Unexpected lessons learned from a zookeeper turned field ecologist

Entering the field of ecology as a graduate student with little background in the outdoors posed stumbling blocks that neither myself or my advisors initially anticipated. Assumptions surrounding ability and background experience, and lack of support to fill in knowledge gaps, can create barriers (if unintentional) to field ecology for advisees. I will offer my experience in navigating my own limitations, insight to those new to the field on identifying knowledge gaps and avenues of support to address them, and advice to their supervisors on avoiding assumptions of ability and supporting practical skill development in the next generation of ecologists.