PERSONAL INTERPRETATION
Personal environmental interpretation is any manner of thematic, goal-oriented science communication that involves direct contact with the audience. This includes everything from guided tours to public programs. For the purposes of organization, in this section I also include academic endeavors such as presentations of research to professional audiences and classroom teaching done under a graduate assistantship.
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Teaching
As a graduate student funded by a teaching assistantship, I have had the chance to gain valuable classroom experience. In this position, I have led labs for two natural science courses at the college level- "Diversity of Life II" and "General Ecology." This involved giving lectures on lab curriculum, demonstrating lab and field exercises, grading and offering feedback on reports and exams, and providing hands-on guidance to students. Not only did this require me to put my own past teachings into use, but to constantly be open to learning new things for, and from, my students. These experiences have been beneficial in improving my ability to communicate ecological concepts, and as public speaking practice.
SUNY-ESF General Ecology students sampling a streambed for macroinvertebrates.
I have also assisted with two classes at a nature summer camp - a one-week photography course for grades 5-7 where I was a teacher's aide, and multiple runs of a day-long insect course for K-2 that I co-taught. I acted as a guest teacher for portions of two other elementary-level camp classes, one on pond life and another on pollinators. This was all great fun, and I got to work with kids of many age groups and share my passion for the natural world. I look forward to returning to this position in the future when time allows.
Beaver Brook nature photography course.
Workshops & Tabling
I have thoroughly enjoyed the workshops I have given. The focal topic has usually been pollinator conservation. These workshops have taught members of the public and teachers how to garden with native plants and build bee hotels by hand, accompanied by a lecture on native bee ecology. While in outreach positions, I have also given public drop-in mini-workshops on raptor identification, tidepool ecology, and pollinators (with a few live bees!). I hope to host a pollinator ID workshop in the future. Tabling has also been an effective way for me to reach the public about pollinator conservation, and is something I would like to pursue at more community events.
In-situ Interpretation (The Roving Naturalist)
Much of my outreach experience has come from informal interactions. My primary role at the Cape May Bird Observatory was as an interpretive naturalist, where I greeted, oriented, and interpreted to an estimated 20,000 visitors. This involved pointing out raptors, warblers, and seabirds on the wing, teaching families how to watch birds, and answering a wide array of questions. With USFWS, a large chunk of my duties while monitoring threatened shorebirds was to engage with landowners and beachgoers about our management activities. This often required diplomacy, since our fences and signs restricted certain parts of the beach. Even during fieldwork, I always have to be ready when members of the public ask why I am running around in the mud with a net!
© Vince Elias
While a part of the UNH Bee Lab, I assisted with several Bioblitzes. These are day-long biodiversity surveys done largely by citizen volunteers. They are meant to bring the public closer to nature and science, as well as accumulate valuable data for a location, taxon, or organization. I have held both participant and leader roles, which includes leading walks, interpreting, and teaching families how to collect data. These are incredibly fun and useful for science, so I hope to do more in the future.
Guided Walks & Tours
I began giving guided tours as a student at UNH on Accepted Students Day. I brought families with students entering my academic major around the university and residence halls, including Q&A sessions and 1-on-1 lunches. I also led a farm tour about pollinators for university stakeholders and board members. I have led many public birdwatching walks, aimed at all ages and skill levels; while some of these have been during my work, others were held locally. I greatly enjoy sharing the places I love with others, so they may be inspired to visit them too.
Guest Lectures
I am frequently asked to give presentations and guest lectures on pollinators. These are sometimes combined with workshops, as stated above. They have been for a variety of audiences, from college students to local birding clubs. Topics are usually centered around bee ecology and conservation (including pollinator gardens), but I am capable of speaking on other nature-related topics.
Research Presentations
Explaining my research to New Hampshire governor Chris Sununu.
As a scientific researcher, I am required or invited to present my research often. While many times this is for an academic audience, such as conferences, I have also had the chance to speak to the public, NGOs, and legislators. As my graduate studies produce results, I plan to give many more presentations.
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I have been invited to present, both as a poster and oral talk, at the International Congress of Entomology in Helsinki, Finland, and the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in New Jersey. Due to COVID-19, these have been postponed. I still plan to attend next year.