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2026 Candidate Amina Pollard

Amina Pollard (CV)
Ecologist; Senior Science Advisor
Federal Government

Candidate for: Member of the Governing Board

Dr. Amina Pollard is a freshwater ecologist, limnologist, and Senior Science Advisor with a federal environmental agency, where she provides scientific leadership on national environmental priorities and advises senior managers on applying science to environmental policy and decision-making. Throughout her career, she has worked to advance ecological science while ensuring that research informs the stewardship and conservation of aquatic ecosystems.

Dr. Pollard earned a B.A. in Biology from Lawrence University, an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Wright State University, and a Ph.D. in Limnology and Marine Sciences from the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Center for Limnology. Her research integrates aquatic ecology, landscape ecology, and environmental monitoring to understand how environmental change influences freshwater ecosystems. She previously led a national assessment of lakes, one of the nation’s largest ecological monitoring programs, providing the scientific foundation for protecting lakes, ponds, and reservoirs across the United States.

An experienced scientific leader, Dr. Pollard has built partnerships across academia, federal and state agencies, Tribal Nations, and nonprofit organizations to translate ecological science into effective environmental management. She served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) and chaired the ASLO Awards Committee, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to scientific excellence, professional service, and mentoring the next generation of ecologists.

Her contributions have been recognized through awards for Exceptional Service, Scientific and Technological Achievement, the Friends of the North American Lake Management Society Award, and selection as an Embassy Science Fellow. Dr. Pollard is committed to advancing ecological science, strengthening the ecological profession, and fostering partnerships that ensure ecology informs decisions for the benefit of society.

What Interests, Experience or Skills Would You Bring to This Position?

Throughout my career, I have been motivated by a simple goal: ensuring that rigorous ecological science informs decisions that improve environmental stewardship and benefit society. As a freshwater ecologist, limnologist, and Senior Science Advisor with a federal agency, I have built partnerships among scientists, resource managers, Tribal Nations, policymakers, and communities to address complex environmental challenges through collaborative, evidence-based approaches. I also advise senior leaders on scientific priorities, strategic planning, and the application of ecological science to national environmental issues.

Leading a national ecological assessment program has strengthened my ability to develop strategic priorities, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and translate scientific knowledge into meaningful action. My professional society leadership includes serving two terms on the ASLO Board of Directors and chairing the ASLO Awards Committee, experiences that reinforced my commitment to fostering an inclusive, engaged, and supportive scientific community.

If elected to the ESA Governing Board, I will bring collaborative leadership, strategic vision, and extensive experience connecting ecological science with environmental decision-making. I am committed to strengthening opportunities for mentorship, professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and member engagement while ensuring ESA remains a trusted, forward-looking voice for ecological science in service to society.

How Would You Support ESA’s Mission?

The Ecological Society of America has never been more important. As environmental challenges become increasingly complex, ESA plays a critical role in advancing ecological science, supporting the professional community, and ensuring that sound science informs decisions that benefit people and the natural world. I am committed to helping the Society build on this legacy.

Throughout my career, I have connected ecological science to environmental decision-making by leading collaborative research, advising senior leaders, and building partnerships across academia, government, Tribal Nations, and resource management organizations. These experiences have shown me that the greatest impact occurs when diverse perspectives come together around rigorous science and a shared purpose.

As a Governing Board member, I will work to strengthen ESA as a trusted scientific leader and an inclusive professional home for ecologists across all career stages and employment sectors. I will advocate for strategic investments in scientific excellence, professional development, mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and member engagement while expanding opportunities for ecological science to inform solutions to society’s most pressing environmental challenges. Together, we can ensure that ESA continues to inspire, connect, and empower ecologists while advancing science that improves environmental stewardship for generations to come.