Zack Zdinak
no pronoun preference or declaration
I am gay and I am a wildlife biologist who evolved into a wildlife artist, environmental educator and interpretive graphic designer.//
Earning a degree in Wildlife Management from West Virginia University, I worked at National Park units (Arches, Canyonlands, Saguaro, Chiricahua) as field biological technician and interpreter. Settling in Flagstaff, Arizona, I worked on the Coconino & Kaibab National Forest (Hotshot fire crew, wetland mapping, interp), and the US Fish & Wildlife Service studying endangered humpback chub (fish) in the Grand Canyon.
I also trained with the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and National Association for Interpreters, then started my freelance business, Life Drawing & Education serving parks, museums, schools with custom signage and activities. Recently I’ve added part-time Paraprofessional work at Flagstaff High School, assisting special needs students in their science classes.
I was fortunate to have my sexual awareness surface in a town relatively accepting of LGBTQ+ people. I came out gradually and fearfully in the late 1980’s, with the support of close hetero men friends. Yet I wonder if I had had open gay science role models and peers, would I have spent fewer years hiding and dealing with mental health?
In 1997, I met and fell in love with my partner Robert (a biotech lab manager), developing the sweetest relationship I had never known possible and shedding shame. Friends, 6 siblings, Mom and workmates embraced him with open arms as well. After 17 years, we live apart now as stronger fiends. Now I’m raising native plants, continuing with my natural history art, CC skiing when I can, and pondering my elderhood.
Best wishes everyone in your science careers. Inspire others whether you know it or not. Reach out anytime.
Life Drawing & Education – http://www.lifedraw.com