Dr. Blaire Van Valkenburgh is a professor of biology at UCLA. There she teaches and studies the evolution and ecology of carnivorous mammals. At what age did you choose your career? Twenty-one. Was there a specific event or person associated with that decision? I was inspired by two of my professors in college. I greatly enjoyed their classes on paleontology, evolution, and anatomy. What has been the greatest experience of your career? Studying large carnivores (hyenas, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, jackals) in East Africa. What specialized skills do you need for the job? A doctoral degree in some aspect of evolutionary biology. and the ability to communicate well in writing and speech. What is the most frustrating part of your job? The problem of splitting my time between research and teaching; often one feels neither is getting the time it deserves. Also, the difficulty of getting funding to support graduate student research. Any advice for young people who are considering a career in zoology? Because the salaries are generally not high and the numbers of jobs are few, do it because you love it -- and work very hard to be among the best in your field. If you do, and you are patient, you will find a position. If you could be any cat, which would you be? The saber-toothed cat.