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Meet our Board

“I became chair of the Student Section and it changed my life. In this position, I felt like a part of the scientific community, instead of just an apprentice to it.”

— Jenny Talbot, 2008 Chair of the Student Section

2025-2026 Board

Vasavi Prakash: Chair

Affiliated institution: Auburn University

Hometown: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Bio: I have completed my doctoral journey at Auburn University. With a strong background in conservation biology, human dimensions, and wildlife ecology, I have cultivated a deep understanding of the complexities facing human-wildlife conflicts today. I emphasize using systems approach with interdisciplinary methods. Beyond research, I have a great passion for outreach, mentoring, and collaboration.

Known for a detail-oriented and innovative mindset, I continuously seek new ways to address scientific challenges and am committed to making a meaningful impact within the field of ecology. I am eager to bring my passion for ecology and dedication to advancing our collective goals to this role. I am committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community within our section that encourages diverse perspectives and promotes active engagement among all members. Outside of academia, I enjoy traveling, experimenting and exploring culinary traditions, hiking, photography, and reading.

Role and goals: My role as Chair will be to facilitate a smooth transition to the new board and then ensure that we accomplish our goals throughout the year. We hope to host events that engage our student members and better prepare them for the rest of their lives in this field.


Sarah Willen-Nelson: Vice Chair

Affiliated institution: University of Missouri – St. Louis

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Bio: I am a PhD student at the University of Missouri- St. Louis. My research focuses on the diversification of social insects with a focus on Polistes, aka paper wasps. I am currently replicating a study done around 30 years ago to determine how paper wasp population and nest dynamics have changed over time. I am also interested in science communication and outreach.

Outside of academia I enjoy hiking, reading, and traveling.

Role and goals: My role as Vice Chair is to support the Chair and become familiar with the duties of the chair to prepare to assume that role next year. I am also responsible for communicating with section and chapter liaisons.


Joe Zeno: Secretary

Affiliated Institution:  University of Maine

Hometown: Hampden, Massachusetts

Bio: I am a recent graduate from the University of Maine with a B.S degree in Botany and Ecology, and intend to enroll in a PhD program next year! I have researched the chemical ecology of basil plants, ocean acidification along the U.S East Coast, and authored my honors thesis about the effect of climate change on the alpine plants of the Northeastern U.S. At UMaine, I served in a variety of leadership roles and found a love for student success, ecology, and scientific outreach. I have planned large-scale events and served in secretary positions that have prepared me for this role!

I attended ESA 2025 as a SEEDS Travel Awardee where I found my place in a great community and now I seek to give back and help improve our society. Currently I research urban ecosystems and hope to continue this in graduate school.

Role and goals: My role is to record and organize meeting minutes, plan the student mixer at ESA, and attend to correspondence for meetings. I hope to bring new ideas and collaborations to this committee to improve scientific collaboration amongst ecologists.


Qingyu Gan: Webmaster & Social Media Manager

Affiliated institution: University of Wyoming

Hometown: Sichuan, China

Bio: I am a Ph.D. student in the Program in Ecology and Evolution at the University of Wyoming. Broadly interested in conservation biology, my research focuses on understanding species’ range dynamics under climate change from an eco-evolutionary perspective. I use both microcosm experiments and individual-based modeling simulations to explore these dynamics. Beyond my personal research in ecology, I am passionate about promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the scientific community.

I manage a personal science communication account with over 6,000 followers and lead the Chinese Women in Ecology community, which connects and supports more than 400 members through shared resources and professional development opportunities. Outside of academia, I’m a devoted dog lover and proud owner of two dogs who bring joy and balance to my Ph.D. journey.

Role and goals: In my role, I maintain and regularly update our social media platforms (including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook) as well as our website to share news and activities from the Student Section and other ESA sections. I aim to highlight diverse research, scholarships, funding opportunities, workshops, and applications to better support and engage all our student members.


Jawad Zaman: Treasurer

Affiliated Institution: St. Joseph’s University

Hometown: Tokyo, Japan

Bio: I am an undergraduate student at St. Joseph’s University, pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Business Administration. My research focuses on applying data science and machine learning to environmental and ecological monitoring, and I had the honor of presenting my work at the ESA 2025 Annual Meeting. Beyond academics, I am deeply involved in student leadership and sustainability initiatives.

I currently serve as Treasurer of the Computer Club, President of the Go Green Club, and Chair of the SGA Food Pantry Committee. These roles have strengthened my skills in financial management, budgeting, and transparent reporting, while nurturing my commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and student engagement. I am passionate about fostering inclusive communities where students feel empowered to contribute to ecological science, and I hope to bring that dedication to the ESA Student Section. Outside of my academic and leadership work, I enjoy volunteering for environmental initiatives, exploring new technologies, and participating in campus activities.

Role and goals: As Treasurer, I will manage the Student Section’s finances by maintaining the ESA SS Budget Tracking spreadsheet, monitoring the General, Travel, and Grants accounts, and ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded. I will coordinate with ESA’s Chief Financial Officer to verify balances, process check requests, and approve purchases while following ESA protocols. Additionally, I will oversee student awards, including travel grants, and ensure funds are allocated transparently and efficiently. My goal is to support the Student Section’s activities, facilitate smooth financial operations, and help create opportunities for students to engage in ecology through responsible fiscal stewardship.


Past Governing Boards

2023-2024

Megan Garvey: Chair

Vasavi Prakash: Vice Chair

E. Aaron Walker: Secretary

Kivi Snavely: Social Media and Webmaster

Sarah Willen-Nelson: Treasurer

2022-2023

Coral del Ma Valle Rodríguez: Chair & Interim Webmaster

Kayode Oshinubi: Vice-Chair

Katherine Charton: Secretary

Vasavi Prakash: Treasurer

2021-2022

Josette McLean: Chair

Coral del Ma Valle Rodríguez: Vice-chair

Alicia Thomas: Secretary

Madison Griffin: Treasurer

Aubrey Tingler: Social Media &Webmaster

2020-2021

Callie Oldfield: Chair

Josette McLean: Vice-Chair

Arona Bender: Secretary

Janelle Layton: Treasurer

Ajisha Alwin: Social Media and Webmaster

2019-2020

Anjali Boyd: Chair

Callie Oldfield: Vice-Chair

Josette McLean: Secretary

Vanessa Blevines: Treasurer

Ajisha Alwin: Marketing/Outreach Director

2018-2019

Rob Crystal-Ornelas: Chair

Anjali Boyd: Vice-Chair

Emily Ernst: Secretary

Greg Chorak: Treasurer

Luke Lamb-Wotton: Webmaster

2017-2018

Kelsey Fisher: Chair

Rob Crystal-Ornelas: Vice-Chair

Luke Lamb-Wotton: Secretary

Greg Chorak: Treasurer

Leo Calle: Webmaster

2016-2017

Josh Scholl: Chair

Kelsey Fisher: Vice Chair

Anna Groves: Secretary

Rob Pecchia: Treasurer

Amanda Sorensen: Co-Webmaster

Leo Calle: Co-Webmaster

2015-2016

Winslow Hansen: Chair

Josh Scholl: Vice Chair

Kristin Michels: Co-Secretary

Jessica Klassen: Co-Secretary

Kelsey Fisher: Treasurer

Kika Tarsi Tuff: Webmaster

2014-2015

Dane Ward: Co-Chair

Kate Gallagher: Co-Chair

Winslow Hansen: Vice Chair

Nicole Boone: Secretary

Josh Scholl: Treasurer

2013-2014

Kika Tarsi Tuff: Chair

Dane Ward: Co-Vice Chair

Kate Gallagher: Co-Vice Chair

Dayani Pieri: Secretary

Josh Scholl: Treasurer

2012-2013

Joey Bernhardt: Chair

Kika Tarsi Tuff: Vice Chair

Dayani Pieri: Secretary

Josh Scholl: Treasurer

2011-2012

Jorge Ramos: Chair

Joey Bernhardt: Vice Chair

Dayani Pieri: Secretary

2010-2011

Naupaka Zimmerman: Chair

Jorge Ramos: Vice Chair

Dayani Pieri: Secretary

2008

Jenny Talbot: Chair


“The biggest surprise of being an officer of the Student Section was discovering just how powerful, respected and integral we are to the Society as a whole […]. It is stimulating to be a part of a group of intellectual and creative minds that work together to get things done. ”

— Andréa Kuchy, 2011 Vice-Chair of the Student Section