87th Annual Meeting of the
Association of Southeastern Biologists
Mobile, AL
March 25-285, 2026
NOMINEES FOR ASB 2026 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.
NOMINEES FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT
Lyndsay Rhodes, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL
Dr. Lyndsay Rhodes is a Professor and the current Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. She earned dual undergraduate degrees, a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Psychology, from Pfeiffer University (2004) and completed her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the Tulane University School of Medicine (2010). She joined the faculty at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2014.
A breast cancer biologist, Dr. Rhodes investigates novel anti-cancer agents derived from natural products and the signaling mechanisms that drive triple-negative breast cancer progression. She is deeply committed to undergraduate research, having mentored more than 70 undergraduate students in her laboratory, many of whom have gone on to advanced graduate and professional programs. She also developed and led FGCU’s Master of Science in Biology program from 2022 to 2025. Dr. Rhodes has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications, presented her work at national and regional conferences, and frequently engages in community education and cancer advocacy.
An active member of ASB since 2018, she has served as Vice President (2024–2025), Member-at-Large (2021–2024), and as a member of the Program Committee and multiple awards committees. She also serves as a Review Editor for eBio, an official journal of ASB. Dr. Rhodes is honored to be considered for the role of President-Elect of ASB and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue serving ASB and advancing its mission to promote biology in our communities and affect positive change in the world. She remains dedicated to strengthening the organizations support for biological science education, research, and the professional development of the next generation of scientists.
Dr. Lyndsay Rhodes is a Professor and the current Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. She earned dual undergraduate degrees, a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Psychology, from Pfeiffer University (2004) and completed her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the Tulane University School of Medicine (2010). She joined the faculty at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2014.
A breast cancer biologist, Dr. Rhodes investigates novel anti-cancer agents derived from natural products and the signaling mechanisms that drive triple-negative breast cancer progression. She is deeply committed to undergraduate research, having mentored more than 70 undergraduate students in her laboratory, many of whom have gone on to advanced graduate and professional programs. She also developed and led FGCU’s Master of Science in Biology program from 2022 to 2025. Dr. Rhodes has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications, presented her work at national and regional conferences, and frequently engages in community education and cancer advocacy.
An active member of ASB since 2018, she has served as Vice President (2024–2025), Member-at-Large (2021–2024), and as a member of the Program Committee and multiple awards committees. She also serves as a Review Editor for eBio, an official journal of ASB. Dr. Rhodes is honored to be considered for the role of President-Elect of ASB and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue serving ASB and advancing its mission to promote biology in our communities and affect positive change in the world. She remains dedicated to strengthening the organizations support for biological science education, research, and the professional development of the next generation of scientists.
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.
Dr. Vanderhoff’s 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. Dr. Vanderhoff 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 served as a Member at Large of the Executive Committee (2022-225) and has chaired the Exhibitor Committee since 2022. She is currently serving as Vice President and looks forward to serving ASB in the future.
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.
Dr. Vanderhoff’s 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. Dr. Vanderhoff 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 served as a Member at Large of the Executive Committee (2022-225) and has chaired the Exhibitor Committee since 2022. She is currently serving as Vice President and looks forward to serving ASB in the future.
NOMINEES FOR VICE PRESIDENT
Dennis Haney, Furman University, Greenville, SC
Dr. Dennis Haney is a Professor in the Biology Department at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, having been at Furman University since 1997. He received a B.A. in Biology at the University of California, San Diego, a M.S. in Zoology from Oregon State University, and a Ph.D. in Zoology at the University of Florida (1996). Dr. Haney’s research is in the area of environmental and comparative physiology. More specifically he is interested in the physiological responses of animals, especially fish, to environmental stressors.
Since 1999 Dr. Haney has been involved in an interdisciplinary watershed research program at Furman University, the River Basins Research Initiative (RBRI), collaborating with colleagues in the Biology and Earth, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences departments. His research has focused on studying the interactions between historic and present-day land use with water chemistry and geomorphology and how these factors affect the distribution and physiology of local stream fish.
Dr. Haney is a strong advocate of undergraduate research, helping to mentor well over 150 undergraduate students since 1997. Dr. Haney’s students have given numerous presentations at national and regional scientific conferences, many at the ASB annual meetings, and have been co-authors on a number of publications. Dr. Haney was Chair of the Biology department at Furman University for 9 years and teaches courses in Animal Physiology, Human Physiology, Marine Biology, Biostatistics, and has led field courses in Florida, the Bahamas, Belize, China, Ecuador, and the Galápagos Islands. Dr. Haney has been a member of ASB since 1995, served for two years as the ASB web editor, has served on and chaired the Poster Awards Committee, the Student Research Awards Committee, and the Education committee, was the Program Chair for the 2008 annual meeting of the ASB, and has served two times as a Member-at-Large on the Executive Committee.
Dr. Dennis Haney is a Professor in the Biology Department at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, having been at Furman University since 1997. He received a B.A. in Biology at the University of California, San Diego, a M.S. in Zoology from Oregon State University, and a Ph.D. in Zoology at the University of Florida (1996). Dr. Haney’s research is in the area of environmental and comparative physiology. More specifically he is interested in the physiological responses of animals, especially fish, to environmental stressors.
Since 1999 Dr. Haney has been involved in an interdisciplinary watershed research program at Furman University, the River Basins Research Initiative (RBRI), collaborating with colleagues in the Biology and Earth, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences departments. His research has focused on studying the interactions between historic and present-day land use with water chemistry and geomorphology and how these factors affect the distribution and physiology of local stream fish.
Dr. Haney is a strong advocate of undergraduate research, helping to mentor well over 150 undergraduate students since 1997. Dr. Haney’s students have given numerous presentations at national and regional scientific conferences, many at the ASB annual meetings, and have been co-authors on a number of publications. Dr. Haney was Chair of the Biology department at Furman University for 9 years and teaches courses in Animal Physiology, Human Physiology, Marine Biology, Biostatistics, and has led field courses in Florida, the Bahamas, Belize, China, Ecuador, and the Galápagos Islands. Dr. Haney has been a member of ASB since 1995, served for two years as the ASB web editor, has served on and chaired the Poster Awards Committee, the Student Research Awards Committee, and the Education committee, was the Program Chair for the 2008 annual meeting of the ASB, and has served two times as a Member-at-Large on the Executive Committee.
Jennifer Mandel, University of Memphis, Memphis TN
Dr. Jennifer Mandel is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Memphis with expertise in the ecology and evolution of plants. She obtained her PhD from Vanderbilt University studying biodiversity and conservation. Dr. Mandel conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Georgia where she worked on crop genomics. Her current research program applies concepts from ecological and evolutionary genetics to understand the patterns and processes that generate the global plant diversity and distributions. She is a specialist on the sunflower family which comprises 30K+ species including lettuce, artichoke, and safflower. Specific projects include systematics and evolution, comparative genomics, plant conservation, and crop-wild relatives studies. Dr. Mandel is also the Director of ACRE: The Institute for Agricultural and Conservation Research & Education at the University of Memphis leading an interdisciplinary program connecting agricultural, conservation, and workforce training. She also oversees the University of Memphis Herbarium, which serves as a regional biodiversity collection and teaching resource.
Dr. Mandel is a life member of ASB and considers it her ‘home’ society. Since graduate school, she has been involved in service to ASB in a variety of capacities. In 2009, she received the Association of Southeastern Biologists Research Award, and she has since served on the Research Award committee several times including chairing it in 2018. Dr. Mandel was a Member-at-Large from 2022 to 2025 serving on the Executive Committee. She currently serves on the Human Diversity Committee (since 2021) and the Research Grant Committee (since 2022). Along with other members of ASB, she co-hosts the “Hitting the ground running with graduate school applications” workshop at the annual meetings
Dr. Jennifer Mandel is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Memphis with expertise in the ecology and evolution of plants. She obtained her PhD from Vanderbilt University studying biodiversity and conservation. Dr. Mandel conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Georgia where she worked on crop genomics. Her current research program applies concepts from ecological and evolutionary genetics to understand the patterns and processes that generate the global plant diversity and distributions. She is a specialist on the sunflower family which comprises 30K+ species including lettuce, artichoke, and safflower. Specific projects include systematics and evolution, comparative genomics, plant conservation, and crop-wild relatives studies. Dr. Mandel is also the Director of ACRE: The Institute for Agricultural and Conservation Research & Education at the University of Memphis leading an interdisciplinary program connecting agricultural, conservation, and workforce training. She also oversees the University of Memphis Herbarium, which serves as a regional biodiversity collection and teaching resource.
Dr. Mandel is a life member of ASB and considers it her ‘home’ society. Since graduate school, she has been involved in service to ASB in a variety of capacities. In 2009, she received the Association of Southeastern Biologists Research Award, and she has since served on the Research Award committee several times including chairing it in 2018. Dr. Mandel was a Member-at-Large from 2022 to 2025 serving on the Executive Committee. She currently serves on the Human Diversity Committee (since 2021) and the Research Grant Committee (since 2022). Along with other members of ASB, she co-hosts the “Hitting the ground running with graduate school applications” workshop at the annual meetings
NOMINEES FOR MEMBERS-AT-LARGE (2 open seats)
Chris Beals, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton, GA
Dr. Chris Beals is a Professor of Biology at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) where he has worked for the last 10 years teaching Environmental Science, Introductory Biology, Toxicology, Animal Behavior, and General Zoology. He graduated from Tennessee State University with a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and holds Master’s degrees in Biology from Georgia College and State University and in Art and Design from Kennesaw State University.
Dr. Beals research interests include the examination of heavy metal phytoremediation, metal translocation, and effects on herbivory of contaminated plants. Since 2016, this work has served to engage 2-3 undergraduate students each year in mentored research projects culminating in annual ASB conference presentations. He is proud of the students who have worked with him and have had the opportunity to present at professional conferences such as ASB where they connect with other students, participate in student-centered events, and learn about graduate schools and research. By far, ASB has been his favorite meeting to take students to because of the organization’s unique interests in helping students develop professionally. Personally, ASB meetings have provided him with opportunities to learn and maintain academic scholarship, engage with students at poster presentations, and meet colleagues. In past meetings, he has served as a TriBeta judge at oral and poster presentations and looks forward to serving in any role that helps ASB accomplish its mission.
Dr. Chris Beals is a Professor of Biology at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) where he has worked for the last 10 years teaching Environmental Science, Introductory Biology, Toxicology, Animal Behavior, and General Zoology. He graduated from Tennessee State University with a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and holds Master’s degrees in Biology from Georgia College and State University and in Art and Design from Kennesaw State University.
Dr. Beals research interests include the examination of heavy metal phytoremediation, metal translocation, and effects on herbivory of contaminated plants. Since 2016, this work has served to engage 2-3 undergraduate students each year in mentored research projects culminating in annual ASB conference presentations. He is proud of the students who have worked with him and have had the opportunity to present at professional conferences such as ASB where they connect with other students, participate in student-centered events, and learn about graduate schools and research. By far, ASB has been his favorite meeting to take students to because of the organization’s unique interests in helping students develop professionally. Personally, ASB meetings have provided him with opportunities to learn and maintain academic scholarship, engage with students at poster presentations, and meet colleagues. In past meetings, he has served as a TriBeta judge at oral and poster presentations and looks forward to serving in any role that helps ASB accomplish its mission.
Dr. Stanton G. Belford, University of Tennessee Southern, Pulaski TN
Dr. Stanton G. Belford is an Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of the School of Mathematics and Sciences at the University of Tennessee Southern. He is in his 13th year at UT Southern, where he teaches lower and upper-level biology courses, such as Ecology, Invertebrate Zoology, Vertebrate Zoology, and General Ichthyology. His research uses DNA barcoding techniques to assist with species identification on coral reefs located on the northeastern coast of Trinidad. He graduated from Auburn University with a PhD. in Secondary Science Education and holds a Master’s degree in Biology from Middle Tennessee State University.
Dr. Belford continues to lead undergraduate research by taking students to Trinidad to conduct benthic surveys and molecular analyses that provide valuable knowledge of species biodiversity in this region. Dr. Belford remembers feeling invigorated after doing his first lightning talk at ASB, and relishes the opportunity to serve as a Member-At-Large for ASB.
Dr. Stanton G. Belford is an Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of the School of Mathematics and Sciences at the University of Tennessee Southern. He is in his 13th year at UT Southern, where he teaches lower and upper-level biology courses, such as Ecology, Invertebrate Zoology, Vertebrate Zoology, and General Ichthyology. His research uses DNA barcoding techniques to assist with species identification on coral reefs located on the northeastern coast of Trinidad. He graduated from Auburn University with a PhD. in Secondary Science Education and holds a Master’s degree in Biology from Middle Tennessee State University.
Dr. Belford continues to lead undergraduate research by taking students to Trinidad to conduct benthic surveys and molecular analyses that provide valuable knowledge of species biodiversity in this region. Dr. Belford remembers feeling invigorated after doing his first lightning talk at ASB, and relishes the opportunity to serve as a Member-At-Large for ASB.
Chinyere Knight, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
Dr. Chinyere Knight is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Tuskegee University in Alabama. There, she provides a learning community for students to exchange and grow, offering techniques and resources to problem solve issues using science. She is investigating forerunning strategies to improve the undergraduate and graduate research and learning experience using a mycological curriculum for education and discovery, through collaboration with MycoEd partner institutions. In addition, Dr. Knight was awarded an NSF Early-Concept Grant for Exploratory Research to transform approaches to study myxomycete diversity and collection preservation.
Dr. Knight has participated in ASB meetings and served in various capacities for many years. The ASB team and meetings have been an integral part of her development from undergraduate to the professoriate. Her goal is to enhance the HBCUs–ASB alliance. She was the past Chair and current member of the HDC. She organized a team for the NSF’s Leading Culture Change Through Professional Societies of Biology (BIO-LEAPS) proposal which she hopes to continue in the future. Dr. Knight co-created and manages the L. Frederick Award. She was the Research Grant Awardee in 2024 and recently collaborated on a project that describes L. Frederick’s adventure and research in Hawai’i with past President Chris Havran.
To ASB, Dr. Knight can bring fresh ideas needed to build versatile, pioneering scientists of the future. Dr. Knight attended her first ASB Annual meeting year in 2005 and is motivated become more involved and impactful as a Member- At- Large.
Dr. Chinyere Knight is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Tuskegee University in Alabama. There, she provides a learning community for students to exchange and grow, offering techniques and resources to problem solve issues using science. She is investigating forerunning strategies to improve the undergraduate and graduate research and learning experience using a mycological curriculum for education and discovery, through collaboration with MycoEd partner institutions. In addition, Dr. Knight was awarded an NSF Early-Concept Grant for Exploratory Research to transform approaches to study myxomycete diversity and collection preservation.
Dr. Knight has participated in ASB meetings and served in various capacities for many years. The ASB team and meetings have been an integral part of her development from undergraduate to the professoriate. Her goal is to enhance the HBCUs–ASB alliance. She was the past Chair and current member of the HDC. She organized a team for the NSF’s Leading Culture Change Through Professional Societies of Biology (BIO-LEAPS) proposal which she hopes to continue in the future. Dr. Knight co-created and manages the L. Frederick Award. She was the Research Grant Awardee in 2024 and recently collaborated on a project that describes L. Frederick’s adventure and research in Hawai’i with past President Chris Havran.
To ASB, Dr. Knight can bring fresh ideas needed to build versatile, pioneering scientists of the future. Dr. Knight attended her first ASB Annual meeting year in 2005 and is motivated become more involved and impactful as a Member- At- Large.
David Nelsen, 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 in 2006 and his Ph.D. in Biology from Loma Linda University in 2013. Dr. Nelsen’ research explores the behavioral and chemical ecology of venomous animals, with a particular focus on arachnids. His current work investigates the sensory modalities involved in venom use and the degree of control these creatures exhibit over their behaviors. He also studies the impact of the recently introduced spider, Trichonephila clavata, on native spider species in the eastern United States.
Dr. Nelsen has been an active member of the American Arachnological Society, the Tennessee Entomological Society, and the ASB (his first meeting was in Myrtle Beach in 2018). He is passionate about securing the Society's future, ensuring that new, growing, and experienced scientists in the Southeast are well represented and that their research receives the recognition and support that it deserves.
With over ten years of teaching experience, Dr. Nelsen has actively served his 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 in 2006 and his Ph.D. in Biology from Loma Linda University in 2013. Dr. Nelsen’ research explores the behavioral and chemical ecology of venomous animals, with a particular focus on arachnids. His current work investigates the sensory modalities involved in venom use and the degree of control these creatures exhibit over their behaviors. He also studies the impact of the recently introduced spider, Trichonephila clavata, on native spider species in the eastern United States.
Dr. Nelsen has been an active member of the American Arachnological Society, the Tennessee Entomological Society, and the ASB (his first meeting was in Myrtle Beach in 2018). He is passionate about securing the Society's future, ensuring that new, growing, and experienced scientists in the Southeast are well represented and that their research receives the recognition and support that it deserves.
With over ten years of teaching experience, Dr. Nelsen has actively served his 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. John Quinn, Furman University, Greenville, SC
Dr. John Quinn holds the Henry Keith and Ellen Hard Townes Professorship in Biology and Earth, Environmental, & Sustainability Science at Furman University. Since joining Furman in 2012, he has integrated teaching with applied ecological research focused on working landscapes. His research combines bioacoustics and spatial analysis to understand biodiversity patterns and the outcomes of land management and policy. His interdisciplinary approach extends to the humanities, exemplified by projects like the "Audible Anthropocene".
Dr. Quinn has long standing connection with the Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB); fist joining 2005 as a student and more recently serving on the Poster, Student, and Senior Award committees. Under his mentorship, his students consistently showcase their research at ASB annual meetings, presenting on topics ranging from urban soundscapes to forest conservation. His contributions to the scientific community were recognized by ASB with the Senior Research Award in both 2018 and 2021. Most recently, he co-lead with his students a workshop on using acoustic data in biology at the 2025 meeting in Myrtle Beach.
Dr. John Quinn holds the Henry Keith and Ellen Hard Townes Professorship in Biology and Earth, Environmental, & Sustainability Science at Furman University. Since joining Furman in 2012, he has integrated teaching with applied ecological research focused on working landscapes. His research combines bioacoustics and spatial analysis to understand biodiversity patterns and the outcomes of land management and policy. His interdisciplinary approach extends to the humanities, exemplified by projects like the "Audible Anthropocene".
Dr. Quinn has long standing connection with the Association of Southeastern Biologists (ASB); fist joining 2005 as a student and more recently serving on the Poster, Student, and Senior Award committees. Under his mentorship, his students consistently showcase their research at ASB annual meetings, presenting on topics ranging from urban soundscapes to forest conservation. His contributions to the scientific community were recognized by ASB with the Senior Research Award in both 2018 and 2021. Most recently, he co-lead with his students a workshop on using acoustic data in biology at the 2025 meeting in Myrtle Beach.
Election Timeline
Sep 17th: Call for Nominees
Jan 21st: Nominee biographies available online and last call for nominees.
Feb 18th: Voting opens
Mar 26th: Voting closes (during the Annual Meeting)
Mar 27th: New officers announced at the Awards Banquet
Mar 28th: 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
Sep 17th: Call for Nominees
Jan 21st: Nominee biographies available online and last call for nominees.
Feb 18th: Voting opens
Mar 26th: Voting closes (during the Annual Meeting)
Mar 27th: New officers announced at the Awards Banquet
Mar 28th: 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
