Science Heroes Home Page > Dr. David Shepherdson

Dr. David Shepherdson - Zoologist

OMSI: Where did you grow up?

DS: I grew up in the city of Bristol in England, UK

OMSI: As a child, did you have any hobbies, interests, or experiences that helped prepare you for success in science?

DS: I kept pets, watched birds, constructed mechanical models, fixed cars and read about science especially biology and natural history. The stories of Gerald Durrell founder of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust were a particular favorite, also Conrad Lorenz the father of animal behavior.

OMSI: Please tell us about a mentor or teacher who helped to inspire your interest in science.

DS: My parents are both scientists. My Mother in particular is a biologist and inspired me to wonder about the natural world.

OMSI: What is your dream? What do you most hope to accomplish in your career?

DS: Change peoples perceptions about animals and their needs so that they care for them better both in captivity (zoo, home, farm, laboratory) and in the wild (through conservation).

OMSI: How do you feel about the current state of science education in the U.S.?

DS: It could be a lot better. I wish that science were taught more from the perspective of exploring the world around us with the tools of science rather than learning facts about what has already been found out by scientists. Science is so much more about action, exploration and problem solving than memorizing facts.

OMSI: What do you like to do in your free time?

DS: I love to do challenging activities outdoors such as rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, white water kayaking, sea kayaking, mountain biking (sometimes racing), all kinds of skiing but particularly back country Telemark skiing. I also like to read take photographs and eat good food with my friends!

OMSI: As a student, did you participate in a science fair? If so, please tell us about your project, and your experience participating in the fair.

DS: Not really but I do remember a project that I did on frogs when I was about 12 years old.

OMSI: Who were the people you looked up to as heroes in your field?

DS: Early on Konrad Lorenze, Darwin. Later people like S.J. Gould, E.O. Wilson, Goodall.

OMSI: Do you have any advice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in science?

DS: Follow your interest and passion wherever they lead. Don't plan the direction of your career too early - be open to change and new directions. Be curious and talk to people!

OMSI: When did you realize that you wanted to be a biologist?

DS: Probably when I was about 8.

OMSI: Please tell us about your educational background.

DS: Private school followed by graduate degree in biology at a University in the UK (Sussex). Then I completed a Ph.D on the Behavioral Ecology of wild badgers.

OMSI: Please tell us about a project you're working on now.

DS: I am completing a study on the behavior polar bears in zoos. This is a study that involved 22 zoos which look after over 55 bears. I am trying to find out how different kinds of zoo exhibits and husbandry practices affect the behavior and well being of polar bears. I am also helping to restore butterflies to the coast of Oregon, Pond Turtles to the Columbia river and pygmy rabbits to Eastern Washington.

OMSI: How does the research / work you do effect people's everyday lives?

DS: Hmmm. Hopefully people will learn more about the needs of the animals around them and will use this knowledge to protect and conserve wildlife and to enjoy the world around them more.

OMSI: Does your work or research require you to travel?

DS: I travel quite a bit, mostly to meetings around the world to communicate with other people in my fields of interest and to conduct workshops and classes. I also do a small amount of field work.

OMSI: What do you like most about your work?

DS: Working on a wide variety of interesting issues linked to wildlife, wildlife conservation and science and working with passionate interesting colleagues to make things better for humans and for wildlife. I also love to communicate to others the fascination of science.

OMSI: Is there a scientific issue or topic outside of your immediate field that you are particularly interested in?

DS: Many! I am always interested (but with a low level of understanding) in the other world of sub atomic physics and relativity - who would not be? The theory of evolution is a great passion of mine - the greatest achievement of modern science!