Saving Wildlife: How One Biologist is Protecting Nature’s Future

What makes someone dedicate their life to protecting nature? Growing up just outside Yellowstone National Park, Sam Wynns was surrounded by incredible wildlife—from ospreys diving for fish to grizzly bears roaming with their cubs. These breathtaking experiences ignited a passion for conservation and set her on a path to becoming a conservation biologist. Now, her mission is clear: preserve, protect, and inspire others to cherish the world’s biodiversity. Watch how she’s making an impact and lighting the spark for future conservationists!

Meet the women changing the face of STEM! The IF/THEN Collection, now proudly housed at the Museum of Science, Boston, is the world’s largest free digital library showcasing real, contemporary women in science, technology, engineering, and math. From groundbreaking researchers to space explorers, these role models prove that if she can see it, she can be it. Explore videos featuring behind-the-scenes interviews, and hands-on STEM inspiration for students, educators, and lifelong learners.

This project is funded by Lyda Hill Philanthropies.

Biologist Samantha Wynns has always been a nature geek. Growing up on the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park, she spent her summers hiking mountains, rafting rivers, and observing the wild. Sam knew from an early age that she wanted to study and protect these beautiful places and the creatures that live in them. She is a conservation biologist that both does science and communicates science. Sam now proudly works with the National Park Service at Cabrillo National Monument where she wears many hats: gathering data as a field biologist, educating youth and the public as a science educator, and bringing the Parks-to-the-People with community outreach. During any given day she can be found wrangling snakes (gently and respectfully, of course), leading a STEM summer camp for underserved girls, or giving scientific lectures out in the community. In every role, Sam’s goal is to illuminate and inspire a passion for STEM and a commitment to environmental stewardship. She, her husband, two rescue cats, and a very friendly parrot live in beautiful San Diego, California.

See the full IF/THEN Collection.