Dr. Mel Sunquist is an associate professor at the University of Florida who teaches wildlife ecology and supervises graduate students. He studies the ecology and conservation of carnivorous mammals. At what age did you choose your career? Nineteen Was there a specific event or person associated with that decision? I discovered I could get a degree in wildlife ecology. What has been the greatest experience of your career? Studying tigers in the lowlands of Nepal. What specialized skills do you need for the job? A graduate degree in wildlife ecology and conservation. Training in capture, immobilization, and radio-tracking technique. What is the most frustrating part of your job? Trying to raise funds to support graduate study and field research. Any advice for young people who are considering a career in zoology? Volunteer on field projects to see if a career in zoology is really what you want. There are lots opportunities out there; you just have to find them. If you could be any cat, which would you be? A leopard.