Episode 48

Conversation with Corina Newsome, aka The Hood Naturalist

Published on: 3rd April, 2020

In this time of self-isolation and social-distancing, this time where we are inundated with numbers and figures every waking hour of the day, we wanted to take a break from our status-quo and do something a bit different. What we all need is a little connection, so this week we have a conversation. Just two people, me and the one and only Corina Newsome (aka the Hood Naturalist) chatting about conservation, #SciComm, breaking down barriers of exclusivity, birds, and being ones self (among other things!).

Corina Newsome is a graduate student studying biology with a focus on avian conservation. She has worked in the field of wildlife conservation for 8 years, first as a zookeeper specializing in animal training and environmental education, and currently as a field biologist working to conserve the MacGillivray's seaside sparrow. Having experienced the hurdles faced by people of color interested in wildlife careers, Corina has founded several programs to encourage high school students from underrepresented demographics to consider careers in wildlife sciences. Corina grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has always had a desire to participate in, and advocate for, the conservation of wildlife and natural spaces, and encourage people of color in the U.S. to explore the great outdoors.

After this week, we will be taking a short break. In part, this break is to allow for Richard to focus on his move to MN, but also because my wife and I are incredibly busy at home with the kids and teaching our high school students in the virtual realm. Rather than add to the chaos and distraction, I've made the rare-for-me decision to take something off of my plate. I want to focus on my family, as we all should in these times. Stay safe, stay healthy, and STAY HOME.

Remember, I have also started an initiative to connect science teachers like myself with families and students in need of additional support. Find more information at https://thewildlife.blog/skype-a-science-teacher/

Follow Corina on Twitter: @hood_naturalist

Follow Recommendations|

@Sternarchella Kory Evans PhD

@Astronaia Naia Butler-Craig

@SarahMackAttack Sarah MacAnulty PhD

@SkypeScientist

Book Recommendations|

A Season on the Wind: Inside the World of Spring Migration, by Kenn Kaufman

Superior: The Return of Race Science, by Angela Saini

Support the Show at Patreon.com/TheWildLife

Thank you to our supporters Brigid Fitzgerald, Matt Capelle, Andrea Lloyd, Megan Ghariani, and Chris Trankel

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About the Podcast

The Wild Life
A show about the wonder and wildness of life, following the threads that connect us to the natural world.
An optimistic, curiosity-chasing show about the wonder and wildness of life, following the threads that connect us to the natural world. The Wild Life is, always has been, and always will be a show about the diversity of life within the animal kingdom, but it's about more than that. It's about connections. It's about how the natural world inspires our culture, movies, and technologies. It's about the patterns that persist throughout not just life, but the universe itself. It's about us.
The Wild Life is a place for the curious, the adventurous, the hopeful, and the hopeless to discover the natural world through unique perspectives. Between the blog and podcasts, The Wild Life seeks to bring the traditional naturalist experience into the 21st century by merging immersive storytelling and foley art with technology and creative experiences. It’s an exploration of truth, common ground, and shared places as we attempt to fill each episode with wonder, connectedness, intrigue, and humor.

Thank you for being here.

Contact | hello@thewildlife.blog
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Devon Bowker