Brock Fenton (he/him)
Emeritus Professor
Western Univesity
Learn About My Career
I study bats around the world.
I was born/grew up in: I was born in Mackenzie, Guyana (then British Guiana). Then I lived in Canada: Toronto, Montreal, Kingston and Ottawa.
I now live in: London, Ontario
I completed my training/education at: B.Sc at Queen's University, M.Sc. and Ph.D at the University of Toronto
As a 'retired' biologist I continue to study bats, as I have been doing since about 1963. This means observing them, listening to what they say and photographing them. Getting the photographs means going to where they are. This could be in the garden, in a local woodlot or cave, or in somebody's house. This can mean travel, to Belize or South Africa, for example. It usually means teaming up with other people with active research projects.
I write, read and photograph. I am learning the trick of photographing animals in flight. I listen to the echolocation calls of bats with bat detectors. I ask questions and try to answer them, working with others.
I did not know what I wanted to be, except a biologist. And I did not realize or appreciate what that could mean. My parents and then teachers, from elementary school to university, encouraged me and helped me find the way.
I like learning new things, sometimes from reading or media, or from working directly with bats. I am excited to share information with others, from children to adults. I enjoy planning photo shoots, then dealing with the unexpected.
I am always learning something new. This could be about the animals, about people and about the world. Technical publications and some books may reveal new details about bats. I enjoy speaking to people who are interested in nature and science.
I love being outside, observing nature, cycling, canoeing, exploring new things.
Pick something you love, and then stick to it. Do not hesitate to be enthusiastic.
What I do at work
As a 'retired' biologist I continue to study bats, as I have been doing since about 1963. This means observing them, listening to what they say and photographing them. Getting the photographs means going to where they are. This could be in the garden, in a local woodlot or cave, or in somebody's house. This can mean travel, to Belize or South Africa, for example. It usually means teaming up with other people with active research projects.
I write, read and photograph. I am learning the trick of photographing animals in flight. I listen to the echolocation calls of bats with bat detectors. I ask questions and try to answer them, working with others.
My career path is
I did not know what I wanted to be, except a biologist. And I did not realize or appreciate what that could mean. My parents and then teachers, from elementary school to university, encouraged me and helped me find the way.
I am motivated by
I like learning new things, sometimes from reading or media, or from working directly with bats. I am excited to share information with others, from children to adults. I enjoy planning photo shoots, then dealing with the unexpected.
How I affect peoples’ lives
I am always learning something new. This could be about the animals, about people and about the world. Technical publications and some books may reveal new details about bats. I enjoy speaking to people who are interested in nature and science.
Outside of work I
I love being outside, observing nature, cycling, canoeing, exploring new things.
My advice to others
Pick something you love, and then stick to it. Do not hesitate to be enthusiastic.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
- History
- Literature and Language arts
- Science
When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:
- Enjoyed doing things on my own
- Liked helping people
- Always knew what I wanted to do
Partners
Royal Society of Canada
Let’s Talk Science appreciates the support of the Royal Society of Canada in connecting us with this individual.
The Royal Society of Canada is a member driven organization that recognizes Canada's leading scholars, researchers, artists and scientists from across disciplines and across generations in order to help build a better future in Canada and around the world. Let’s Talk Science and the Royal Society of Canada work together to provide timely content on issues that affect us all – from education to the impact of leading-edge scientific discoveries.
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