On Becoming a Biologist

I very much appreciate this book. It's given me a lot of insight and we've bonded.

John Janovy has written a book in "On Becoming a Biologist" that I could have used profitably when I was doing just that- becoming a biologist. I depended on my own enthusiasm, that of my instructors and two major professors, and my fellow graduate students. Indeed, this was sufficient, but having Janovy's book would have also offered a significant boost in times of doubt and uncertainty. Certainly no one goes into biology (or art, or literature, or any other academic activity) if one wants to get rich. Few biologists are wealthy. However we do have one thing (of several) in our favor- we generally like what we do (at least in teaching and research- now faculty meetings and committees are another thing entirely.!) We can, in fact, always find something of interest in any vacant lot, pond, river, woods or desert. We are very seldom bored. Janovy catches this excitement well in his book and he has done all potential biologists, professional or amateur (and I think a lot of nuts and bolts biology- taxonomy, life history, ecology, ethology, etc. will be done by amateurs in the future) a great service. He also brings out an issue that is often overlooked- a true field biologist should be an observer and in doing so, should not overlook art courses to sharpen that ability. Art is not in antipathy to natural science despite some modern notions otherwise. The famous ornithologist and artist George Sutton is a fine example of a scientist who mixed the two disciplines with profit. Janovy introduces the reader to the naturalists, the practice of biology, teaching and learning, making a living, and responsibilities, in five gem-like chapters. I recommend this book highly to anyone who contemplates biology as a career or avocation. If you were enthusiastic before, you will be all the more so after you read Janovy's prose!

I am stuck in what can only be called (generously) a mid-career crisis and changing to a career in biology is one of the possible directions I've been considering. Reading this book not only helped me to understand what life would be like if I chose to pursue a career in biology but it also talked about the details of a life that are hard to learn from the outside: the world-view, the ethical code, the experience of the daily life of a biologist. One of the best things I learned from this book is that for a person interested in biology there are many options, including being a devoted amateur. I still don't know what the future holds for me. This book was only one piece of the puzzle but it is an important piece and the lessons I learned go beyond biology.

Janovy presents an enjoyable, readable overview of how one becomes a biologist. He also provides suggestions about what and how to do things once you become a biologist. Janovy's comments are practical and insightful. This book should be required reading for all first-year college biology majors -- it is for mine! The going is smooth, the examples are clear, and the overall message is that it's no only OK, but fun and exciting to become a biologist. This is a great little book.