Student Programs

ESA welcomes all ecologists, supporters and enthusiasts to apply and participate in all programs. ESA membership is not required unless specified. There are no restrictions to ESA membership. Criteria for selection vary according to the requirements of each program.

SEEDS

The Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability (SEEDS) program is the award-winning flagship education program of the Ecological Society. Each experience also provides opportunities to interact with a diverse group of ecologists and other motivated students to both broaden and deepen students’ understanding of ecology and potential careers. Program activities include ecology field trips, leadership meetings, travel awards to the ESA annual meetings, undergraduate research fellowships and a campus ecology chapters. Focused mainly at the undergraduate level, with extension services for the SEEDS program promotes an ecology profession with wide representation to ensure environmental understanding and a sustainable future for all.

Scientists in Parks

Every year, the Scientists in Parks (SIP) Program places hundreds of college students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals across the National Park System to work on natural resource management needs. Each opportunity with the SIP Program affords a distinct and memorable experience with projects that vary based on location, length, focus, and complexity. (This program is currently on pause).

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ESA Chapter and Section Student Travel Awards

From Applied Ecology to Vegetation, the ESA Chapters and Sections offer more than 10 different travel awards to support student attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting to give presentations on various ecological topics. Be sure to check the page regularly for application details and deadlines.

Ecology as a Career

Be sure to visit this page to explore paths to becoming an ecologist!

What Does Ecology Have To Do With Me?
Brochure introducing readers to ecology and its role in human society.

ESA Student Community

ESA Student Section
Facilitates communication among students and between students and ESA.

News

Scientists’ new blueprint integrates rewilding and agriculture to tackle biodiversity crisis

Setting aside at least 20% of agricultural landscapes for rewilding and adopting wildlife friendly practices could reverse biodiversity declines while maintaining food production.

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Alum finds isolated trees face highest risk in tropical pastures

New research shows that large, solitary trees in tropical agricultural landscapes are dying at higher rates than their smaller counterparts.

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Giant plankton could help coral fight climate change

Researchers have observed a rare ocean phenomenon revealing a surprising ally in the fight for coral reef survival: giant, gelatinous plankton known as pyrosomes.

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Preserving the past, protecting the future: Historic village water tanks provide a lifeline for amphibians

New research highlights the surprising role of centuries-old water structures in protecting biodiversity in Portugal’s Peneda-Gerês National Park.

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Explore ESA's Publishing Program

The Ecological Society of America has over 100 years of journal publishing history and offers some of the most widely read and cited journals in the field of ecology. The seven journals in our portfolio encompass a wide range of paper types to include an array of aims and scope of study, making them an important and accessible outlet for scientists, researchers, practitioners, professionals, citizen scientists, and others seeking to publish their work. ESA staff provide editorial support with our publishing partner, John Wiley & Sons, and several discounts towards publication in ESA journals are available from our publisher and from ESA. Publishing in ESA journals contributes to ESA programs for students, early career researchers, and underrepresented groups, and we thank our editors, reviewers, authors, and readers for their support.

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#ESA2024

This year’s meeting will emphasize the expanse of ecology around the nation. The emphasis recognizes the need for us to continually invest in all the people who advance the science and practice of ecology. Among many aspects of professional development, we are planning programming and invited contributions sessions that consider the theme. Ecology is Everywhere.

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Student Programs

SEEDS

Scientists in Parks

ESA Chapter and Section Student Travel Awards

ESA Student Community

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