rpo30

With peer review under threat and funding to NIH, NSF, and NASA's earth science division under constant fire, we need scientists in public office here in America now more than ever. Why don't they run and how can we change that?

Hi Dr. Rabinowitz,

Long time admirer of your work. I too was considered the dumb kid growing up and found solace in animals, and that appreciation has never left. I feel like I owe them something and I'd like to work in the field, be it conservation research or animal care.

I was an NIH-funded clinical research specialist w/ 13 yrs experience at UPenn and Pitt. The rug was pulled out from our industry when congress cut $2 billion in NIH research and I've had trouble finding regular work since, so now's as good a time as any to switch careers because I have literally nothing to lose in trying.

I'm a 36 yo fit and healthy Philadelphian, and will work for free since...well...I'm not making money consistently right now anyway. Any advice to get my foot in the door? Office work, field work, whatever...

I keep reading that reply over and over. "...faster and harder before my time is up. If the cats can fight, so can I." A gentle warrior. Respect.

I have your National Geographic documentary on DVD. You talk about a bad cancer scare. How did experiencing what you figured was an expiration date at the time affect your work? Did you find yourself cramming as much in as possible?

Some lady's declawed pet bobcat got loose near the Jersey shore last month and the media, neighbors and cops were acting like it was the Terminator. "My grandkids play around here!" Cops running around with guns, etc. .

It was infuriating because apparently not only are they unaware there's wild bobcat all over New Jersey and that they're harmless, but they're so harmless that biologists actually re-introduced them into New Jersey in the 1970's.

I'd never advocate taking a bobcat as a pet (much less declawing one) but the story reminds me just how under-educated the public is about predators and wildlife in general. The size and scope that people in your position have to educate the public is bigger than I thought.