Updating my website is strangely inspiring

Today I updated the text on my website. The next step will be updating the website itself ☺. In updating the text I had to rethink where I stand as a scientist and to define my broader interests. I always find this fun. It is enjoyable to remember why I became a scientist and to see how my interests are evolving. It keeps me inspired as a researcher and also reminds me that my scientific skills are widely applicable in a world where the need to understand and apply scientific evidence to the global challenges (everything from biodiversity loss and climate change, to economic meltdowns and poverty) is increasingly apparent.

I believe in the importance of both fundamental research and the application of scientific knowledge to the problems of our time. I envision a world where research integrating across disciplines furthers our understanding of animal adaptations to their environment in the context of ecology, evolution, conservation and sustainability. And I still like thinking about humans and musing about how we are adapting to and changing our environment in the context of culture, ecology, evolution and sustainability.