National Outdoor Book Award
1 appearances
-
Edition 24 (2020) Winner
David A. Steen
デイヴィッド・A・スティーン
David A. Steen
Profile
- Gender
- Male
- Born
- United States
- Nationality
- United States
- Languages
- English
Career
- Occupations
- Herpetologist, Conservation biologist, Researcher, Science communicator, Author
- Active Years
- 2000-
- Affiliations
- The Alongside Wildlife Foundation, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), Auburn University (former research professor)
Education
| Institution | Faculty | Department | Degree | Period | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire | — | — | B.S. | — | United States |
| SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry | — | — | M.S. | — | United States |
| Auburn University | — | — | Ph.D. | — | United States |
University of New Hampshire
Degree:
B.S.
Country:
United States
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Degree:
M.S.
Country:
United States
Auburn University
Degree:
Ph.D.
Country:
United States
Completed Ph.D. at Auburn University
Awards
| Year | Award | Work | Category | Organization | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Mindlin Science Communication Prize | — | — | Mindlin Foundation | Winner |
Mindlin Science Communication Prize
2017
Organization:
Mindlin Foundation
Result:
Winner
Awards & Nominations
Works
Major Works
Secrets of Snakes: the Science Beyond the Myths
2019 Non-fiction (science / science communication) 184 pagesA popular-science book that explains snake biology, dispels common myths about snakes, and discusses conservation and coexistence between humans and snakes.
HerpetologyMyth-bustingConservationScience communication
Description of the Reticulated Siren (Siren reticulata)
2018 Scientific article (herpetology / taxonomy)Co-authored with Sean P. Graham and others; this paper describes a previously unrecognized large salamander, Siren reticulata, endemic to the Gulf Coastal Plain, detailing its morphology, distribution, and ecology.
Species descriptionHerpetologyBiodiversity
Bibliography
- Steen, David A. - Secrets of Snakes: the Science Beyond the Myths (2019)
- Graham, S. P.; Kline, R.; Steen, D. A.; Kelehear, C.; Cimmaruta, R. (2018) - Description of Siren reticulata. PLOS ONE
Style & Themes
- Literary Style
- Clear, accessible exposition aimed at general audiencesMyth-busting grounded in scientific evidenceUse of field anecdotes and empirical examples
- Recurring Motifs
- Snakes and amphibiansCorrecting misconceptions (myth-busting)Conservation and coexistence
Health
-
Snakebite (reported rattlesnake bite)2018Reported rattlesnake bite in 2018; recovered and continued research and outreach activities without reported long-term impairment.
Legacy
Known for both academic research and public-facing science communication via social media and popular books. Contributions include co-describing a new salamander species and debunking misconceptions about snakes, acting as a bridge between scientists and the public.
In Popular Culture
- Wide-reaching Twitter presence used to identify reptiles and amphibians for the public and to correct myths
Trivia
- Operates Twitter account @AlongsideWild to help identify reptiles and amphibians and correct misconceptions.
- Won the Mindlin Science Communication Prize in 2017.
- Co-described the salamander Siren reticulata in 2018.
- Authored the popular book 'Secrets of Snakes: the Science Beyond the Myths' (2019).