1 min read

Teaching STEM with National Geographic: Wildlife, Conservation, and the Power of Pictures

Science is Cool Unplugged podcast May 28, 2025

National Geographic Explorer Gabby Salazar shares her journey into photography, starting at a young age and evolving with technology. She discusses the impact of digital advancements on wildlife photography, emphasizing the ethical considerations and authenticity in her work. Gabby highlights the importance of field experiences and citizen science in understanding nature, while also sharing her passion for conservation and future expeditions. In this conversation, Gabby Salazar discusses her work in wildlife conservation and education, focusing on the importance of culturally responsive environmental education. She highlights the Florida Panther's conservation efforts and the need to engage students with local wildlife to foster a connection to nature. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in nature engagement and the importance of cultivating wonder in children to inspire future generations in STEM fields.

Links:

Educational resources for teachers from "Path of the Panther" documentary: https://pathofthepanther.com/learn

Get the book! "No Boundaries": https://books.disney.com/book/no-boundaries/

Gabby's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gabbyrsalazar/.

Documentary movie trailer:

ABOUT GABBY

Dr. Gabby Salazar is a conservation photographer and environmental social scientist dedicated to documenting the natural world and inspiring global conservation efforts. Her projects have taken her across the globe—to photograph volcanoes in Guatemala, film lion conservation efforts in Zimbabwe, highlight endangered species recovery in Mauritius, and more.

Gabby holds an MSc in Conservation Science from Imperial College London and a PhD from the University of Florida, where she studied environmental education and environmental marketing. In partnership with Dr. Krithi Karanth and the Centre for Wildlife Studies, Gabby helped start an environmental education program in India that has reached over 50,000 students. She is also the co-author of No Boundaries: 25 Women Explorers and Scientists Share Adventures, Inspiration, and Advice, published by National Geographic Kids, which showcases the stories of trailblazing women in science and exploration.

A National Geographic Explorer, Gabby has been widely recognized for her contributions to photography and conservation. She is a Past President of the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) and an Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers. In 2004, she was named BBC Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and in 2021, she received NANPA’s Emerging Photographer of the Year award.

From Elton to Electrons: The Role of Creativity and Experimentation in the Classroom with Dr. John Spencer

Teaching STEM with National Geographic: Wildlife, Conservation, and the Power of Pictures

ABOUT GABBY

From Elton to Electrons: The Role of Creativity and Experimentation in the Classroom with Dr. John Spencer

Engaging Students: Interactive Simulations, AI, and Human Connection with Matt Blackman

The Sound of STEM: Music, Culture, Mentorship, and Education with Roy Moye III