Neil Shubin: The Evolution of an Evolutionary Biologist

One in a Billion

How far will you travel outside of your hometown, your neighborhood, your comfort zone, in order to see the world differently?

Why is it important to keep your sense of insecurity as your companion as you embark on your scientific, academic or philosophical enquiry?

How does failure keep you hungry for success?

Those are some of the questions that have led to surprising discoveries and satisfying rewards for Dr. Neil Shubin (Harvard GSAS Class of 1987).

In “Where Are They Now?” Episode #4, Gemma Schneider (Harvard student journalist/Class of 2023) interviews Dr. Neil Shubin - A paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, and popular science writer. Dr. Shubin made headlines in 2004 when he co-discovered Tiktaalik roseae, a fossil of a creature with traits found in both fish and tetrapods, and has since published three popular science books: Your Inner Fish, The Universe Within, and Some Assembly Required.

I am happy to be co-hosting this podcast as a contributing commentator. You’ll hear my reflection on how I, like Dr. Neil Shubin, first became drawn to a new world of possibilities that would light up my imagination to pursue a path that’s formed who I am today.

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“Where Are They Now?” is a special co-production between One in a Billion and WHRB (Harvard Radio Broadcasting).

It is a 6-part series featuring one-on-one interviews with Harvard graduates who draw lessons from their campus experience and personal insight from their current career to give you a taste of their trailblazing journey.

“Where Are They Now” is sponsored exclusively by One in a Billion Productions Inc. (501c3) – an educational media company designed to foster Asian voices and to build bridges between different communities of color. We believe in the power of personal storytelling to reach a wider and diverse community of audiences for better intercultural understanding.