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.
Veterinary technicians use a keen attention to detail to provide animals with the best possible care. From private clinics to animal hospitals to research facilities, veterinary technicians are crucial in both emergency and day-to-day care of animals.
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.
Veterinarians are the animal experts—from pets to livestock. And their deep knowledge stems from research and development; they understand the whole animal. They use this expertise to diagnose, treat and research diseases and sustain animal life for years to come.
Precision agriculture technicians use technology to be more precise and controlled when it comes to agriculture. From GPS to satellite, their perspective is key to creating better food—and more of it. Thanks to their tech-savviness, crop and livestock production becomes a more sustainable practice.
Our water supply is, well, less than infinite—and hydrologists are our go-to scientists and activists for conserving it. Their passion for protecting this limited resource, combined with their deep understanding of how water circulates above- and underground, paves the way for more innovative solutions to the evolving environmental, agricultural and societal needs. But it’s not just about water conversation; hydrologists help humans adapt to its unpredictability for a more harmonious coexistence.
The focus of an entomologist’s work can take them anywhere in the world as an expert in one main thing: insects. Entomologists study everything about insects from their classification to their behavior, life cycle, distribution and so on. A boundless and versatile career, entomologists work as researchers, teachers and consultants—for universities, private companies or government agencies. Where bugs go, entomologists follow; their impact is truly global.
When the environment is under attack, so is the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil we use to grow our crops. Environmental scientists investigate potential environmental threats and create plans to prevent and fix them. They investigate issues like mysterious frog deformities and death of livestock due to soil contamination. As experts in natural science, they have the responsibility to act both as environmental advisors and advocates to companies and governments.
Modern industries provide us with convenience and comfort—but unfortunately there is potential for dangerous waste and pollutants as well. When these pollutants endanger the quality of our air, soil and water, environmental engineers strive to solve these pressing issues and improve conditions. They work to advance issues like waste disposal, unsafe drinking water, recycling and sustainability.
The United States is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. We enjoy a variety of different ecosystems and benefit from their natural resources—but do you ever wonder what might happen if these resources were depleted? Conservation scientists fight to ensure this never happens. They work with landowners, governments and farmers to protect and preserve natural environments while finding new ways to improve them.
Feeding 8-billion people is no easy feat – and as the global population approaches this threshold, the demand for food and agricultural products only continues to increase. Agriculture technician support improved farm efficiency, productivity and sustainability by conducting experiments and coordinating the operation of farming fields. Agriculture technicians are problem solvers – they set up and maintain lab equipment, collect crop and/or animal samples, record data, research and analyze findings. To address the ongoing challenges both locally and globally, agricultural technicians’ ongoing research and implementation is critical.
We live on a truly miraculous planet – the perfect combination of breathable air, liquid water and the only known home to living organisms. Biologists study Earth’s life in all its forms, from bacteria to horses and everything in between. They seek to understand how living things came to exist, how they function, what they do, and how they’re impacted by external factors. Because of biologists, we have a better understanding of the planet we call home.
Biological technicians are the glue that holds the lab together. Acting as assistants to scientists and biologists, they carry out a variety of tasks – preparing specimens, assisting with experiments and compiling data.
How can we grow crops that resist disease, withstand droughts or yield larger produce? Bioengineers solve issues like these by enhancing or augmenting biological processes. This may mean working to develop a transgenic papaya that resists the ringspot virus, a strain of cotton plant that is able to tolerate herbicides or a type of popcorn that produces more kernels. In this way, bioengineers help improve the productivity of crops used for food, fiber and fuel.
The existence of water, and the life that it supports, makes our planet unique. Aquatic scientists often work in interdisciplinary teams to conduct research that monitors and studies the overall health and behavior of both plant and animal life in aquatic ecosystems. This research often uncovers exciting discoveries the pull back the curtain on many unknowns about life under that water’s surface. By understanding aquatic life, aquatic scientists are able to preserve our vital resources for generations to come.
If you are solutions-focused with a passion for animals, a career as an animal scientist could be a great fit for you. They research genetics, nutrition, growth, development and reproduction of domestic livestock and companion animals to better animal quality of life and well-being.
If you have a passion for animals and a love for science, then an animal nutritionist may be the perfect career for you. Animal nutritionists spend their time analyzing behavior and growth of all species of animals to make decisions about their health and wellbeing. They provide producers and/or animal caretakers with feeding recommendations that will increase the quality of life for all animals.
As animals’ lives improve, so does human quality of life, and the availability of nutritious food on our tables. Animal geneticists work to determine which traits are most desirable – such as greater resistance to disease, or higher milk output – then help to promote those traits through breeding programs.
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