Dr. William Anyonge

is an anatomist and paleontologist who has worked at the National Museums of Kenya. He studies the skeletons of cats, both fossil and living, to better understand the relationship between form and function in animals. He is currently a visiting professor at UCLA.

At what age did you choose your career?

Twenty years old.

Was there a specific event or person associated with that decision?

A part-time job at the National Museum of Kenya in 1981, where I got hooked on fossils, and my first mentor, Dr. Louis Jacobs.

What has been the greatest experience of your career?

Meeting and sharing ideas with some of the world's best anatomists and paleontologists.

What specialized skills do you need for the job?

Recognizing fossils in the field, patience, and an in-depth understanding of anatomy and geology.

What is the most frustrating part of your job?

Not spending enough time in the field due to commitments in the office.

Any advice for young people who are considering a career in zoology?

You might not get rich, but you will be a happy scientist.

If you could be any cat, which would you be?

A cheetah.