About
The ecologist behind Simply Ecologist
Field work across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and South America, and a website built to make ecology simple for everyone who loves the wild.
Hi, I am Eli
Erzsebet Frey, ecologist
I hold a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Ecology from the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade. I was born in Germany, and my roots are Serbian, German and Hungarian.
Since then I have worked with most animal groups, in the field and in the lab, across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and South America. I have run multi taxa surveys, won field jobs and internships abroad, worked with open biodiversity data such as GBIF and Darwin Core, and used tools like MegaDetector and BirdNET on real data.
- MSc EcologyUniversity of Belgrade
- 4 regionsAsia, Middle East, Europe, South America
- Field and labExperience with most animal groups
- 500+Articles on this site
How I got here
I learned it the hard way, so you do not have to
I did not start with contacts, money or experience. I broke into field work with no experience, worked abroad with no money, and built an income on my own. Along the way I collected plenty of rejections, learned from senior ecologists on the job, and filled the gaps with courses.
That is exactly why this site exists. Everything I wish someone had handed me at the start is here, explained simply and honestly.
About Simply Ecologist
Ecology, wildlife and careers in one place
Simply Ecologist has more than 500 articles on animals, ecological methods and science careers, free tools you can use in your browser, and guides for biologists and ecologists who want to get hired. It is written for:
- Biology and ecology students who need real experience and a clear direction
- Early career ecologists looking for a good job, internship or PhD
- Wildlife lovers who want to understand the animals they see
- Scientists who want to share their work online
What I can help you with
Where I can make the biggest difference
- Getting real experience, even with none on your CV
- Finding a good ecology job or internship
- Applying well and getting the offer
- Learning new skills, from field methods to GIS, Python and machine learning
From the field
Beyond the desk
When I am not doing research or writing, you will find me caving, diving or hiking, and sharing nature and science on Instagram and YouTube.
Let us work together
For collaborations or questions about ecology, write to info@simplyecologist.com or use the contact form.