Ecology, Humility, and Connection: An Interview with Dr. Zachary Stahlschmidt
Exploring the Intersection of Science and Humanity Through Ecology
For the second part of our STEM and humanities interview series, I sat down with Dr. Zachary Stahlschmidt, one of our amazing ecology professors and the Director of Undergraduate Research here at Pacific. During our conversation, he shared his thoughts on the importance of staying humble to really appreciate the world around us. He also shared some insights into how Pacific is working to improve science communication in order to help people better understand and connect with science.
Can you share what led you down the path of STEM education as your career?
“As an undergraduate, I was an animal science major at a large research university. I began doing research in my second year, which significantly shifted my perspective. Originally on the pre-veterinary track, I discovered a passion for contributing new knowledge rather than just applying established ideas to a field. My research journey spanned from investigating molecular mechanisms related to diabetes in the brain to conducting field studies, where I had the freedom to ask novel questions and involve students which fostered a collaborative learning environment. At the time, I wasn’t fully aware of the wide range of roles science educators could play, but this discovery process broadened my view of what science education could be. I believe that understanding how knowledge is generated builds genuine appreciation and trust in scientific research and that it is essential to engage the public in the scientific process.”
What aspects of STEM resonate with you the most?
“STEM is such a vast field that it can feel overwhelming; it often becomes a personal journey to find which area resonates with me and, in turn, how I can bring others into that space. Recently, I have aimed to broaden science's touchpoints beyond seemingly abstract concepts and make it more accessible. Communicating science has always felt intuitive to me, and I believe that collaboration is key, and Pacific should continue to work toward supporting cross-disciplinary student interaction. As science educators, it is on us to bridge those social gaps and foster integration among students. Events like our ‘Research and Creativity Showcase’ or Geoff’s ‘Three-Course Science event’ bring students closer to the research happening at Pacific, though I wish there were more touch points throughout the semester. Summers could also be an ideal time for fostering these connections, but since many students are off-campus, they often miss out on these valuable opportunities. Our courses drive students to understand distinct topics. However, real-world research is highly collaborative, and it is a challenge to address these compartmentalized approaches. We are a work in progress!”
Have there been any impactful stories in STEM that have resonated with you?
“I see countless connections between science and the human experience. We often describe scientific processes through a humanistic lens, using human developmental terms to explain changes in ecosystems, for example, how we naturally project our own experiences onto science. This human connection is intrinsic: science is woven into how our bodies function and the ecosystems we inhabit, making it easier to engage students by emphasizing how these topics directly impact them. However, I also hope students come to realize how small and limited our individual perspectives are within the broader scope of the world. This humanistic idea—that we’re just a small piece of a much larger puzzle—can help them look beyond their immediate lives and consider science as a way to expand their worldview.”
“One of the big goals is that students will leave UOP with an understanding that they are part of something larger than themselves and that their actions impact others, the environment, and the society. This broader awareness can encourage more intentional decision-making, both personally and politically. To foster this perspective, I often use metaphors and storytelling to help students step back from details and see the bigger picture. I hope these metaphors make the material more clear, but also that they spark students’ interest and make the subject more relatable. I want students to feel a genuine connection to what they are learning, not just view it as a means to a grade. While some buy-in comes from ecology being a required course, I’d love to inspire more students to see the value of ecology, even if they don’t have an inherent interest in the natural world. My hope is that they begin to notice the connections around them—the birds, the trees, the dynamics of natural history—building an understanding that we are all part of a shared logic as organisms on Earth.”
Do you feel like there should be more integration between the STEM and humanities programs at UOP?
“Over the past 10-20 years, a burgeoning industry of science journalism has emerged to translate complex, jargon-heavy scientific articles for the public, making it increasingly important to understand one’s audience. Whether trying to convince a parent, significant other, or a grant agency, it's essential to identify the information that will engage them and lead to a positive response. I recently had the opportunity to work with Dr. Dutoi and Dr. Bergmann on developing a health science communication major. There’s a growing demand for graduates who can confidently combine scientific knowledge with audience-targeted communication, especially for companies like Kaiser Permanente that seek professionals adept in both science and marketing.The goal is to create a major or minor that integrates the communications and science programs at Pacific, enabling students to run focus groups and lead public discussions on scientific topics. Science is becoming more accessible than ever; we are moving away from the traditional, large-scale nature documentaries toward grassroots creators, like YouTubers and science communicators, who share science in lay-friendly ways.”
“Communicating science effectively is challenging, but I often say that science is ultimately a story. To tell that story well, you need to understand the characters, the elements involved, and how they interact. The big ideas should take center stage, so the audience doesn’t get lost in the details and can see the bigger picture.”