Inspiration from nature: A path from the past to the future of behavioral neuroendocrinology - An essay submitted upon receipt of the Daniel S. Lehrman Lifetime Achievement Award

A career in science can follow a linear path or might proceed with many unexpected twists and turns. Junior scientists can be discouraged but, more often than not, talent and perseverance create opportunities that lead to a fulfilling career. Patience also keeps open the door for serendipity. It is also the case that a life of curiosity and experimentation plants many seeds along the way in the form of ideas, unexpected hypothesis-bending data, and supportive collegial relationships. These kernels can germinate quickly, mature slowly over a lifetime or they may lay quiescent only to reappear productively many years later. As an example of these processes in action, in this essay, I describe my career as a lab and field behavioral neuroendocrinologist, the way serendipity steered my path forward and the way early life events sprouted into the sturdy trunks that supported my scientific productivity. This Lifetime Achievement Award is the result of many serendipitous events, and, since most of these involve avian neuroendocrinology, it is highly appropriate that Danny Lehrman's name is also being honored. I am proud to be associated with his life and influence.