Herpetology?

[msubigdawg]

Hi, I am a Biology Major at Troy State University in Alabama. I want to become a herpetologist and hopefully one day get a job at a zoo workin with herps. I was wondering if anyone could tell me the best way to go about it. Should I change schools or finish with just a biology degree and go to grad school somewhere or what. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[spidergecko]

I can give you a little advice based my own experience. This is all my opinion, btw. A BSc. in biology doesn't get you much in the zoology field. Most of it is human biology based. You need to go beyond a BSc. so that you can at least ensure a position in research. If I were you, I would finish the degree with a slant on herpetology and animal biology (to get husbandry knowledge) with a little vet med, then find a school that will offer you a post grad in some kind of herpetology. Pretty much anything you do in undergrad is redundant as long as you get good grads and the profs like you enough to recommend you. However, one of my profs told me the biggest mistake he ever made was getting his Ph.D. He said so many doors closed for him.

You also need to know what you want to do with herpetology. One of my professors studied limb regeneration in axolotls. Another did something with turtles. A friend of mine helped him with his research as a volunteer (mostly feeding them and stuff). You might try asking about that. I did a lit review on sex-determination in turtles. I didn't do very well ;)

One other thing, zoos can often be nepotistic. You might find that the zoo you want to join would rather hire the son-in-law of the Duck keeper than you - even though you have more knowledge. IMO, private breeder are much further advanced in breeding technology than zoos are (but I may be wrong).

[latazyo]

I too am a ibology major

have you considered a zoology major...does your campus offer that?

[msubigdawg]

Thank you for the information. O and no they dont have zoology so I think I may unfortunetly have to transfer to maybe Florida or Georgia to go to school.

[Holy Mackerel]

I obtained my BSc in biology as well. Throughout my years I volunteered in a number of labs including studying effects of pollutants on chlydrid development, care of our herpetology teaching collection, and was a teaching assistant for the herpetology class. While all these things were great, grades is definatly the limiting factor. These experiences allowed me to meet a number of potential masters advisors opening doors for me as you pick up many research ideas, but high grades will get you grant money, which is more or less a gaurentee for research in your field of choice.

Your school doesn't offer herpetology the class, but do any of your biology profs study herps at any level other than ecologically? (ex/ molecular?). I suggest you get some expereince in the field to build up your resume. Some jobs require extensive experience, while others do not.

Also remember, herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. If your looking for a job keeping the animals at a zoo, you may not need the the same resume as you would to do research.

But if reseach is potentially in your scope, be thankfull that you live in the states, the oppertunities are far greater for herpetologist there, than here in Canada.

Best of luck.

[Matt]

holy mackererl, did you TA the herp class @ guelph? i took the class in 2002 and did some volunteering myself

[Yness]

sigh
they have 1 herp class at the U of Manitoba...and it is only on every second year...If i want to study fish and birds than the zoology courses here are for me...my back up plan is to do a zoology degree so I may have to transfer schools in order to do it which means lil ol me has to move out of lil ol winnipeg and to a big city...frightening

[Holy Mackerel]

Matt, I did actually T.A. the course in Guelph. It was during the 2003 semester.

Interestinly enough, I was also in the 2002 class. I gave the presentation on venom types/properties.

Steve.

[rangersreptiles]

Hi everyone,
I really need to get my son to read all of this. He is 15 and wants to go to Guelph and the more information he has the better off he is going to be. Mike you might have done better if you did a study on sexing juvie AFT's :) Man they are hard to sex.

Nadia

[Matt]

wow, thats quite a coincidence...since the presenations were in smaller groups i guess i wasnt there for yours (too bad)....mine was on sexual dimorphism in snakes

[Jeff Hathaway]

Hey fellow Guelphites!!

msubigdawg, you've been given some good advice here. I'll emphasize- get experience! If no one at the school is working on anything that interests you, try contacting people at other schools. You may not be their student, but they might be interested in volunteer help in the field (or lab). Also, contact wildlife centres, parks, private educational programs, and perhaps even ecological consultants to see if there is anything happening that you could get involved in. Of course, it is great if you can find a paid position at any of these places, but if not, volunteer, gain some experience, and also make some connections! Such connections may be able to recommend you for jobs later, or at least tell you when positions open up so you can apply. They can also give you good advice that is more relevant to the local situation as far as careers, etc.

Good luck,

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!