discusses the medical diagnosis which took her away from work and into the world of science communication, and how that has developed since her health has improved. Lucy also shares her advice for those wanting to feel a deeper connection to nature at home and how she combats eco-anxieties.
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Travis de Villiers - Taxidermist and Sculptor
07/08/2021
Travis de Villiers - Taxidermist and Sculptor
In episode 020 Elle chats with Travis about growing up in Zimbabwe, moving to, and life in South Africa and his journey to becoming an award-winning taxidermist and anatomical sculptor. We also discuss his features in the documentaries Stuffed and Trophy - both streaming worldwide via Amazon.
/episode/index/show/specimenspod/id/19613588
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Dan O'Neill - BBC Wildlife Filmmaker
06/24/2021
Dan O'Neill - BBC Wildlife Filmmaker
In episode 019 Elle chats with Dan about how he fostered his love of storytelling about the natural world, some of the incredible experiences he has had in the quest for documenting it, like filming snow leopards in Kyrgyzstan, and searching for Harpy Eagles in Guyana, and what it's like to live his dream through this job.
/episode/index/show/specimenspod/id/19532696
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David Lindo - Urban Wildlife Educationalist
06/10/2021
David Lindo - Urban Wildlife Educationalist
In episode 018, Elle chats with David about his journey to becoming 'The Urban Birder', his birding adventures that have taken him across land and sea, and how to find connectivity in the natural world. He also offers advice on how to get into birding, and what to look for.
/episode/index/show/specimenspod/id/19204226