Dr. Carin Bondar is a biologist, writer, public speaker, and professor with UFV’s Faculty of Science. Author of three books and host of several television and web-based series, she offers a unique and creative perspective to the world of science. The Cascade spoke with Carin via email about her past, her work at UFV and abroad, and more.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you’ve done in the past.
Hello! I’m Carin Bondar, a ballerina turned biologist. I do a lot of work in the science communication space: I’ve authored three popular science books, hosted several TV shows, and written three online video series on the evolutionary biology of sex and motherhood. I love to come up with creative ways to talk about science, and specifically animal biology as it relates to the human experience. My career path has been diverse and interesting, from discovering and naming new species from the jungles of Borneo to working with local elementary school students at the Cheam Wetlands. I’m so inspired by the beauty of nature; I love it all!
What made you decide to come to UFV?
I am so happy to be teaching at UFV! The COVID-19 pandemic really changed my work situation a lot; however, it turned into a great opportunity to bring some of my science communication skills to UFV. BIO 420: Methods in Science Communication is a brand-new course in our science program — it is a course that I highly recommend to all science students. In our world of misinformation and low science literacy, it’s important for students of science to be able to communicate about it!
You returned recently from a lecture series in the Amazon. What was that experience like and what did you talk about?
The Amazon was incredible. I had always wanted to go there — and it did not disappoint! The river itself is so massive, and the jungles are so dense. You get completely lost in the immensity of it all. In my lecture series I talked a lot about aspects of ecology and conservation in the Amazon, with a focus on local fauna like the local pink dolphins. My lectures are a combination of science and performance, with tales of folklore and biological concepts all rolled into an interesting and engaging hour. This is an aspect of my career that I absolutely love; I lecture a lot to general audiences.
You also recently booked an appearance on The World According to Jeff Goldblum. What was that like?
Sure did! Unfortunately, it quickly became a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it was meant to shoot in Los Angeles. I’m hoping that I’ll work on the show in the future, but the television world moves quickly. Since then I have booked two other shows and am in discussion with networks for a third. I’ve been a freelancer for my entire career up until getting hired at UFV, so I’m used to having several “irons in the fire” at a time.
Can you talk a little about the collaboration with Girl Guides of Canada (GGC)?
I am so proud to collaborate with GGC! I speak to local groups as well as doing online campaigns that focus on the empowerment of girls in all aspects of their lives. As a young girl who was very settled on being a ballerina, I missed the opportunity to study science in high school. I feel strongly that no girl should ever miss out on science at a young age. I am passionate about engaging girls and women in STEM subjects.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
My career is a delightful mashup of biology, art, and science communication. The latter is one of the fastest growing disciplines in science, as the world continues to battle pseudoscience and direct spread of misinformation. Join me for BIO 420, regardless of your future career goals. Every scientist should be working on their communications skills too.
Dr. Carin Bondar. (Sarah Sovereign)
