Eleanor Drinkwater is a bug nut and adventurer. Her love of all things creepy-crawly has led her to carry out research in field sites across the world, from Australia to the Amazon.
She is fascinated by invertebrate behaviour and has been awarded Inspirational Explorer of the Year award by the Scientific Expedition Society for her work looking into the behaviour of the biggest beetle on the planet.
However, she is equally fascinated by the weird and wonderful critters we have in the UK and has recently she finished her PhD which researched how and why woodlice have personalities.
Eleanor is passionate about communicating and sharing her enthusiasm for invertebrates. She is currently working as a lecturer at Writtle University College where she teaches about ecology and conservation. She also really enjoys encouraging little bug enthusiasts through running bug-hunting events with community groups and schools.
Ultimately, she believes that there’s a real need to encourage budding bug lovers (of every age) and hopes to share some of her enthusiasm with future bug enthusiasts.
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Show notes
Who is Dr. Eleanor
What exactly does she do
Getting into more detail about her fascination with bugs
Growing up with environmentally conscious parents
What was it like to study Developmental Biology and how did it go
Her desire to go on expeditions and study butterflies.
Her story of how she got her first project, which began her career
Over-confidence as her real turning point
Finally getting into a PhD program
Volunteering in the Peruvian Amazon with Crees Manu
Taking part in research expeditions with lots of help and connections
Memorable and fun experience she had while crossing a river
Lessons she learned from her previous expedition
What new expeditioners and researchaer should know and talk about before starting their journey
Her love for an expedition-focused research centre
Having an amazing research trip in Honduras
Being extremely lucky to have been successful on all of her expeditions
Wanting to be the first person to do a recorded behaviour study of various creatures
Getting into more detail about the Titan beetle
How thrilled she is to find the first creature
Challenges she had in catching the beetle in such a short period of time
How she managed to stay motivated while dealing with a lot of stress
Bugs and insects for human consumption
Cricket protein powder Protein Rebel
Her thoughts on eating live invertebrates for entertainment
Finishing her PhD and what are her future plans
Talking about woodlice and its personality
Keeping a hedgehog and giant African snails as pets
Participating in a short film and rewilding project with Citizen Zoo
Social Media
Website: www.eleanordrinkwater.com
Instagram: @dr.drinkwater.eleanor
Twitter: @E_Drinkwater
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