So… it’s mid-January now. I haven’t finished all the interviews yet, but we’re getting close. I have to say I’ve been both overwhelmed and completely impressed with the caliber (and number) of our candidates!
It was no surprise to hear that there are people out there who want to work with whales. Humpbacks have an almost irrational ability to inspire awe in the public, and in the minds of young biologists in particular. What was so exciting about your applications was how diverse and creative they were. Our applicants come from Illinois, Oregon, Rhode Island, Florida, California, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Vermont, Peru, Spain, Britain, Germany, Singapore, Australia, and Canada. They are students, graduates, and professionals. Freshman, sophomore, junior, seniors, master’s students, PhD students, and working ecologists.
I mentioned in some of our interviews, and likely on this website as well, that part of why this project is important to me is because of its potential to not only mitigate, but potentially prevent, negative interactions between humans and whales. I also mentioned, however, that this project is important to me because it is creates opportunities to bring enthusiastic individuals into the field where they can become scientists who work together toward a common goal- which is cumulatively bigger than ourselves.
So… what does happen next?
Logistically it is time to begin making choices. Hopefully within the next week we will begin contacting applicants and offering them positions with us this summer. As always it’s a bit of a tango between skill and schedules. It may take a week or two before our team sifts out, other opportunities may have emerged for you over the course of this application process. If that’s the case, no worries. But if I offer you a spot and you think you can’t take it? Give me a heads up! There’s someone else- a talented, willing, someone else- who wants to fill that spot.
If you have any last-minute questions let me know! Now’s the time to get anything off your chest you may be worried about, thrilled about, or confused about. As always, feel free to contact me at absolutely any time.
Many thanks to all of you!
Miche
TheRapunzelProject@gmail.com
The Alaska Whale Foundation's Rapunzel Project 