Helen Solecki recently joined the team at the Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP) as a research technician, working with Quirine Ketterings. Prior to coming to Cornell, Solecki graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a BS in neuroscience and then worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a wild animal keeper specializing in ornithology. We sat down with Solecki to find out how her experience with zoology guided her to becoming a research associate at the NMSP.
Q: What was your role at the Bronx Zoo?
I was a zookeeper in the Department of Ornithology. It was a very challenging and rewarding experience. During my years there I worked with a huge range of taxa. I often worked in the “brooder” areas, which included attending to artificial incubation and baby bird development. I was also involved in all husbandry or maintenance needs in avian areas.
Q: What were the best and worst parts of working at the Bronx Zoo?
Anyone who works in animal care knows how hard it can be when an animal gets sick or passes away—especially if you have developed a strong connection to that animal. This was, by far, the hardest part, but it also made the job all the more rewarding when you got the opportunity to see an animal thriving or to be a part of the birth of a new life. I loved, overall, the range of experiences and skills I was exposed to in this line of work and the practical knowledge I gained.
Q: How did the skills you gained working at the Bronx Zoo facilitate your transition to research at Cornell?
In my last job, a lot of communication was necessary to get across animal or area needs to other team members; those skills have absolutely been facilitating my transition to being on the research team here at Cornell. Attention to detail in terms of record-keeping and equipment maintenance is also an experience that has helped my transition to my new role. In my last job, small changes could have a major impact on success. In my current role, I am finding it important to stay on my toes in the same way by closely monitoring day-to-day needs and also keeping up on reading new material.