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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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How to Ask Your Employer to Pay for Your Master’s Degree (with Email Templates)
Read more…: How to Ask Your Employer to Pay for Your Master’s Degree (with Email Templates)The Problem: The Daunting Financial Reality By Kevin Matteson You have finally found the perfect graduate program. You know that a master’s degree from Project Dragonfly will elevate your career, ignite your passion, and give you the tools to make a real environmental impact. But then you look at the tuition, and panic sets in.…
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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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Do You Have to Leave the Classroom to Become a Conservation Leader?
Read more…: Do You Have to Leave the Classroom to Become a Conservation Leader?By Kevin Matteson The Problem: The “All or Nothing” Conservation Myth You likely chose teaching for all the right reasons: you love kids, you enjoy being an active part of your community, and you possess a deep desire to give back. Because altruistic people naturally gravitate toward education, it’s no surprise that so many teachers…
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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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How to Turn Your Science Class into a “Choose Your Own Adventure”
Read more…: How to Turn Your Science Class into a “Choose Your Own Adventure”Imagine a high school science classroom where the teacher refuses to hand out a rubric. Where students roll a 20-sided die (D20) to see if they can get five extra minutes on a quiz. Where the curriculum isn’t a rigid checklist, but a quest driven by the students’ own curiosity. In this episode of Dragonfly…