2023-2024 Board

Kayode Oshinubi: Chair

Affiliated institution: Northern Arizona University

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria

Bio: I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at Northern Arizona University in the USA, where I am working on the spatial Modeling of population dynamics in disease ecology. My PhD research at the Université Grenoble Alpes in France focuses on disease modeling using a mathematical and statistical approach, with applications to the current global pandemic (COVID-19 disease). Disease Ecology, Disease Modeling, Computational Epidemiology, Applied Mathematics, and Biostatistics are some of my research interests. My hobbies include traveling, reading, and playing table tennis.

Role and goals: My role as chair is to coordinate the activities of the student section. I will work to increase the association’s inclusiveness and diversity while also bringing in new ideas and initiatives.

Megan Garvey: Vice Chair

Affiliated institution: Eastern Washington University

Hometown: Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Bio: Right now, I am finishing up my M.S. in Biology at Eastern Washington University on vernal pool habitat health and responses to climate change using fairy shrimp as indicator organisms. As I expect to be done in December, I’m deep in the process of looking for and applying to Ph.D. programs for next year. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago in Biology and Visual Arts. I’m particularly interested in the way scientific information is taught and communicated, especially in informal settings like museums, social media, and parks/field schools. Hence the double major has been really useful. My current fellowship also emphasizes outreach, mentorship, and teaching. Along those lines, accessibility and representation in scientific fields are key parts of my work. Outside of STEM, I crochet, hike, make jewelry, and read.

Role and goals: My role as Vice Chair is to support the Chair in ongoing efforts and learn the duties of/prepare to assume that role next year. I coordinate communication with section and chapter liaisons, including the early career section. I also will submit a workshop or program for the annual meeting and support my fellow board members.

Julie Wang: Secretary

Affiliated Institution: University of Georgia

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Bio: I am a Ph.D. student at the University of Georgia exploring the potential of common lawn weeds as pollinator habitats in managed ecosystems. My research interest includes community ecology and plant-insect interactions. Beyond my love for plants and science, I enjoy reading, embarking on new adventures, meeting new people, and indulging in the occasional binge-watching session.

Role and goals: As the Secretary, my role is to schedule meetings, record meeting minutes to ensure accurate documentation of proceedings, and plan the Student Mixer for this year’s ESA meeting. My strong organizational skills, combined with a genuine enthusiasm for the position, will enable me to facilitate effective communication. I look forward to meeting everyone!

Zhuolin Du: Social Media and Webmaster

Sarah Willen-Nelson: Treasurer

Affiliated Institution: Webster University

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Bio: I am a nontraditional student going back to school. I am finishing up my bachelors this December and then hopefully starting a PhD program next fall. I am currently working on two research projects. The first project is looking at plant-pollinator phenological mismatch across an urban gradient and the second project is looking at fruit fly behavior in response to gene regulation. Outside of school I enjoy being outdoors and hiking.

Role and goals: To manage the financial accounts for the Student Section and maintain communication with ESA’s chief financial officer.