We all know that climate change has a profound impact on Arctic Wildlife and biodiversity which ultimately impacts the whole planet’s health in a myriad of ways.
Shivangi Mishra, PostDoctoral Researcher at the Arctic Institute of North America, University of Calgary (Canada), is a Transdisciplinary researcher who works with different stakeholders to address the needs for the conservation and management of Arctic Wildlife and biodiversity.
Shivangi talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about one of her most memorable experiences at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Cambridge Bay, where she interacted with Indigenous communities from the Arctic without knowing their language.
For students, don’t strive to be better than others, instead focus on doing something different yet worthy !
Shivangi, can you share your background with our young readers?
I pursued Biology in my class 12, followed by a BSc Zoology, Botany and Chemistry and then Masters in Zoology. My parents are well-educated. My mother is a retired Project Officer at the Education Department and my father is an Advocate at the High court ( PhD in psychology from Banaras Hindu University).
What did you do for graduation/ post-graduation?
As answered above, I did a BSc Zoology, Botany and Chemistry and then Masters in Zoology.I also did a PhD in Zoology
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and cool career in Conservation Biology?
I have been told by many of my childhood friends that I always do my work in a very different and special way compared to others.
But like every biology student, I also once thought that I would try for MBBS, and other medical opportunities because at that time it was an obvious fact that if you do 12th with Biology you have to appear in medical exams and that’s it…!
Though I secured good marks, I didn’t get admission in government colleges. I didn’t want to let my parents suffer because of the high fee of private colleges. Many of my friends and classmates used to wonder what I am going to do now and this and that? When I told them I was going to do a regular BSc in Zoology, Botany and Chemistry, many of them took it negatively and said that doing a BSc is a very below-normal thing to do. But I didn’t care about those negative remarks. I was happy that I was doing something different from the crowd and not doing something which could burden my parents. I did my complete education with minimal fees from the University of Lucknow.
I have been a proud alumnus of Lucknow University since 2009 and I feel no regret in pursuing Zoology. Going ahead with this, I am now in the position which everyone dreams of…!
I have always wanted to do something different yet worthy, so I opted for this career. This is my dream career!
Tell us about your career path.
My highest degree is PhD in Zoology from the Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow. Here, I worked on globally endangered Egyptian Vultures in Uttar Pradesh, India.
During my PhD, my abstract got selected and I got an opportunity to present my research work at the Annual Conference of Raptor Research Foundation, USA held at Kruger National Park, South Africa. It was my first international exposure, and I got the “William C Andersen Award” for the best poster presentation there. In 2019, I was selected for a travel grant to the USA and was awarded with the “James Koplin Award”. Then in 2020, I got selected for the “Wings to Fly Award” to travel to the USA but due to COVID restrictions, I presented virtually.
I have been an active member of Raptor Research Foundation, USA since 2018 and now I am an Early Career Raptor Researcher there. I keep travelling to the USA for meetings and conferences now.
In my first job, I worked as an Assistant Professor of Zoology at JECRC University, Jaipur. Though I love teaching, and my students still miss me as a good teacher, I did not get an environment to pursue my research interests there. So, I started actively looking for Postdoctoral opportunities. I have applied to several foreign Universities, but got shortlisted first at the Arctic Institute of North America and have given my first interview and I got this with Hanuman ji’s blessings!
How did you get your first break?
First break as in? I worked hard and with dedication and I have got everything with Hanuman ji’s blessings!
As mentioned, I was actively looking for Postdoctoral opportunities and during that phase, my husband supported me a lot. He also searched at websites of different universities and then he saw this position and asked me to apply for this. He always had that trust and faith in me and his belief made it happen. I have been a very confident person since my childhood, but I had no idea that I would get this prestigious position. I always used to think that it was highly competitive and without any reference or recommendation from someone, I wouldn’t get it, but my husband always believed in me, and he used to say that I am the best ☺ .
When I had my interview on Zoom, I had a long talk with my current Supervisor and Co-supervisor, and I have always imagined working with people like them. It is just like a dream job. My team at the Arctic Institute of North America is just amazing. I feel so much appreciated and heard here. They make me feel valued.
I know we all get paid for our job, but letting someone know their presence is having an impact on you and your organization can make a big difference. It is so much a psychologically safe environment that I can’t express it in a few words.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenges are always there, but I won’t talk about those challenges negatively as they made me a stronger person.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I am working at the Arctic Institute of North America, University of Calgary where I can work with a free mind and can breathe and think more.
The Arctic Genomics team is working to co-develop a suite of genomics knowledge-mobilization tools that will support environmental decision-making. Our focus is on supporting end-users with responsibilities or interests in the areas of biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and the co-management of wildlife that are key to the social, cultural, physical, and economic well-being of northern Indigenous Peoples.
Our project activities and outcomes will support conservation, natural resource management, and the sustainability of Arctic wildlife. Outcomes will also support Canada’s efforts to protect Arctic species and ensure food security for Arctic People.
I am a Transdisciplinary researcher and doing trans-disciplinary research in which I engage different stakeholders in significant ways, rather than just collecting the data. I work to inform the stakeholders to address the needs for the conservation and management of Arctic Wildlife and biodiversity.
I love everything about this job. Most important is the freedom which I am getting here. It gives you strength and more energy to work productively.
How does your work benefit society?
It is about the conservation of Arctic Wildlife and biodiversity and the food security of Indigenous people in the Arctic. Therefore, it is very important.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
Working for Mother Nature always gives me satisfaction and I feel content about my work. Everyone is trying to utilize nature and natural resources, but I feel blessed to be a part of a few people who are doing something for Mother Nature.
We know that climate change has profound impacts on Arctic Wildlife and biodiversity which ultimately impacts the whole planet’s health and has direct impacts on the local communities living in the Arctic.
The most memorable time I had during my current role was at High Arctic in January 2024 when we went to organize a workshop at Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Cambridge Bay and organized a Muskoxen workshop where we invited the elders from the Indigenous communities, and I interacted with them without knowing their language. I found that it is the language of love that connects all living beings and with love and compassion, everything is possible.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Never follow others. Be the best version of yourself. Each one of us is unique and has our special qualities. Do take suggestions from experienced folks but always focus on your instinct instead of just blindly following others. Everyone’s definition of success is different but what makes you feel content is what matters.
Future Plans?
I would love to continue working in my field. I wish the future generation would come forward and take stewardship to think and work about Biodiversity and Wildlife conservation as there is no planet B.