Project Dragonfly

Picture an autonomous rover navigating the vast, rolling terrain of the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado. It pauses, drills a sand core, and analyzes the sample—just like it would on the surface of Mars. It sounds purely like rocket science, but for Barbra Sobhani, it’s intimately connected to protecting life right here on Earth.When Barbra—who holds degrees in physics and geology—decided to pursue a master’s in biology, her friends were confused. But as the state director for the NASA Colorado Space Grant program, an Audubon Master Birder, and a botanical illustrator, she knows that exploring extreme environments in space is one of the best ways to understand climate resilience at home. From launching student-built atmospheric sensors to ground-truthing satellite data with community classrooms, Barbra proves that conservation and aerospace are two sides of the same coin.Tune in to hear:The Astrobiology Connection: How sending bacteria up on high-altitude weather balloons helps us understand species survival.The Art of Observation: Why drawing Darwin's finches in the Galapagos can cement your connection to a species.The Lifelong Learner: Why it's never too late to pivot your career, head back to school, and connect with a brand new community.

Imagine a child opening a picture book to find a tiger, a sloth, and a zebra all sharing the same jungle floor. To most, it’s a colorful scene; to Katy Tanis, it’s a missed opportunity for "eco-literacy." Katy started by designing textiles for brands like Betsy Johnson, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that the animals on her fabrics deserved better representation.A graduate of Miami University’s Advanced Inquiry Program, Katy works to bridge the gap between "cute" and "correct." Whether she’s illustrating the real-life courtship rituals of same-sex animal pairs in her Love in the Wild series or debunking the myth that penguins and polar bears are neighbors, Katy proves that you don’t need to sacrifice style to teach science.Tune in to hear:-- The "Accuracy Gap" in Media: Katy highlights a significant lack of ecological literacy in children's products—from putting penguins in Scandinavia to calling chimpanzees "monkeys." She argues that if we don't accurately represent where animals live and how they behave, we undermine future conservation efforts.-- The Power of Stylized Science: You don't need a dry, botanical sketch to be accurate. Katy uses her fashion background to create vibrant, "trendy" art that serves as an entry point for kids (and adults) to learn about niche biodiversity, such as the LGBTQ+ behaviors observed across the animal kingdom.-- Diversity as a Hook: By showcasing the "rainbow" within animal families—like the many colors of bees or frogs—artists can break the "quintessential animal" mold and introduce the public to the 98% of species that usually get ignored by publishers.

Martha Parker grew up on 20 acres in rural New York, where a chance encounter with a displaced nest of baby bunnies sparked a lifelong obsession with wildlife. Today, she isn’t just saving rabbits; she is the Director of Grants & Partnership Development at the International Rhino Foundation, where she manages the complex "people work" required to save the world’s five remaining rhino species.From the "honeymoon paddocks" of Indonesia to the grasslands of India, Martha pulls back the curtain on the reality of modern conservation. It’s not all rugged jeeps and field binoculars—it’s about grant writing, human-centered design, and navigating the politics of shared spaces. Martha shares the enchanting (and loud) eating habits of the critically endangered Sumatran rhino and explains why, even in a world of habitat loss and poaching, she maintains a sense of "pragmatic hope." This episode is a masterclass in how individual passion can scale into global impact.Tune in to hear:-- The "Pizza Slice" Strategy: How semi-wild sanctuaries are saving species that are too shy to find their own mates.-- The "Singing" Rhino: A description of the unique, endearing vocalizations of the world’s smallest rhino. Hear their songs here:https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2706939102756892-- The Resilience of the "Native Garden": How a frost in Florida serves as a powerful metaphor for the future of conservation.

By the time he was an adult, he had visited 150 different zoos and aquariums. He wasn’t a rugged outdoorsy kid camping in the woods; he was a child fascinated by the glass walls that allowed him to see into other worlds. For Grayson Ponti, nature wasn’t just a place to visit—it was a puzzle to understand, both biologically and socially.Today, Grayson is using that lifelong passion to challenge how conservation organizations welcome the public. As the founder of ZANE (Zoos and Aquariums for a Neurodiverse Ecosystem), he argues that true inclusivity goes beyond putting a "sensory friendly" sticker on the door. He joins Kevin to discuss how his background in English—not biology—helped him build a movement that celebrates neurodivergent strengths in the workplace and the wild.Tune in to hear:-- Why the "Golden Rule" is actually a bad framework for inclusivity.-- The concept of "Safe but Uncomfortable" and why it matters in field work.-- Why we should stop saying "Human-Wildlife Conflict" and start saying "Interaction."https://www.zanezoo.org/

Imagine standing in chest-deep water, pulling a seine net full of marine life, while the traffic of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway roars just behind you.For Dave Johnston, nature isn't something you have to leave the city to find. As the Director of Professional Development for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) at the Bronx Zoo, Dave is rewriting the narrative on where conservation happens. Whether he is leading students through the gritty, biodiversity-rich wetlands of Jamaica Bay in New York City or driving across the vast Mongolian steppe with no GPS, Dave’s focus remains the same: people.In this episode, we explore why "social science" is the missing link in saving species and why an educator might be the most powerful conservationist in the room.Tune in to hear:The Urban Lab: Why New York City is actually a "city of islands" and a biodiversity hotspot.The Multiplier Effect: The math behind why Dave prioritizes training teachers over teaching children directly.Nomadic Hospitality: The cultural beauty of rolling up to a Mongolian ger (yurt) unannounced and being welcomed inside.

Molly Maloy is the Graduate and Adult Programs Manager at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. She has overseen the AIP since it began at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in 2012. Molly has worked at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance for 20 years in the fields of Conservation Education and Community Engagement. She also works with the Field Conservation department on Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s Botswana program and AZA’s African Vulture SAFE program. Molly recently was invited to be a member of the IUCN Vulture Specialist Group to assist in global conservation efforts for vultures. She has a great affinity for Africa and has lived in Zambia and worked with communities impacted by tourism and human wildlife conflict. Her favorite part of being a part of the AIP is being able to help adults harness their passion and help them create a path for conservation action.

Imagine feeling safer floating in pitch-black water than standing on dry land.For Meghann McDonald, the ocean isn't just a field site; it is a portal. While she technically holds the title of Executive Director at the Vermilion Sea Institute in Baja, she prefers to view herself as a bridge. Whether she is navigating the dusty roads of a fishing village or the complex emotions of a student panic-stricken by a snorkeling mask, Meghann's work is about dissolving the lines between "local" and "tourist," and between "fear" and "awe."In this conversation, Meghann takes us beyond the typical field study experience. She opens up about the "invisible barriers" that keep local children from the water in their own backyards and how she’s working to dismantle them. We also discuss the messy reality of caregiving, the power of "Blue Mind," and why true growth only happens when we are willing to get a little wet and a little uncomfortable.Tune in to hear:The "Scared vs. Awesome" Scale: A brilliant mental tool Meghann uses to help kids (and adults) navigate fear in real-time. The Legend of Puma: How a street dog became the most important emotional support staff member on Baja expeditions.The Mermaid Theory: Why some of us feel more human underwater, and the neuroscience that backs it up.A Special Note: Since the recording of this interview, Meghann's father, Lane McDonald, who we talk about in the episode, has passed away. Lane was a huge inspiration for the work done at VSI. Here is a link to the Institute’s tribute to his legacy (scroll down on page):https://vermilionseainstitute.org/mission-history/https://vermilionseainstitute.org/https://miamioh.edu/cas/graduate-studies/project-dragonfly/earth-expeditions/courses-landing-pages/baja.html

Barbra Sobhani is the Director of the NASA Colorado Space Grant Program through University of Colorado Boulder and a Masters graduate from Project Dragonfly’s Adanced Inquiry Program through the Denver Zoo. She is an accomplished individual with dozens of publications and presentations on topics such as lunar network sensing and aerospace workforce development.

This week, Aimee Kemp (AIP WCS) joins as a Guest Host interviewing Dr. Kevin Matteson. We discuss what people can do to promote wildlife in cities and their backyards, especially pollinators. Check out Aimee's website, created for her Biology in the Age of Technology course, (https://sites.google.com/miamioh.edu/pollinatorark/home) and YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@pollinatorARK) (@pollinatorARK).Bee Quest (created by Dr. Kevin Matteson, Project Dragonfly/Miami University)-https://miamioh.edu/cas/graduate-studies/project-dragonfly/professional-development-courses/bee-quest/index.htmlHave an idea or want to contribute to the podcast? Email Kevin Matteson at matteskc@miamioh.edu.

Angie Trumbo is a Project Dragonfly/Miami GFP graduate student. She is a Conservation and Education Specialist at the International Bird Rescue (IBR). For her work, she responds to oil spills and other wildlife emergencies and contributes to national literacy campaigns, including work in collaboration with Dawn Dish Soap. Angie has traveled extensively in Central and South America and has worked in China. Angie and her husband live in Salt Lake City where they enjoy birding and welcoming foster and guest dogs to their home they call the Hound Hotel.

Debbie Clemens is a 2013 graduate of Dragonfly’s Advanced Inquiry Program. She completed her masters’ work through Chicago Zoological Society at Brookfield Zoo, which she identifies as her happy place. Debbie’s Master Plan focuses on orangutan conservation and she strives to educate others about the red apes and raise awareness about the plight of wild orangutans. Following graduation, Debbie took on the role of Sr. Coordinator of the Advanced Inquiry Program at Brookfield Zoo for 4 years. She then dove even further into the world of orangutan conservation and moved on to become the Outreach Coordinator for the U.S. based charity, Orangutan Outreach (www.redapes.org). Her role with the organization includes managing social media, fostering new and existing partnerships, and managing special campaigns and initiatives. Debbie would love to connect with any and all orangutan lovers. She can be reached at deb@redapes.org

Agnes Kovacs is the Senior Manager of Graduate Programs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Agnes has decades of educational experience, with her students ranging in age from elementary school groups, to teacher workshops, to graduate learners. As Project Dragonfly and Brookfield Zoo Chicago approach the fifteenth anniversary of the Advanced Inquiry Program, Agnes and Kevin discuss the uniqueness and flexibility of this degree, the guest speakers and field trips she facilitates for her classes, the value of urban rooftop gardens for insect biodiversity, and the real-world impact of students' master plans on conservation and sustainability both locally and globally.

Dr. Laura Abondano is a Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) with Project Dragonfly at Miami. She’s just wrapping up her first year and is now with Dragonfly working full time as an instructor. Originally from Colombia, Laura is a primatologist and received her PhD at the University of Texas at Austin. A lot is covered in this episode: her excitement over her first Earth Expeditions this past summer, the origins of her interest in anthropology and primatology, and her studies with spider monkeys and woolly monkeys. Laura discusses her research into the sexual behavior of woolly monkeys and how it has led her to question some of Darwin's assumptions about sexual selection as a factor in evolution.