Biology is a fairly broad section of science encompassing everything from the study of cells to cladistics as well as conservation and astronomy. Such a vast multitude of majors also entails a similarly large and varied array of pathways leading towards them. All Paths Lead to Biology is a series by the Broke Biologists delving into the stories of how biologists have arrived to where they are and what drives them.
In this volume: Michał Pawlik, inset, next to a hatchling in Costa Rica.
“There was a weird shift between when I finished my Bachelors and before I started my Masters.” explains biologist Michał Pawlik, a graduate from the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław, Poland, Mike had been expecting to return to his alma mater to undertake a Masters in Biology after a gap year of living and studying in Japan but administrative issues delayed his academic plans. Now facing several months of free time, the biologist decided to look for an internship overseas, settling with a six-month spell in Costa Rica facilitated by GVI.
After a brief return to Poland, Mike would pack his bags for a more tropical climate. Up until then he had never been exposed to conservation work, what it entailed or the impact it could have on not just local environments but also on him. “It was an eye-opening experience. I had always been in love with wildlife and animals, but living in a city you never actually get an idea of what wilderness is like. Costa Rica really opened up my eyes.” Now spending his time kayaking on rivers, leading beach clean-ups, monitoring sea turtles, and hiking through tropical rainforests spotting jaguar cubs, Mike’s perspectives began to change. “It all made me think about how secluded areas should be conserved and that wildlife should be protected. I started thinking about my legacy and how I wanted to know that I did good by nature and the planet.”
While still contemplating his scientific future, the biologist would have the opportunity to work at the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve for a couple months, where he helped with bird surveys and worked directly with researchers in the field. This latest experience would serve to cement Mike’s mind, “I liked the freedom that the Cloudbridge Reserve offered and the work we were doing, it pushed me towards doing a biodiversity masters instead of just general biology.” Returning home with a fresh perspective, Michał sought to capitalize on his field experience and searched for a new Masters course, eventually settling on one in the Netherlands focusing on Biodiversity and Sustainability.
Currently midway through his first year, Mike is more certain than ever in his decision to start a career in the conservation sector. While times are uncertain and he isn’t sure what the job market may look like by the time he graduates, he remains excited at the prospect of working towards protecting the environment, in whatever capacity that may be. Before the coronavirus pandemic ground the world to an impromptu halt, the twenty-six year old scientist was just days away from returning to Costa Rica and the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve, this time as a researcher investigating frog populations in naturally regrowing and replanted forests.
(Photo courtesy of Michał Pawlik; This article was originally published on the Broke Biologists)
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