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How NASA and Biology Collide: Insights from Barbara Sobhani
Read more…: How NASA and Biology Collide: Insights from Barbara SobhaniFrom the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado to the craters of the moon, Barbara Sobhani is proof that conservation leadership knows no atmospheric bounds. In this episode, host Kevin Matteson sits down with Barbara—a Project Dragonfly AIP graduate, State Director for the NASA Colorado Space Grant Consortium, and a Master Birder—to discuss how studying life…
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Swapping Signs for Conversations: Zoo Education Reimagined
Read more…: Swapping Signs for Conversations: Zoo Education ReimaginedWhat happens when a zoo trade-off passive signs for authentic, one-on-one human connection? In this episode of Dragonfly Conversations, host Kevin Matteson talks with Dr. Claire Lannoye-Hall, Vice President of Education at the Detroit Zoo and a Project Dragonfly Global Field Program graduate. Claire shares her journey from “accidental” zoo educator to executive leader, detailing…
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Flipped Conversation: Urban Ecology and the “Pigeon Paradox” with Dr. Kevin Matteson
Read more…: Flipped Conversation: Urban Ecology and the “Pigeon Paradox” with Dr. Kevin MattesonIn a special “flipped” episode, Project Dragonfly’s own Dr. Kevin Matteson moves from the host’s chair to the guest’s seat. Interviewed by graduate student Aimee Kemp, Kevin shares his journey from the urban landscape of the Bronx to becoming a leading voice in urban ecology and pollinator conservation. 3 Key Takeaways The “Hidden Gem” Teaser Listen for Kevin’s…
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Homegrown Conservation: A Conversation with Doug Tallamy
Read more…: Homegrown Conservation: A Conversation with Doug TallamyThe “guru” of the native plant movement, Dr. Doug Tallamy, joins host Aimee Kemp to discuss a revolutionary idea: your backyard is the next great frontier for conservation. As a founder of Homegrown National Park, Tallamy argues that we can no longer rely solely on parks and preserves to save biodiversity; we must enlist the 78% of the U.S.…
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Leadership in the Tides: T’Noya Thompson on Conservation & Culture
Read more…: Leadership in the Tides: T’Noya Thompson on Conservation & CultureFrom the vibrant reefs of the Bahamas to the desert landscapes of Baja, T’Noya Thompson has transformed her lifelong love for the ocean into a career of deep impact. In this episode, host Kevin Matteson explores T’Noya’s journey from a zookeeper at Moody Gardens to becoming a PhD candidate, the owner of Wild Spark Consulting, and the first Wildlife…
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Why Conservation Needs a Human Touch: Lessons from Elephant Welfare
Read more…: Why Conservation Needs a Human Touch: Lessons from Elephant WelfareIn this episode, host Kevin Matteson talks with Dr. Michelle Szydlowski to explore the complex, often misunderstood world of elephant conservation in Nepal. They discuss “anthrozoology” and why saving animals isn’t just about biology—it’s about understanding the multiple species we share this world with. 3 Key Takeaways The Hidden Gem Near the end, Michelle discusses…
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Bridging Art and Conservation: From Digital Design to Diverse Disclosures
Read more…: Bridging Art and Conservation: From Digital Design to Diverse DisclosuresHow can a background in fashion and computer science lead to a career as a leading conservation illustrator? In this episode, Kevin Matteson sits down with Katy Tanis, an alumna of the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) and the creative force behind the Love in the Wild children’s book series. Katy shares her journey of “sneaking”…
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Breaking the Spiral of Silence: How to Talk Climate Without the Doom and Gloom
Read more…: Breaking the Spiral of Silence: How to Talk Climate Without the Doom and GloomWe’ve all been there: you want to talk about the environment, but the conversation feels like a one-way ticket to a “Sarah McLachlan commercial” level of sadness. You worry about being too political, too nerdy, or just plain depressing. In this episode, Kevin Matteson sits down with Kait Birghenthal, President and Project Coordinator for NNOCCI…
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Keeping the Five Alive: “Pragmatic Hope” for Rhinos
Read more…: Keeping the Five Alive: “Pragmatic Hope” for RhinosWhen you think of a rhino, do you see a prehistoric tank or a secretive, singing forest dweller? According to Martha Parker, Director of Grants & Partnership Development with the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), the answer is both—and they need our help now more than ever. In this episode, host Kevin Matteson catches up with…

