Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler)'s Avatar

Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler)

@fancyscientist

Wildlife biologist 🐘 Career MentorπŸ‘©β€πŸŽ“ Communicator πŸ‘₯ | Showing animal lovers how to get their dream job✨ | Connecting people with nature for conservation 🌿 and community πŸ™οΈ

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26.11.2024
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Latest posts by Stephanie Manka, Ph.D. (formerly Schutler) @fancyscientist

Why I Left Wildlife Research to Build My Own Career: Interview with ME! Dr. Stephanie Manka
Why I Left Wildlife Research to Build My Own Career: Interview with ME! Dr. Stephanie Manka YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

Ever wondered how a wildlife biologist turns into a business owner and science communicator? 🌿✨ Learn about my unconventional career path and tips for wildlife career success in the latest episode of the Fancy Scientist podcast!

youtu.be/WzAhLmhkLXE

22.02.2026 21:42 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Animals Everywhere Free LIVE Training Hi! I’m Dr. Stephanie Manka I'm a wildlife biologist with nearly 20 years of experience in the field. I've collaborated with K-12 educators for nearly a decade to create engaging ST...

🚨 Attention parents & educators! 🐾 Ready to learn the 7 essential elements to foster your child’s passion for animals πŸ¦‹ that allow them to return to nature 🌿 and cultivate critical life skills?

There's one more free training πŸŽ“ that you can get in on today!

stephanieschuttler.com/animals-ever...

12.02.2026 15:30 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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I'm writing an article about the dire wolf de-extinction for A-Z Animals and am looking to talk to a wolf biologist. If you are interested or know anyone who would be a good fit, please comment below. We get 2.2 million active users per month!

16.01.2026 21:05 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Patrick Raney of Ducks Unlimited says, "There are a lot of ways to contribute to wildlife conservation" when it comes to careers. If you are struggling to get a job, find your place, or want to make more $, make sure to listen to Fancy Scientist podcast 142.

stephanieschuttler.com/142-patrick-...

15.12.2025 01:09 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Animal Behavior in Your Backyard: Learn with Squirrels! 🐿️ | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Animal Behavior in Your Backyard: Learn with Squirrels! 🐿️ | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

Your backyard is a classroom πŸŒΏπŸ” Squirrels are everywhere, but scientists still have big questions, and kids can help answer these with simple observations. In the latest Wildlife Biology For Kids Club, learn about animal behavior with SQUIRRELS 🐿️πŸŽ₯

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFEk...

01.12.2025 23:43 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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How to Spot Rutting Deer in Indiana This Fall White-tailed deer rut is a mating ritual that takes place every fall in Indiana, but it's not easy to observe. Here's what you need to know.

White-tailed Deer all across Indiana (and beyond!) are in their annual rut. Can you watch rut? How would you do this? I answered these questions & more thanks to Joe Caudell, at the Indiana DNR in my latest A-Z Animals article.

a-z-animals.com/articles/how...

Have you ever seen rut?

01.12.2025 15:31 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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How do trees prepare for winter? πŸŒ³β„οΈ They lose their leaves! 🍁 It's already snowing here, but we still have some leaves on our trees, and I have a bunch to rake up underneath the snow. πŸ‚ But I will NOT be putting them in the garbage πŸš«πŸ—‘οΈ:
Watch now: youtu.be/ZZklhpntVZk

01.12.2025 00:50 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Wild Things 2026 Volunteer Interest Form Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Wild Things 2026 Conference! Your support keeps this incredible conference running smoothly. Please fill out the form below of the tasks and areas ...

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

If you decide to go, drop an emoji or comment, and I'll add you to a list to host an in-person meet-up. Who's in?

29.11.2025 16:16 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Wild Things 2026 Marla is the Director of Liebman Institute for Science Innovation on the campus of McHenry County College and is the author ofΒ Damselflies of Chicagoland.

Last year I went to the Wild Things conference and LOVED it. It's going to be close to St. Louis this year and if you want to attend for free, sign up to volunteer. Info below:

wildthingscommunity.org

29.11.2025 16:16 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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LinkedIn is for business, right? Wrong! LinkedIn can do wonders for your wildlife careerπŸΎπŸ’š. On Fancy Scientist podcast 142, Patrick Raney, Ph.D. AKA the "LinkedIn Guy" explains how you can use this platform for conservation & wildlife work.

Full episode here: stephanieschuttler.com/142-patrick-...

21.11.2025 02:52 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Fancy Scientist Podcast #143: Observations | Wildlife Biology for Kids Club Learn my 5 BEST and super easy tips to maximize your bird life list. That is, the number of bird species you see over your life...

How often do you look πŸ‘€, but not see? In the latest Fancy Scientist podcast, I feature a Wildlife Biology for Kids Club video (my 1st one!), which gives you tips to OBSERVE like a scientist. πŸ”¬πŸ‘©β€πŸ”¬ Are you really paying attention? 🧐 Listen to find out: 🎧 stephanieschuttler.com/143-observe-...

14.11.2025 13:28 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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"What if I told you that there were like DOZENS of engineering firms right here in Syracuse that are looking for people with your skill sets?" I had to have Patrick Raney on the podcast to tell me more about this.

stephanieschuttler.com/142-patrick-...

12.11.2025 03:02 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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These Are the Most Venomous Snakes in North Carolina There are six species of venomous snakes in North Carolina, each with unique features and interesting behaviors.

I was lucky (yes, lucky!) to live alongside venomous snakes, like copperheads, for years in North Carolina. Venomous snakes are demonized, and my goal with my latest A-Z Animals article was to show off how amazing these animals truly are.

a-z-animals.com/articles/the...

11.11.2025 04:03 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
White-tailed Deer Biology White-tailed deer in Indiana, including food habits, family life, habitat and population from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife

It never ceases to amaze me how much our wildlife populations have changed over time & how resilient some species can be. I'm writing an article about deer in Indiana, a highly abundant species, but in the late 1800, they were extirpated and had to be reintroduced. www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and...

09.11.2025 16:58 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Fall Leaf Science & How Leaves Help Animals 🐿️ Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Fall Leaf Science & How Leaves Help Animals 🐿️ Wildlife Biology for Kids Club YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

Now is the perfect time to be a scientist and track phenology with changing leaf color using BudBurst🌈🍁. Watch the latest Wildlife Biology for Kids Club video to learn how. Designed for kids, but applicable to everyone!

youtu.be/ZZklhpntVZk

04.11.2025 02:41 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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When you join the Wildlife Biology for Kids Club, you’ll get the downloadable worksheets, step-by-step instructions, as well as a leaf scavenger hunt to find all of the colors in the canopy. Here’s a sneak peek! Join me in making a difference for our wildlife!
stephanieschuttler.com/wildlife-bio...

02.11.2025 23:27 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Fall Leaf Science & How Leaves Help Animals 🐿️ Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Fall Leaf Science & How Leaves Help Animals 🐿️ Wildlife Biology for Kids Club YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

Leaves are falling πŸ‚β€” but don’t toss them! Those leaves help frogs 🐸, salamanders 🦎, turtles 🐒, butterflies πŸ¦‹ & more survive the winter.

In my new Wildlife Biology for Kids Club video, we explore fall leaf science 🍁 + how to help wildlife at home 🏑🐾.

youtu.be/ZZklhpntVZk

02.11.2025 23:24 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
Fall Leaf Science & How Leaves Help Animals 🐿️ Wildlife Biology for Kids Club
Fall Leaf Science & How Leaves Help Animals 🐿️ Wildlife Biology for Kids Club YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

πŸ’πŸ¦‹ Protect local wildlife by leaving leaves. Learn why this simple action makes a big difference! In the latest Wildlife Biology for Kids Club video, I explain how, as well as teach you the science behind leaves changing colors & falling off: youtu.be/ZZklhpntVZk

01.11.2025 22:47 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Can IVF save the northern white rhino from extinction? β€” October’s best science images The month’s sharpest science shots, selected by Nature’s photo team.

Some truly amazing images here. The best ones all feature animals πŸ˜€ www.nature.com/immersive/d4...

01.11.2025 02:22 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

And he will normalize it like he always does, bringing us closer to that reality. Liberals need to have their own activating messaging that people in the MIDDLE can get behind. They want someone to fight FOR THEM.

19.10.2025 14:53 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Liberals still haven't learned their lessons with messaging. I am all for the IDEA of "No Kings," but when you use negative messaging, you aren't fighting FOR anything, and you are activating the word "King," which Trump actually likes, so now he is tweeting AI videos of him as a king.

19.10.2025 14:53 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

And he will normalize it like he always does. Liberals need to have their own activating messaging that people in the MIDDLE can get behind. They want someone to fight FOR THEM.

19.10.2025 14:39 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Can you provide your evidence? It’s a society of scientists so a very credible source

10.10.2025 13:29 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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If You’re Thirsty, They’re Thirsty: Make a Simple Water Source To Support Pollinators Even a humble puddle can make a big impact for your backyard wildlife. Learn how to make one that fits your space.

Xerces society disagrees with you…. www.xerces.org/blog/if-your...

08.10.2025 15:26 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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You know you’re not like most girls when you find a bug in your house and your first thought is β€œwhat kind?” And then proceed to take a photo of it for community science.

08.10.2025 15:24 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Common Animal Confusions, Solved by Experts Are buffalo and bison the same? How can you tell a toad from a frog? This article clears up confusion on mixed-up groups of animals.

Are dolphins & porpoises just different words for the same kinds of animals? Are bison and buffalo okay to use interchangeably? Are there really any differences between frogs and toads?

My latest article clears up the confusion surrounding mixed-up animal groups.

a-z-animals.com/articles/com...

07.10.2025 02:02 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Becoming a Wildlife Professional Free 3 Part Training!
Becoming a Wildlife Professional Free 3 Part Training! YouTube video by Fancy Scientist

Wondering if the Becoming a Wildlife Professional series is right for you? Watch this...plus, remember, it's free!

youtu.be/4C6EhHFSkT0

Enroll here: stephanieschuttler.com/3-pillars-to...

06.10.2025 13:57 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

No, actually hazmat suit! I forgot that part πŸ˜‚

06.10.2025 13:57 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

According to stock images, ecology in practice looks like touching a lot of leaves (usually in a monoculture), looking at nature with a magnifying glass, and/or taking water samples 🀨

04.10.2025 18:06 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Wow, Chicago has its own? I know there is a lot of variation within garter snakes and there are a lot of subspecies, but wow!

02.10.2025 19:57 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0