Wildlife Vocalizations: Amy Carrozzino-Lyon

Mentorship has provided such an important influence in my education and early career, especially now, as I get the chance to serve as a mentor for students and colleagues.

I am lucky that I have supportive mentors in the wildlife management field who both championed and challenged me. I think a good mentor not only offers valuable advice, but also models the qualities and values they believe are important through their own actions.

One of my favorite takeaways through observing my mentors is to never stop learning. Learn about a new species, a new habitat or new ecological community, new technology or methods, new ways of thinking, and new geographies and cultures. Continue to challenge what you know and build on it.

Research provides an endless source of questions, many of which are critical to understanding our environment, economy and communities. Yet the fundamental aspect of engaging in research is that we don’t know all the answers, which can be incredibly inspiring and frustrating at the same time. One of the most important lessons I continue to learn in my professional and personal life is to embrace the uncertainty along with taking advantage of the opportunities.

Wildlife Vocalizations is a collection of short personal perspectives from people in the field of wildlife sciences. Learn more about Wildlife Vocalizations, and read other contributions.

Submit your story for Wildlife Vocalizations or nominate your peers and colleagues to encourage them to share their story.

For questions, please contact tws@wildlife.org.