Susan B. Adams, Marlene Farrell, Emily Imhoff, & Gina Piazza, WILD WORK

Freshwater ecologist Susan B. Adams visits the store alongside contributors Marlene Farrell, Emily Imhoff, and Gina Piazza to discuss Wild Work: Adventures of Women Field Biologists, edited by Susan B. Adams and Sophie A. H. Osborn. Wild Work is an inspiring and entertaining anthology that brings to light the often untold stories of women in wildlife science, featuring first-person accounts by dozens of adventurous field biologists.

Inspiring and entertaining stories of wildlife, wild places, and wild adventures by women field biologists

• More than 40 real-life adventure stories by 37 women field biologists
• Takes readers behind the scenes with wolves, condors, bats, bears, and other wild animals
• Highlights the important work of women in field science and wildlife conservation

Wild Work is an inspiring and entertaining anthology that brings to light the often untold stories of women in wildlife science. Featuring first-person accounts by dozens of adventurous field biologists, this collection immerses readers in the thrilling and compelling reality of studying and conserving fish and wildlife across the globe.

From playing tag with wolves or cuddling wild foxes to wading through rivers filled with venomous snakes or evading poachers, these women share stories of courage, curiosity, and resilience. Alongside the adrenaline and adventure, they reveal the delicate balancing act of juggling demanding fieldwork with family life, the lifelong friendships they forge in the wild, and the transformative power of connecting deeply with the natural world. They also bear witness to the fact that while women have been integral to fish and wildlife research for decades, their stories have rarely been represented in literature.

Perfect for aspiring biologists, nature and animal lovers, or anyone captivated by outdoor adventures, this anthology offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the extraordinary work, risks, and rewards experienced by people who dedicate their lives to understanding and protecting our planet’s wild inhabitants.

Susan (Susie) B. Adams is an internationally recognized freshwater ecologist with a PhD in biology and ecology from the University of Montana. As a senior scientist at a federal agency, she researches crayfish and fish ecology in freshwater ecosystems. She has presented her research on four continents and served as president of the International Association of Astacology (study of crayfish). An avid outdoor recreationist, she is committed to helping women find their places in science and the outdoors. Learn more at adamsecology.net.

Marlene Farrell serves as executive director of the nonprofit Sustainable NCW, educating, inspiring, and collaborating to help reduce her community’s carbon footprint through waste reduction, clean energy, and reduced vehicle miles traveled. Marlene loves glimpsing her wild neighbors while she runs, backpacks, Nordic skis, and sails with friends and family.

Emily Imhoff works throughout the Midwest for various state agencies, universities, and a natural history museum. She would not be who she is today (and would not have a favorite crayfish—Cambarus hubbsi) without the many remarkable mentors who shared their expertise and enthusiasm over the years. She hopes she can be even half as inspiring as they are.

Gina Piazza is a senior biologist based in the US, assisting with habitat protection and restoration projects. Her passion for observing animals in their natural environments has taken her from tracking cheetahs in Namibia’s savannas to counting thousands of albatross nests on Midway Atoll to spending time with silverback gorillas on the misty slopes of Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains.