Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted)

Who is GrrlScientist?

"GrrlScientist" is the blog pseudonym for a female evolutionary biologist/ornithologist and freelance science and nature writer who lives in New York City.

I have spent my entire life living with and caring for a variety of animals, ranging from common household pets and "farm" animals to racehorses, exotic animals and especially birds. I have bred, trained and hand-fed parrots and rehabbed other birds for most of my life. Inspired by my love for and knowledge of birds and evolutionary biology, combined with my skills in molecular biology, I pursued the evolution and biogeography of birds as my career. After finishing a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology (with a focus on Virology), a PhD in Zoology (my specialty was Ornithology) and a 2 year postdoc (reconstructing a molecular phylogeny of parrots of the South Pacific Islands), and several adjunct professorships in the sciences followed by years of un(der)employment, I am still trying to find a job in research science or academics. Unfortunately, this is more difficult than it appears. As a result, I have been struggling for years to make ends meet by doing a variety of odd jobs. If you have a real paying job available for a molecular evolutionist/ornithologist or for a science, nature or medical writer or editor (APA, CMS or MLA), please let me know!

I am proud to note that my expertise and lifelong experience with animals, especially the care, training and behavior of parrots and other birds, has resulted in quite a few freelance and consulting positions involving the proper care and husbandry for a wide variety of animals. Additionally, because I've written my blog since 4 August 2004, I have shared my experiences by consulting with nonprofit organizations, strategizing how to use a blog for community outreach and for educational purposes as well as for enhancing fund-raising efforts. I am also available for guest lectureships and speakerships or other public appearances (contact me for a list of previous appearances). I am eager to correspond with those who have scientific papers they wish me to "translate" for the public on my blog, as well as publishers who have books that they wish me to review (you can read my archived book reviews to learn more about the types of books that I have reviewed in the past). All that said, I am always interested to hear your ideas for how I can help you meet your needs while you help me meet my needs (rent, food and other basics, and healthcare).

If you wish to know more about me, what I have done in the past and what I can do for you in the future, read this interview.