Responses to unexpected events; folk-rock-blues anthems; memes and other non-genetically inherited traits

Abstract

Abstract What follows is a look back over a long and productive career and avocation in a field that I love, but one that has also been struck occasionally by personal tragedy, including the loss of my father at an early age, the unexpected death of my beloved wife and life partner in 2010, and a stroke in 2020 that has left me partially disabled. But impactful events can be serendipitous in prompting productive research. The lesson learned by such experiences is that opportunities—and the self-imposed responsibilities—to make positive contributions to the world, and to thereby honor the memories of those lost, continue beyond such events. The lessons I have learned along the way should inspire others at the start of and during their own personal life trajectories, particularly in developing the ability to recognize and appreciate opportunities for mentorship and to inspire emerging scholars and junior researchers to both respond to such opportunities to be mentored and subsequently to be mentors themselves. Everyone, especially students and junior scientists, in particular those who will become resource managers, should realize that they are links in a chain—an important one connecting the past and the future! My goal herein is to use my story to advise students and young scientists, and remind my older colleagues, of the importance of keeping this perspective as they go forward. I have tried to weave this message together with justification for motivation.