87th Annual Meeting of the
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SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT FOR #ASB2026 TODAY!
We are now accepting abstract submissions for oral presentations, poster presentations, lightning talks, and BBB presentations!
Submit your abstract by December 10, 2025 for Early Acceptance!
Abstract submissions close January 14, 2026.
Learn more about our presentations HERE.
Submit your abstract by December 10, 2025 for Early Acceptance!
Abstract submissions close January 14, 2026.
Learn more about our presentations HERE.
REGISTER FOR #ASB2026 TODAY!
Register for the 87th Annual Meeting of the Association of Southeastern Biologists.
During registration, you can register guests, buy tickets to events, order a meeting t-shirt, and more!
Learn more about registration HERE.
During registration, you can register guests, buy tickets to events, order a meeting t-shirt, and more!
Learn more about registration HERE.
ASB 2026 Plenary Speaker
March 25, 2026
Post-Plenary Reception following the plenary
Post-Plenary Reception following the plenary
Ruth Carmichael, PhD
Dr. Ruth H. Carmichael is a Senior Marine Scientist and Special Advisor to the Director on Research and Ocean Health at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) and Professor of Marine Sciences at the University of South Alabama. She also serves as the Director of DISL’s Marine Mammal Research Program, including DISL’s Manatee Sighting Network and the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Carmichael has more than 20 years of experience working with protected species at state and federal levels, including permitting, research and monitoring under USFWS and NOAA NMFS. She has served on technical review panels for NOAA NMFS and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission for project and fisheries assessments, participated in IUCN Red and Green list assessments, and is currently a member of an IUCN Species Specialist Group.
At ASB, Dr. Carmichael will provide a talk on the ocean resources in the Gulf of Mexico and the threats and links to health issues, using key examples from dolphins, whales, and manatees, who are our closest human analogs in coastal waters.
At ASB, Dr. Carmichael will provide a talk on the ocean resources in the Gulf of Mexico and the threats and links to health issues, using key examples from dolphins, whales, and manatees, who are our closest human analogs in coastal waters.
Thursday Night Social
March 26, 2026
National Maritime Museum of the Gulf
Join us for a memorable evening at the stunning National Maritime Museum of the Gulf, where the stories of the sea come to life through immersive exhibits and interactive displays. Enjoy exploring the museum with your peers while savoring drinks and reception-style food in this one-of-a-kind waterfront setting. To learn more about the museum, click here.
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Featured Institutions
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Thank you to our Featured Institutions for your generous support!
Be an Exhibitor at ASB 2026!
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WHY SHOULD YOUR ORGANIZATION BE AN EXHIBITOR WITH ASB?
This three-day event brings together approximately 800 biologists from across the southeastern United States. The meeting features a distinguished plenary speaker, special symposia, oral and poster presentations, workshops, networking and social events, and more. The Annual Meeting provides you with the exclusive opportunity to network with this large and important audience of faculty, students, researchers, conservation workers, military and government personnel, and business professionals with a common interest in biological issues. Interests are diverse, but range from genetics and molecular biology, to physiology and population biology, to community and ecosystem ecology. Your sponsorship helps ASB provide this friendly meeting space for generations of biologists.
This three-day event brings together approximately 800 biologists from across the southeastern United States. The meeting features a distinguished plenary speaker, special symposia, oral and poster presentations, workshops, networking and social events, and more. The Annual Meeting provides you with the exclusive opportunity to network with this large and important audience of faculty, students, researchers, conservation workers, military and government personnel, and business professionals with a common interest in biological issues. Interests are diverse, but range from genetics and molecular biology, to physiology and population biology, to community and ecosystem ecology. Your sponsorship helps ASB provide this friendly meeting space for generations of biologists.
Annual Meeting Venue | Housing
The 87th Annual Meeting of the Association of Southeastern Biologists will take place at the
Mobile Renaissance and Convention Center
64 S Water St, Mobile, AL 36602
Mobile Renaissance and Convention Center
64 S Water St, Mobile, AL 36602
BOOK YOUR ROOM FOR #ASB2026
at the specially-negotiated rate while supplies last!
Headquarters Hotel: Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, 64 S. Water Street | Mobile, AL 36602 USA.
ASB Discounted Rate: $182/night | $208.48 inclusive of tax and fees. (Regular rates $350+, so we are saving you over $160!)
Rates based on availability until February 20, 2026.
PLAN APPROPRIATELY AND STAY UP TO DATE:
ASB Discounted Rate: $182/night | $208.48 inclusive of tax and fees. (Regular rates $350+, so we are saving you over $160!)
Rates based on availability until February 20, 2026.
PLAN APPROPRIATELY AND STAY UP TO DATE:
- Remember, the meeting is Wednesday to Saturday, so make sure to book only the dates you need.
- Leave the rooms with multiple beds for those who need them.
- If your plans change after booking and you need fewer rooms or fewer days, please update your reservation so those rooms are available to someone else!
Why stay with ASB?
- Our Headquarter Hotels provide you the most comfortable, safe, and convenient location to stay during the meeting.
- ASB has negotiated special rates with these hotels, so staying here saves you money and time, and it helps ASB meet its contractual obligations.
- Staying at the headquarters hotels also gives you access to the latest information, should plans change.
2026 T-Shirt Design
Congratulations to Erica Edinger, Master's student at Marshall University, for her amazing design!
Erica will receive free registration to #ASB2026!
Erica will receive free registration to #ASB2026!
The 2026 ASB T-shirt will be available for purchase during registration. If your school pays for registration, but not T-shirts, you can add items and pay separately after registering.
Special Events
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Symposia
Each symposium is a specially-arranged set of talks focused on a given theme and put together by a member-organizer. For the most part, symposia are open to everyone. |
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INTEGRATION OF BIODIVERSITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN SOUTHEASTERN US ECOSYSTEM DYNAMICS
Organizers:
LaRoy Brandt, Lincoln Memorial University (on behalf of the Southeast Chapter of the Ecological Society of America)
Olufemi Fatusnsin, Alabama A&M University (on behalf of the Southeast Chapter of the Ecological Society of America)
This symposium will bring together researchers who examine biotic–abiotic interactions across the variety of ecosystems within the Southeastern US. We hope to highlight work that advances ecological theory while also informing practical management and policy. Presentations will include studies of forests, wetlands, coastal systems, and grasslands, with cross-cutting themes of carbon storage, resilience, disturbance dynamics, and species persistence. By focusing on both fundamental and applied questions in the southeast, the session will contribute directly to both the mission of Association of Southeastern Biologists and the mission of the Ecological Society of America by linking ecology with solutions for environmental challenges.
LaRoy Brandt, Lincoln Memorial University (on behalf of the Southeast Chapter of the Ecological Society of America)
Olufemi Fatusnsin, Alabama A&M University (on behalf of the Southeast Chapter of the Ecological Society of America)
This symposium will bring together researchers who examine biotic–abiotic interactions across the variety of ecosystems within the Southeastern US. We hope to highlight work that advances ecological theory while also informing practical management and policy. Presentations will include studies of forests, wetlands, coastal systems, and grasslands, with cross-cutting themes of carbon storage, resilience, disturbance dynamics, and species persistence. By focusing on both fundamental and applied questions in the southeast, the session will contribute directly to both the mission of Association of Southeastern Biologists and the mission of the Ecological Society of America by linking ecology with solutions for environmental challenges.
USING AI IN THE BIOLOGY CLASSROOM
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Organized by the ASB Education Committee
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The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) has exploded over the last few years, and its influence and disruption of the traditional classroom is notable. Learning more about how we can use Generative AI to better support ourselves as biology teachers and our students is critical to staying relevant in our craft. This symposium will offer practical ways faculty use Generative AI to enhance their efficiency as a teacher, teach students how to better use Generative AI, and how to engage students more in their classrooms.
The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) has exploded over the last few years, and its influence and disruption of the traditional classroom is notable. Learning more about how we can use Generative AI to better support ourselves as biology teachers and our students is critical to staying relevant in our craft. This symposium will offer practical ways faculty use Generative AI to enhance their efficiency as a teacher, teach students how to better use Generative AI, and how to engage students more in their classrooms.
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Panel Discussions
ASB’s program often includes panels that provide focused discussion on a topic by a group of experts. Past panel topics included applying for grants, getting into graduate school, and increasing inclusivity in academia. All registrants are welcome to attend panels. |
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LEARNING BY DOING: ENGAGING STUDENTS AND TRACKING SUCCESS IN EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
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Organizer: Mark Meade, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Panelists: Mark Meade, University of Alabama at Birmingham Tammy Laberge, Miami Dade College Megan Meade, Jacksonville State University Danielle Jennings, Montevallo University Emanuelle Odame, University of Alabama at Birmingham Mercy Aula, University of Alabama at Birmingham |
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This panel brings together college educators from diverse institutions to explore the benefits, challenges, and measurable outcomes of experiential learning at the undergraduate level. Panelists will share how their programs are designed and implemented, highlight strategies for engaging students beyond the classroom, and discuss methods for tracking academic and career success. Attendees will gain practical insights and evidence-based approaches to strengthening experiential education initiatives.
THE FLORA OF THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES AS A FOUNDATION FOR SOUTHEASTERN BOTANY AND CONSERVATION
Organizers:
Alan Weakley, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Carol Ann McCormick, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Michael Lee, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Scott Ward, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Derick Poindexter, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Shanna Oberreiter, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Chris Ludwig, Seedbox Consulting
Katie Gibson, High Country Apps LLC
Alan Weakley, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Carol Ann McCormick, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Michael Lee, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Scott Ward, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Derick Poindexter, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Shanna Oberreiter, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Chris Ludwig, Seedbox Consulting
Katie Gibson, High Country Apps LLC
Conservation starts with comprehension. What are the plant species growing naturally in my region? How can I identify and distinguish them from similar-looking species? Are the dichotomous keys for these species easy to use or do they require me to learn specialized botanical terms? Are there images available that help to best demonstrate these diagnostic features? Which species are considered native, and when do they flower and fruit? Which habitats do they grow in, and are they rare in my area or globally? Conversely, which emerging non-native species should I be monitoring and do they pose issues for any rare species? Why has a genus or species name changed so often, and is there controversy related to their current accepted name?
This panel will focus on The Flora of the Southeastern United States (FSUS) project (part of the UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium), which strives to bring you a foundational resource to begin answering these questions. The FSUS project does this by serving the modern southeastern flora across multiple platforms such as field-ready mobile apps, the FSUS website, PDFs, and other derivative projects. Our coverage entails around 11,000 plant taxa occurring across 25 states, 16 of which have full geographic coverage. As perhaps one of the most crowd sourced scientific floras to date, the FSUS project benefits greatly from its many users as they continue to critically examine the plants in their region and provide valuable feedback to the growing Southeastern Flora Team. We’ll talk about continued taxonomic changes (e.g., lumping and splitting), thoughts on common names and plant nativity in the Homogenocene, important conservation themes (changes in the land, coastal plain endemism and conservation of the Real World), and our ultimate philosophy behind making information in The Flora accessible and digestible without compromising its botanical integrity.
Workshops
Workshops allow attendees to participate in hands-on demonstrations and energetic discussions of best practices in research and teaching. All attendees are welcome to attend workshops, but preregistration may be required.
Workshops allow attendees to participate in hands-on demonstrations and energetic discussions of best practices in research and teaching. All attendees are welcome to attend workshops, but preregistration may be required.
CREATE AN HERBARIUM SPECIMEN!
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Organizers:
Jennifer Kluse, Louisiana State University Mac H. Alford, University of Southern Mississippi Kathy Mathews, Western Carolina University Shawn Krosnick, Tennessee Tech University |
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This workshop, hosted by the Society of Herbarium Curators – Southeast USA Chapter, will teach the basics of collecting research grade plant specimens for deposit into an herbarium. This will include hands-on activities and a walking field trip, culminating in a dried, pressed specimen and access to specimen collection resources.
HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING WITH YOUR GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATIONS
Organized by ASB's Human Diversity Committee
This workshop is designed to better prepare undergraduate ASB student members to apply to graduate school. Through dynamic discussion with more experienced ASB member panelists, this workshop will raise participants’ awareness of the key elements of successful graduate school applications—especially those that are often not explicitly described to or required from undergraduate applicants. After a short introductory presentation, an interactive moderated discussion will follow, with the help of experienced ASB members who will serve as panelists and answer prepared and real-time participants’ follow-up questions related to the topic. There will also be short exercises throughout the workshop that will help attendees experience successful strategies for career development. The workshop will end with a short review of the take-home messages to remember.
This workshop is designed to better prepare undergraduate ASB student members to apply to graduate school. Through dynamic discussion with more experienced ASB member panelists, this workshop will raise participants’ awareness of the key elements of successful graduate school applications—especially those that are often not explicitly described to or required from undergraduate applicants. After a short introductory presentation, an interactive moderated discussion will follow, with the help of experienced ASB members who will serve as panelists and answer prepared and real-time participants’ follow-up questions related to the topic. There will also be short exercises throughout the workshop that will help attendees experience successful strategies for career development. The workshop will end with a short review of the take-home messages to remember.
IDENTIFY PLANTS USING THE FLORA OF THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES (FSUS) PRODUCTS
Organizers:
Alan Weakley, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Carol Ann McCormick, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Michael Lee, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Scott Ward, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Derick Poindexter, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Shanna Oberreiter, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Chris Ludwig, Seedbox Consulting
Katie Gibson, High Country Apps LLC
As meta-analyses, functional trait datasets, phylogenetic trees and other rigorous statistical models prevail in modern ecology, there remains now more than ever a need for students of ecology to learn basic regional plant identification skills. At the Flora of the Southeastern United States (FSUS) project, we're striving to improve plant identification resources for more than 11,000 native and non-native vascular plant taxa occurring across the biodiverse southeast, with 3 main flora products (PDF, Web app, FloraQuest mobile app) now available for use by anyone interested in botany. Join the FSUS team as we workshop our way through plant identification by using live plants to practice the use of dichotomous keys and multi-access ("graphic") keys.
Alan Weakley, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Carol Ann McCormick, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Michael Lee, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Scott Ward, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Derick Poindexter, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Shanna Oberreiter, North Carolina Botanical Garden and UNC-Chapel Hill Herbarium
Chris Ludwig, Seedbox Consulting
Katie Gibson, High Country Apps LLC
As meta-analyses, functional trait datasets, phylogenetic trees and other rigorous statistical models prevail in modern ecology, there remains now more than ever a need for students of ecology to learn basic regional plant identification skills. At the Flora of the Southeastern United States (FSUS) project, we're striving to improve plant identification resources for more than 11,000 native and non-native vascular plant taxa occurring across the biodiverse southeast, with 3 main flora products (PDF, Web app, FloraQuest mobile app) now available for use by anyone interested in botany. Join the FSUS team as we workshop our way through plant identification by using live plants to practice the use of dichotomous keys and multi-access ("graphic") keys.
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THE ONLY CONSTANT IS CHANGE: PROGRAMMATIC WORKFLOWS TO ACCESS, PREPARE, AND WORK WITH NEON DATA
Organizers:
Laura Nagel, National Ecological Observatory Network
Margaret Cumberland, National Ecological Observatory Network
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) collects and provides open ecological data from over 80 locations across the United States to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing. NEON data cover a wide range of subject areas within ecology, including organismal observations, biogeochemistry, remote sensing, and micrometeorology. Some datasets already span several years of data collection. This workshop will provide an introduction to discovering, accessing and preparing NEON data, primarily using R. The workshop will be divided into two sections of roughly equal length. The first section will feature an introductory presentation highlighting NEON educational resources for accessing and working with NEON data and an introduction to the NEON data portal. The second section will include a code-along guide to (a) accessing data through the NEON API from an R environment using the neonUtilities packages, (b) understanding the contents and quality of various data packages, and (c) performing common data merges, visualizations, summarizations, and transformations with a NEON data product. Basic familiarity with R is ideal for participation in the workshop.
Laura Nagel, National Ecological Observatory Network
Margaret Cumberland, National Ecological Observatory Network
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) collects and provides open ecological data from over 80 locations across the United States to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing. NEON data cover a wide range of subject areas within ecology, including organismal observations, biogeochemistry, remote sensing, and micrometeorology. Some datasets already span several years of data collection. This workshop will provide an introduction to discovering, accessing and preparing NEON data, primarily using R. The workshop will be divided into two sections of roughly equal length. The first section will feature an introductory presentation highlighting NEON educational resources for accessing and working with NEON data and an introduction to the NEON data portal. The second section will include a code-along guide to (a) accessing data through the NEON API from an R environment using the neonUtilities packages, (b) understanding the contents and quality of various data packages, and (c) performing common data merges, visualizations, summarizations, and transformations with a NEON data product. Basic familiarity with R is ideal for participation in the workshop.
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Field Trips
Field trips offer registrants the chance to visit a local ecosystem or laboratory guided by a local expert. Don’t miss the chance to see endemic species, a unique ecosystem, or visit a prestigious lab or collection. To allow registrants to join a field trip without missing presentations, field trips are scheduled on Wednesday and Saturday, before and after the presentation days, so make sure you arrive early or stick around to take advantage of these unique opportunities. We ask that you register with a nominal fee before attending a field trip to make sure we have an accurate headcount. |
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FIELD TRIP DESTINATION: WEEKS BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE
Description: Embark on a nature-filled tour aboard the Weeks Bay Explorer pontoon boat. Led by experts from the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, you’ll navigate beautiful coastal waterways and observe an array of wildlife such as bald eagles, osprey and dolphins. Learn about the importance of this estuary in supporting young marine life and healthy bird habitats. Afterwards, experience one of the most diverse habitats for flowering plants in North America on a tour of the Weeks Bay Pitcher Plant Bog. Or take a self-guided walk through the Weeks Bay Reserve Visitor Center and Boardwalk. To date, the Reserve has protected over 9,000 acres of land in the estuary. This tour is a great opportunity to witness habitat preservation first-hand.
Timeline: 1:00-4:00 pm, Wednesday, March 25
Number of participants: 50
Transportation: Attendees must provide their own transportation; carpooling is recommended. Participants will meet at the Weeks Bay Reserve Tonsmeire Resource Center, which is located at 11525 US Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL 36532.
Organizer: Angela Underwood, Manager, Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Field Trip Leaders: Eric Brunden, Stewardship Coordinator, Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve; Kathy Hicks, Education Assistant, Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Timeline: 1:00-4:00 pm, Wednesday, March 25
Number of participants: 50
Transportation: Attendees must provide their own transportation; carpooling is recommended. Participants will meet at the Weeks Bay Reserve Tonsmeire Resource Center, which is located at 11525 US Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL 36532.
Organizer: Angela Underwood, Manager, Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Field Trip Leaders: Eric Brunden, Stewardship Coordinator, Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve; Kathy Hicks, Education Assistant, Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
FIELD TRIP DESTINATION: BELLINGRATH GARDENS & HOME
Description: Bellingrath Gardens & Home is a beloved coastal garden and cultural attraction that is set on an 870-acre natural campus, of which 65 acres have been developed. Habitats at Bellingrath range from a tidal, flooded, blackwater bayou to a tidal river to bottomland hardwood forests to low sand-ridge forests. Plants grown in the gardens are a mixture of primarily exotic/non-native shrubs and herbaceous subtropical to tropical plants, all set under a canopy of native broadleaf and needled evergreen trees, admixed with some deciduous trees. A reasonable subset of worldwide flora can be viewed at Bellingrath, as one might expect at other coastal gardens of the northern Gulf Coast region. Attendees will be able to buy a meal on site after the tour.
Timeline: 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Saturday, March 28
Number of Participants: 20+
Cost: $22.50 (Gardens & Home tour)
Transportation: Attendees must provide their own transportation; carpooling is recommended. Free parking is available outside the Admissions Building.
Organizer: Jack Pruitt, Directory of Operations & Strategic Partnerships of Bellingrath Gardens & Home
Field Trip Leaders: Dr. Todd Lasseigne, Executive Director of Bellingrath Gardens & Home and/or Jeremy Schmidt, Director of Horticulture of Bellingrath Gardens & Home
Timeline: 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Saturday, March 28
Number of Participants: 20+
Cost: $22.50 (Gardens & Home tour)
Transportation: Attendees must provide their own transportation; carpooling is recommended. Free parking is available outside the Admissions Building.
Organizer: Jack Pruitt, Directory of Operations & Strategic Partnerships of Bellingrath Gardens & Home
Field Trip Leaders: Dr. Todd Lasseigne, Executive Director of Bellingrath Gardens & Home and/or Jeremy Schmidt, Director of Horticulture of Bellingrath Gardens & Home
FIELD TRIP DESTINATION: BON SECOUR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AND WEEKS BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESERVE
Description: Tour maritime hammocks, coastal sand pine scrub, interdune swales and coastal lagoons, coastal marshes, and sand dunes along the beach by way of the Pine Beach Trail and Gator Lake Trail off of Mobile Street in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Break for lunch and then travel to Weeks Bay National Estuarine Reserve's pitcher plant bog (with a newly renovated boardwalk) on Fish River Road. Attendees should pack a meal.
Timeline: 7:30 am-3:00 pm, Saturday, March 28
Cost: $10.00
Number of Participants: 24
Transportation: Provided in university vans, or attendees can drive themselves
Organizers and Field Trip Leaders: Dr. Mac H. Alford, University of Southern Mississippi; Dr. M. Wayne Morris, Troy University
Timeline: 7:30 am-3:00 pm, Saturday, March 28
Cost: $10.00
Number of Participants: 24
Transportation: Provided in university vans, or attendees can drive themselves
Organizers and Field Trip Leaders: Dr. Mac H. Alford, University of Southern Mississippi; Dr. M. Wayne Morris, Troy University
FIELD TRIP DESTINATION: DAUPHIN ISLAND SEA LAB
Description: ASB participants will engage in a boat tour onboard the research vessel for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL). Following the boat tour, lunch will be provided at DISL, and a scientist will be made available to discuss work at DISL with the group. Thereafter, participants can engage in a self-guided tour of the Aquarium. Closed-toe shoes that completely cover feet are required for everyone boarding the research vessel. Sunscreen, water bottle, hat, and sunglasses are recommended. Children must be over 10 years of age and accompanied by an adult. Lunch will be provided.
Timeline: 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Saturday, March 28
Cost: $31.00
Number of Participants: 30
Transportation: Attendees must provide their own transportation
Organizers: Dr. Holly Boettger-Tong, Wesleyan College; Jennifer Latour, Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Field Trip Leaders: Jennifer Latour and Dauphin Island Sea Lab personnel
Timeline: 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Saturday, March 28
Cost: $31.00
Number of Participants: 30
Transportation: Attendees must provide their own transportation
Organizers: Dr. Holly Boettger-Tong, Wesleyan College; Jennifer Latour, Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Field Trip Leaders: Jennifer Latour and Dauphin Island Sea Lab personnel
SA-SE/SABS Student Reception
This event is cosponsored by the Southeastern Section of the Botanical Society of America and the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society. All students who are interested in the Plant Sciences are welcome to meet with peers and professionals at this fun mixer.
This event is cosponsored by the Southeastern Section of the Botanical Society of America and the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society. All students who are interested in the Plant Sciences are welcome to meet with peers and professionals at this fun mixer.
ASB Members Meeting
The ASB Members meeting is the annual opportunity for members to meet in-person with ASB leadership. During the meeting, we discuss the state of the association and the treasurer’s report, decide on resolutions for the year, review proposed changes to the bylaws/constitution, and make other important decisions. All members are asked to attend the business meeting.
Breakfasts and Luncheons
Sometimes a group will meet in a smaller space to discuss a topic of interest and to share a meal. Boxed meals may be provided by the group or for an individual fee. You may need to register to attend and certain breakfasts and luncheons are only for members of the group.
Thursday Night Social
The Thursday Night Social is the party of the year! Join the ASB members and leadership as we let loose at a unique local venue with food, music, and fun! Be sure to register for this event, because you won’t want to miss it! Tickets are required for this event.
Friday Night Awards Banquet
The Friday Night Social is a formal dinner at which we honor those receiving awards. It also serves as the official closing of the meeting. Get ready to dress up and celebrate the excellent achievements of our members. Registration is required for this event.
Silent Auction
The silent auction is an important fundraiser for the Enrichment Fund which provides support to help members attend the meeting. Please bring items you think might be of interest to attendees of our meeting. Items do not have to be related to the biological sciences, but this is a guaranteed shared interest among attendees. The items will be displayed in the Exhibit Hall during the meeting where anyone can place a bid. Bids close Friday afternoon, then the highest bidder pays for the item at the ASB booth and takes it home. Plan ahead and set aside items for the auction throughout the year, but don’t forget to bring them to the meeting!
The ASB Members meeting is the annual opportunity for members to meet in-person with ASB leadership. During the meeting, we discuss the state of the association and the treasurer’s report, decide on resolutions for the year, review proposed changes to the bylaws/constitution, and make other important decisions. All members are asked to attend the business meeting.
Breakfasts and Luncheons
Sometimes a group will meet in a smaller space to discuss a topic of interest and to share a meal. Boxed meals may be provided by the group or for an individual fee. You may need to register to attend and certain breakfasts and luncheons are only for members of the group.
Thursday Night Social
The Thursday Night Social is the party of the year! Join the ASB members and leadership as we let loose at a unique local venue with food, music, and fun! Be sure to register for this event, because you won’t want to miss it! Tickets are required for this event.
Friday Night Awards Banquet
The Friday Night Social is a formal dinner at which we honor those receiving awards. It also serves as the official closing of the meeting. Get ready to dress up and celebrate the excellent achievements of our members. Registration is required for this event.
Silent Auction
The silent auction is an important fundraiser for the Enrichment Fund which provides support to help members attend the meeting. Please bring items you think might be of interest to attendees of our meeting. Items do not have to be related to the biological sciences, but this is a guaranteed shared interest among attendees. The items will be displayed in the Exhibit Hall during the meeting where anyone can place a bid. Bids close Friday afternoon, then the highest bidder pays for the item at the ASB booth and takes it home. Plan ahead and set aside items for the auction throughout the year, but don’t forget to bring them to the meeting!
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PRESENTATION GUIDELINES
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SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT NOW!
We are now accepting abstract submissions for oral presentations, poster presentations, lightning talks, and BBB presentations!
Submit your abstract by December 10, 2025 for Early Acceptance!
Abstract submissions close January 14, 2026.
Submit your abstract by December 10, 2025 for Early Acceptance!
Abstract submissions close January 14, 2026.
Oral and Poster Presentations are presented on Thursday and Friday of the meeting. Posters can also be submitted as an ePoster that will be viewable by attendees online throughout the meeting. Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words.
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Abstracts submitted to the annual meeting of the Association of Southeastern Biologists are reviewed for completeness and appropriateness by an editing board consisting of members of the program committee and the editor of the bulletin of ASB, Southeastern Biology. Abstracts submitted for awards are further reviewed for eligibility by judges aligned with those organizations. Editors and judges are professional biologists. Abstracts are published in Southeastern Biology, the official bulletin of ASB.
Beta Beta Beta submissions are reviewed by the leaders of Beta Beta Beta districts I and II. Further information for these submissions is provided by Beta Beta Beta.
See images from previous meetings at the bottom of this page. |
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PRESENTATION TYPES
Oral PResentations
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Appropriate for completed projects with novel data-driven conclusions. Oral presentations are 12 minutes long with an additional 3 minutes for questions from the audience. A computer with projector and screen will be provided, but internet access will be limited. Abstract Limit: 300 words.
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Poster PResentations
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Posters offer an effective way to communicate preliminary data and or novel ideas/hypotheses that can stimulate discussion with interested viewers. Presenters will bring a printed poster to be displayed all day (either Thursday or Friday). The presenter(s) must be present during their assigned hour-long poster session on one of those days. Posters should fit within a 46" (Width) x 44" (Height) space. Presenters may also submit a digital poster to allow attendees to view the poster throughout the week via the meeting app. All award seekers are required to submit their posters digitally for judging. Instructions for digital poster uploads will be sent with acceptance letters. All other poster presenters have the option to submit their posters digitally. Posters will be available for the registrants on the meeting’s app during the week of the event. We strongly encourage digital submissions to allow attendees increased accessibility, which should provide schedule flexibility and expedited in-person poster visits to minimize crowding during the sessions.
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lightning talks
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A less formal format to share new ideas and hypotheses, discuss novel experimental approaches, or present truly preliminary results. No more than 5 heart-pounding minutes and 3 PowerPoint slides to leave your mark, engage, and connect with others. Only a title and a brief abstract to explain your idea is required. Limited time slots available, so act fast. Slots will be filled on a first-come basis and others will be added to a waiting list. This session will take place in the Exhibit Hall.
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Tribeta Presentations
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Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is a biological honor society for students and researchers submitting to Tribeta must be active members of a Tribeta chapter. Tribeta Districts I and II meet conjointly with ASB annually and Tribeta talks and posters will be presented on Friday concurrently with ASB sessions. Tribeta students must register for the ASB meeting.
All Tribeta presentations are judged for Tribeta Awards. |
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Students apply for PRESENTATION AWARDS during abstract submission.
Learn more about presentations and events of the meeting in our Guide to ASB's Annual Meeting
AWARDS
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When submitting an abstract, students can also apply for one of many ASB AND AFFILIATE PRESENTATION AWARDS. Simply click on the appropriate award during the abstract submission process, write a short justification, and give your best presentation at #ASB2026!
ASB Presentation Awards are presented to students who give an outstanding presentation at the annual meeting. Both an Oral Presentation Award and a Poster Presentation Award are given for each of several categories designed to reflect the breadth of biological disciplines at ASB. One award of $300 will be made in each of the categories at the closing banquet at the annual meeting. Categories of Oral and Poster Presentation Awards -Cell and Molecular Biology -Aquatic Biology -Animal Biology -Herpetology (in memory of Dr. Floyd Scott) -Microbiology |
Registration
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During the registration process, you will be able to
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Group Bookings:
The registration system supports group bookings. If you have six or more attendees, Shannon Gordon, ASB’s Event Planner, is ready to help. Reach out to her at [email protected].
The registration system supports group bookings. If you have six or more attendees, Shannon Gordon, ASB’s Event Planner, is ready to help. Reach out to her at [email protected].
Membership Status |
Early Registration Rate |
Registration Rate after 12 February 2026 |
ASB Emeritus Member |
$160 |
$210 |
ASB Life Member |
$325 |
$400 |
ASB Professional Member |
$325 |
$400 |
ASB Student Member |
$160 |
$210 |
Professional Non-Member |
$400 |
$470 |
Student Non-Member |
$210 |
$265 |
ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION EVENTS
Ticketed Events |
Date |
Location |
Ticket Price |
Thursday Night Social | Professional |
Thursday, 26 March |
National Maritime Museum of the Gulf |
$50 |
Thursday Night Social | Student |
Thursday, 26 March |
National Maritime Museum of the Gulf |
$40 |
Friday Night Banquet |
Friday, 27 March |
TBD |
$40 |
SPONSOR ASB and help us provide a friendly meeting space for generations of biologists
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The Association of Southeastern Biologists is dedicated to providing high-quality opportunities for biologists to present their work, network with peers, and develop professionally. Our Annual Meeting is a crucial step in the STEM-Student Pipeline giving many upcoming biologists, who will proceed to advanced degrees and careers in academia and industry, their first experience presenting science. It provides a friendly space to receive feedback, learn about job opportunities, and meet experts in the field. We would love to have you as part of it!
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