2025 Candidate Vasavi Prakash

Vasavi Prakash (CV)
Deputy Conservator of Forests
Indian Forest Service

Candidate for: Member of the Board of Professional Certification

I am a dedicated ecologist with a PhD in Wildlife Sciences from Auburn University and comprehensive experience in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and applied ecological research. Over a decade of experience in research, education, and professional leadership, my expertise spans wildlife ecology, conservation science, and environmental policy, with fieldwork across diverse ecosystems.

Professionally, I have over six years of experience working with organizations across the globe, including The Nature Conservancy and federal and state forest agencies in India. In my roles as project manager, I have managed multi-partner projects, coordinated grant-funded research, and led capacity-building workshops for local NGOs and community groups. My responsibilities have included project design and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and the production of technical reports and policy briefs.

Leadership and service are integral to my career. I have served as a team leader for interdisciplinary research initiatives, mentored early-career ecologists, and facilitated cross-sector collaborations between scientists, policymakers, and community leaders. As a volunteer, I have contributed to ecological projects and public outreach events aimed at promoting ecological literacy.

I am an active member of the Ecological Society of America, where I have participated in annual meetings, contributed as a volunteer and chapter leadership positions (Student Section and Asian Ecology Section), and supported diversity and inclusion initiatives. My career is guided by a commitment to advancing ecological science, fostering inclusive professional communities, and translating research into effective conservation action.

I am passionate about ensuring ESA’s mission aligns with the evolving needs of ecologists—whether through certification, advocacy, or fostering a more inclusive society. My blend of academic, professional, and leadership experience positions me to advance ESA’s goals, and it would be an honor to empower ecologists at all career stages.

How would you support ESA’s mission, including the career aspirations and full inclusion of all ecologists?

To support ESA’s mission, I aim to promote ESA’s Ecological Certification program to validate expertise and enhance career opportunities for ecologists at all levels. I would actively encourage professional certification as a means to validate and elevate the credentials of all ecologists, regardless of their career stage or background. By engaging with the Board of Professional Certification, I would help establish and uphold transparent, equitable standards for education, experience, and ethics, ensuring that certification is accessible and meaningful for practitioners, academics, educators, and others.

I would work to increase the visibility and accessibility of certification, supporting outreach and mentorship for early-career ecologists and those from underrepresented groups. I would work with ESA sections (e.g., Student Section) to align certification with emerging ecological fields and workforce needs.
By aligning with ESA’s Board of Professional Certification goals, I would strengthen ecologists’ professional standing while ensuring ESA remains an inclusive society where all members can thrive. Through these efforts, I aim to foster public confidence in the expertise of certified ecologists and to create a welcoming, supportive environment that enables all ecologists to achieve their career aspirations and contribute fully to the ecological profession.