86th Annual Meeting of the
Association of Southeastern Biologists
Myrtle Beach, SC
March 12-15, 2025
NOMINEES FOR ASB 2025 OFFICER ELECTIONS
The following individuals were nominated by ASB members and the ASB Nominations Committee and have agreed to serve in the indicated capacities if elected. Elections will take place online only. ASB Members will receive an electronic invitation to vote via SurveyMonkey. Each member is limited to a single vote through this e-invitation, and all voting will be anonymous. There are opportunities to indicate write-in candidates on the ballot. Voting for these elections will close during the Annual Meeting. Results of the election will be announced at the Awards Banquet.
NOMINEE FOR VICE PRESIDENT
Natasha Vanderhoff, Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL
Dr. Natasha Vanderhoff, Professor of Biology & Marine Science at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL, is a biologist, educator and avid birder who enjoys sharing her passion for the natural world with her students and the broader community. She earned a BS in Biology from Loyola University of Chicago (1999) and a PhD in Ecology, Evolution & Behavior from the University of Louisville (2007). Her graduate research focused on the foraging and vocal behavior of the American Robin, and she is an author of the Birds of North America species account on the robin. She is a broadly trained biologist with specialization in ecology, evolution, animal behavior and ornithology. Her current research focuses on margay ecology in Ecuador and animal vocalizations (sound pollution, animal models of language evolution). She is the chair of Jacksonville University’s Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee and is a founding organizer of Science on Tap-JAX, a monthly speaker series that engages the community in the importance of science in Jacksonville and beyond. Natasha enjoys exposing students to the research process at all stages, from work in the field to ASB meetings to publication. She has been a member of ASB since 2008, attending annual meetings and bringing students to share their science. She regularly judges student posters and oral presentations at the annual meeting. She is currently serving as an At Large Member of the Executive Committee (2022-present) and chairs the Exhibitor Committee.
Dr. Natasha Vanderhoff, Professor of Biology & Marine Science at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL, is a biologist, educator and avid birder who enjoys sharing her passion for the natural world with her students and the broader community. She earned a BS in Biology from Loyola University of Chicago (1999) and a PhD in Ecology, Evolution & Behavior from the University of Louisville (2007). Her graduate research focused on the foraging and vocal behavior of the American Robin, and she is an author of the Birds of North America species account on the robin. She is a broadly trained biologist with specialization in ecology, evolution, animal behavior and ornithology. Her current research focuses on margay ecology in Ecuador and animal vocalizations (sound pollution, animal models of language evolution). She is the chair of Jacksonville University’s Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee and is a founding organizer of Science on Tap-JAX, a monthly speaker series that engages the community in the importance of science in Jacksonville and beyond. Natasha enjoys exposing students to the research process at all stages, from work in the field to ASB meetings to publication. She has been a member of ASB since 2008, attending annual meetings and bringing students to share their science. She regularly judges student posters and oral presentations at the annual meeting. She is currently serving as an At Large Member of the Executive Committee (2022-present) and chairs the Exhibitor Committee.
NOMINEES FOR MEMBERS-AT-LARGE (2 open seats)
Joydeep Bhattacharjee, University of Louisiana, Monroe, Monroe, LA
Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee holds the esteemed Charles Allen Endowed Professorship in Biology within the School of Sciences at the University of Louisiana, Monroe. With a teaching career spanning over 17 years, he has seamlessly integrated teaching with extensive field research on both national and international fronts, garnering invaluable experience across diverse ecosystems.
As an ecologist, Dr. Bhattacharjee engages in a multifaceted array of research areas. This includes the intricate estimation of carbon and water fluxes at the ecosystem level. His technological expertise is evident in the use of advanced tools, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), for forest stress detection. His lab employs a fleet of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with multi and hyperspectral imaging capabilities, coupled with artificial intelligence for precise tree-species mapping and detection.
Beyond technology-driven research, Dr. Bhattacharjee explores the nuanced dynamics of bottomland hardwood forest succession and of riparian communities. His research reached new heights with a compelling project in the Himalayas, where both graduate and undergraduate students delve into the consequences of damming a swift-flowing river.
Notably, his commitment to fostering scientific knowledge extends to collaborations with several local schools in reshaping science education experience at the middle and high school levels. These efforts have been supported by numerous state and federal grants.
Under Dr. Bhattacharjee's mentorship, his students consistently showcase their research prowess at the Annual Meeting of the ABS since 2006. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his receipt of university awards, including Outstanding Teacher, Best Researcher in the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences, and recognition for exemplary service at the college level.
Outside the academic realm, Dr. Bhattacharjee finds solace in diverse pursuits such as motorcycle riding, exploration of new destinations, and culinary art. These varied interests mirror the depth and breadth of his contributions to academia and the realm of scientific exploration.
Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee holds the esteemed Charles Allen Endowed Professorship in Biology within the School of Sciences at the University of Louisiana, Monroe. With a teaching career spanning over 17 years, he has seamlessly integrated teaching with extensive field research on both national and international fronts, garnering invaluable experience across diverse ecosystems.
As an ecologist, Dr. Bhattacharjee engages in a multifaceted array of research areas. This includes the intricate estimation of carbon and water fluxes at the ecosystem level. His technological expertise is evident in the use of advanced tools, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), for forest stress detection. His lab employs a fleet of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with multi and hyperspectral imaging capabilities, coupled with artificial intelligence for precise tree-species mapping and detection.
Beyond technology-driven research, Dr. Bhattacharjee explores the nuanced dynamics of bottomland hardwood forest succession and of riparian communities. His research reached new heights with a compelling project in the Himalayas, where both graduate and undergraduate students delve into the consequences of damming a swift-flowing river.
Notably, his commitment to fostering scientific knowledge extends to collaborations with several local schools in reshaping science education experience at the middle and high school levels. These efforts have been supported by numerous state and federal grants.
Under Dr. Bhattacharjee's mentorship, his students consistently showcase their research prowess at the Annual Meeting of the ABS since 2006. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his receipt of university awards, including Outstanding Teacher, Best Researcher in the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences, and recognition for exemplary service at the college level.
Outside the academic realm, Dr. Bhattacharjee finds solace in diverse pursuits such as motorcycle riding, exploration of new destinations, and culinary art. These varied interests mirror the depth and breadth of his contributions to academia and the realm of scientific exploration.
Elyse Donaubauer, Lander University, Greenwood, SC
Dr. Elyse Donaubauer is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Lander University. Elyse received a dual B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences with a concentration in Reproductive Signaling from Washington State University. Following graduate school, she was a postdoctoral researcher at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic studying the signaling involved in therapeutic resistance in triple negative breast cancer. Her research program at Lander University focuses on the role of Src Family Kinase members in zebrafish development. Students in her lab look at the changes in gene and protein expression that are necessary for embryo development, becoming proficient in multiple molecular laboratory techniques. Undergraduate research is an essential experience, and she is excited to work with new and returning undergraduate students each year. Elyse also teaches a variety of courses, including as Human Physiology, Animal Physiology, and Molecular Genetics. Elyse attended her first ASB Annual meeting year in 2023 and is excited for the opportunity to become more involved in the organization as an At Large member.
Dr. Elyse Donaubauer is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Lander University. Elyse received a dual B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences with a concentration in Reproductive Signaling from Washington State University. Following graduate school, she was a postdoctoral researcher at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic studying the signaling involved in therapeutic resistance in triple negative breast cancer. Her research program at Lander University focuses on the role of Src Family Kinase members in zebrafish development. Students in her lab look at the changes in gene and protein expression that are necessary for embryo development, becoming proficient in multiple molecular laboratory techniques. Undergraduate research is an essential experience, and she is excited to work with new and returning undergraduate students each year. Elyse also teaches a variety of courses, including as Human Physiology, Animal Physiology, and Molecular Genetics. Elyse attended her first ASB Annual meeting year in 2023 and is excited for the opportunity to become more involved in the organization as an At Large member.
Megan Gibbons, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Dr. Megan Gibbons is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a former Professor of Biology at Birmingham-Southern College (faculty member there for 22 years). Megan received her Bachelor’s of Science at Emory University in 1993 in Psychology, and received both her Master’s in Biology and PhD in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2001. Her graduate research focused on social behavior of the red-backed salamander, including kin recognition, maternal behavior, and pair bonds. Since then, she has conducted behavioral research with undergraduates in various biological systems, including aggressive behavior of crayfish, genetics of behavior in the red-eyed treefrog, and impacts of parasites on behavior in mosquitofish. Megan has taught a variety of courses, including Introductory Biology, Animal Behavior, Evolutionary Ecology, and Vertebrate Field Zoology. Megan has been involved in ASB over the last 25-30 years, first as a graduate student and then throughout her career as a biology professor, often bringing undergraduates to present their collaborative findings. She has served as a judge for posters and for talks, has been in charge of the silent auction, and has held other various, but minor roles. Megan would be honored to serve as a Member-At-Large for ASB.
Dr. Megan Gibbons is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a former Professor of Biology at Birmingham-Southern College (faculty member there for 22 years). Megan received her Bachelor’s of Science at Emory University in 1993 in Psychology, and received both her Master’s in Biology and PhD in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2001. Her graduate research focused on social behavior of the red-backed salamander, including kin recognition, maternal behavior, and pair bonds. Since then, she has conducted behavioral research with undergraduates in various biological systems, including aggressive behavior of crayfish, genetics of behavior in the red-eyed treefrog, and impacts of parasites on behavior in mosquitofish. Megan has taught a variety of courses, including Introductory Biology, Animal Behavior, Evolutionary Ecology, and Vertebrate Field Zoology. Megan has been involved in ASB over the last 25-30 years, first as a graduate student and then throughout her career as a biology professor, often bringing undergraduates to present their collaborative findings. She has served as a judge for posters and for talks, has been in charge of the silent auction, and has held other various, but minor roles. Megan would be honored to serve as a Member-At-Large for ASB.
Jennifer Hurst-Kennedy, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA
Dr. Jennifer Hurst-Kennedy is an Associate Professor of Medical Sciences in the Graduate Studies division at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA. She earned her doctorate in Applied Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology and her bachelor’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Georgia. Dr. Hurst-Kennedy is an experienced science educator who is passionate about providing quality, accessible education to all students. At Agnes Scott College, she teaches a variety of courses, including general biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, and cancer biology. Her research centers on the science of teaching and learning and cancer biology. As an ASB member since 2014, she and her students regularly attend and present their work at annual meetings.
Dr. Jennifer Hurst-Kennedy is an Associate Professor of Medical Sciences in the Graduate Studies division at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA. She earned her doctorate in Applied Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology and her bachelor’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Georgia. Dr. Hurst-Kennedy is an experienced science educator who is passionate about providing quality, accessible education to all students. At Agnes Scott College, she teaches a variety of courses, including general biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, and cancer biology. Her research centers on the science of teaching and learning and cancer biology. As an ASB member since 2014, she and her students regularly attend and present their work at annual meetings.
David Nelson, Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, TN
Dr. David Nelsen is a Professor of Biology at Southern Adventist University. He earned his B.S. in Biology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (2006) and his Ph.D. in Biology from Loma Linda University (2013). David’s research explores the behavioral and chemical ecology of venomous animals, focusing on arachnids. His dissertation and ongoing work investigate the sensory modalities involved in venom use and the degree of control these creatures exhibit. He also studies the impact of, and potential responses to, a recently introduced spider species. With over ten years of teaching experience, David has actively served the university on numerous committees, including two terms on the Faculty Senate, as Chair of the Academic Research Committee, and on the IRB and IACUC. He contributes to Southern's Honors program and is the Research Coordinator for the Biology and Allied Health Department. Additionally, he organizes the E. O. Grundset Biology lecture series, which hosts 8-10 seminars annually. A member of the Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB) since 2018, David has regularly presented and mentored student presentations.
Dr. David Nelsen is a Professor of Biology at Southern Adventist University. He earned his B.S. in Biology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (2006) and his Ph.D. in Biology from Loma Linda University (2013). David’s research explores the behavioral and chemical ecology of venomous animals, focusing on arachnids. His dissertation and ongoing work investigate the sensory modalities involved in venom use and the degree of control these creatures exhibit. He also studies the impact of, and potential responses to, a recently introduced spider species. With over ten years of teaching experience, David has actively served the university on numerous committees, including two terms on the Faculty Senate, as Chair of the Academic Research Committee, and on the IRB and IACUC. He contributes to Southern's Honors program and is the Research Coordinator for the Biology and Allied Health Department. Additionally, he organizes the E. O. Grundset Biology lecture series, which hosts 8-10 seminars annually. A member of the Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB) since 2018, David has regularly presented and mentored student presentations.
Election Timeline
Jan 17th: Nominee biographies available online and last call for nominees.
Feb 14th: Voting opens
Mar 21st: Voting closes (during the Annual Meeting)
Mar 22nd: New officers announced at the Awards Banquet
Mar 23rd: First meeting of the new Executive Committee
See other important dates on our Calendar.
Some Important Links
Roles of each member of the Executive Committee
Current members of the Executive Committee
Jan 17th: Nominee biographies available online and last call for nominees.
Feb 14th: Voting opens
Mar 21st: Voting closes (during the Annual Meeting)
Mar 22nd: New officers announced at the Awards Banquet
Mar 23rd: First meeting of the new Executive Committee
See other important dates on our Calendar.
Some Important Links
Roles of each member of the Executive Committee
Current members of the Executive Committee
