Published - September 2, 2016
1934 - Present
Jane Goodall is well known for her study of chimpanzees in Africa. Having not attended major universities at the time, her research methods were self taught. She was not limited by any former professor's expectations. This enabled her to reach out and learn more about the chimpanzees than anyone had before. She integrated herself into the groups, and learned their ways, rather than imposing a clinical method of research more favored by men. By doing so, she learned, and wrote about their communication skills, techniques, and tool design and use. All of which her male counterparts would have thought were merely myths of the people who lived near them.
Her research was revolutionary, and began at a time when women were still not regarded as able to be scientists. However, she had no time for naysayers. She was deep in Africa, doing the science daily. By the time her work reached mainstream, women were beginning to be more accepted in science fields. Her work has encouraged many young women to look to science for their own future.
Jane Goodall influenced my early years. I wanted to be a veterinarian. Didn't happen. For many reasons. Instead, I think about how she would study and learn, when I write about the wild animals in my Trails series. I think about how the animals would communicate with each other, and with humans who live more attuned to nature. I remember to include a vast array of wildlife, from the ants and meerkats to lions and camels. And their effect on the local environment.
Works cited:
Jane Goodall Biograph. Biography.com Editors. The Biography.com website. http://www.biography.com/people/jane-goodall-9542363 Access Date: August 11, 2016. A&E Television Networks.
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