When Surfing Makes a Scientist and Storyteller with Shannon Switzer Swanson

This week, to celebrate Earth Day, Sylvia is joined by Shannon Switzer Swanson, a National Geographic Explorer, marine social ecologist, and surfer to probe the intersection of storytelling, research, art and science. They talk about modern-day "Exploration"and the role of women and the BIPOC community in redefining it. Shannon is not discouraged or dissuaded by the complexities in her work with conservation and she continues to ask difficult questions, such as: “Can coastal communities manage their resources in ways that both sustain prosperous livelihoods and a healthy environment.” What is the win-win formula?


Fun fact: Shannon is grand daughter to one of the pioneering women pilots of the mid-1900s.


Topics Include:


Photography, storytelling, and research
How our perception of time affects choices around sustainability
What it means to be a modern-day explorer
Female role models
Extensive field research in Central Sulawesi
Building trust and participatory research methods
National Geographic programs and getting your start
Maintaining relationships while traveling
Balancing work and family life
Advice for women adventurers
And other topics...
Resources Mentioned:
An interactive website for folks interested in knowing where aquarium fish come from and how to keep an aquarium that doesn’t harm the world’s reefs, check it out at https://reeftoaquarium.com/.
Book: Femininities in the Field: Tourism and Transdisciplinary Research

Connect with Shannon:
Instagram: @ShannonSwitzerSwanson
Twitter: @S3Oceans
Facebook: @S3Oceans
LinkedIn: @shannonswitzerswanson
Interview with Shannon

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