Michelle Szydlowski
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Miami University
Can you give us an overview of what you have done since you completed your research degree?
I have published more than 20 academic papers and a book. I am teaching at a university and am the President of the International Society of Anthrozoology. I host a podcast and convene an annual conference with ISAZ and one online for students, which I founded with other students and alumni.
How did you become interested in the area you work in?
I have always been connected to other-than-human animals.
How did you find opportunities in the area you work in and how did the recruitment process work?
It was a lot of work, especially in an ’emerging’ field. My cohort helped me with emotional support, but everything else I did on my own (I had zero support from my supervisor, who was quite competitive with her students and discouraged them).
What does your current role involve?
Teaching, research, mentoring grad students.
What skills are involved in your work and how did your research degree help develop them?
Skills: teaching, authorship, mentoring, biological and social science research. My degree allowed me time to learn research skills.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
My students and the students outside my university which I mentor.
What are the challenges in your role?
Creating a better world for all animals, in a society which deems them ‘less than’ (along with women and other marginalized groups).
What has surprised you about your role?
The amazing students that I have – they teach me new things every day.
Did you engage in any additional activities or roles (i.e. organising conferences, entering PGR showcase, being a PGR Rep etc.) during your research degree, and how did these help prepare you for a career beyond academia?
I gave a lecture for Exeter on addressing challenges to distance learning and neurodiverse groups. I lectured at other universities on these same topics during my degree.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Establishing groups of like minded colleagues, supporting current students.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
It is a tough road, so seek out a supportive team of colleagues and other students. Work together to support and promote one another. Carefully select your supervisor–a bad one can make it difficult (and emotionally draining) to succeed.
What are your plans for the future?
I will continue mentoring students from around the world, and trying to improve the lives of marginalized groups of any species.
