The world is changing fast in the wildlife kingdom and we need to be able to help wildlife thrive in their natural habitat. We couldn’t do this without the help of wildlife biologist and zoologist. These professionals study the characteristics and behavior of animals – gaining a better understanding of how they interact with each other and their environments. Through breeding programs, informational presentations, and collecting and analyzing biological specimens, zoologists and wildlife biologists work on the front lines of the effort to preserve our planet’s biodiversity.
Did you know there are more than 10,000 different grape varieties? That means thousands of unique tastes, colors, and potential uses. Viticulturists are experts in the growing of grapes – working to ensure vineyards deliver the quality and quantity of grapes required to meet demand for beverage and food production. Often the head of operations, viticulturists are responsible for all portions of the grape growing process, including soil preparation, pest and disease control, irrigation and proper harvesting.
Veterinary pathologists diagnose diseases by going straight to the source—they examine animal tissues and body fluids. Veterinary pathology is divided into two branches: anatomical pathology (examination of organs, tissues and bodies) and clinical pathology (examination and urine and blood). This isn’t for the faint of heart—veterinary pathologists are the crux of sustaining animal health.
Centuries ago, ears of corn were less than an inch long and only produced about ten hard kernels that tasted like dry, raw potatoes. The corn we grow and eat today is 100 times larger, with about 800 sweet and juicy kernels. The evolution from a tiny, tasteless crop to a flavorful food staple is the work of plant geneticists. By selectively breeding crops based on desirable qualities – such as yield, flavor, size and nutrient value – plant geneticists improve and create new varieties of crops and plants.
A plant biologist knows plants and their life cycle better than they know themselves. They use that knowledge to maximize, protect and manage crops and agricultural plants and trees. Starting from the root—literally, with expertise in soil and pests—plant biologists research the perfect conditions for plants to thrive in. Because of their research, farmers make the most of their yearly crop to feed the world.
Ever wondered how DNA was discovered? That was the work of a molecular and cellular biologist! These scientists study cells’ interaction and their diverse functionality to discover what fuels and sustains life. Their research is applied across many areas—including genetically engineering new crops, applying DNA-based technology for animal breeding, addressing environmental health and so much more.
No detail is too small for a microbiologist; they’re experts on microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and algae. But they don’t stop at the nitty gritty—they take their knowledge of these microscopic creatures to see the bigger picture. With this greater understanding, microbiologists can change the world.
Have you ever seen a map displaying where influenza outbreaks are located during flu season? That’s the work of a bioinformatics scientist! Complex scientific research yields vast amounts of valuable data – but how is all that data managed and shared? Bioinformatics scientists design computer tools and databases for processing and analyzing the resulting data to ensure that the information obtained is able to be interpreted and shared, paving the way for new discoveries across the globe.
Computational biologists use data and experimentation to construct models of complex biological systems and processes—all with the intent to make new discoveries about how living things function. These scientists identify and challenge assumptions, innovate and test solutions, changing the way we understand the world around us.
Are you curious about the world around you and excel at solving problems using math and biology? You may have what it takes to be a biostatistician. A biostatistician is someone who uses mathematics and statistics to explore and solve problems in biology. They design experiments in the fields of agriculture, environment and human healthcare to solve problems that will make life better for us all.
