Chair: Amanda Veals

I am a postdoctoral research scientist with Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University in Texas. I received my B.S. from University of Arizona and M.S. from the same institution studying gray fox ecology and rabies management. I defended my Ph.D. in October 2021 with a dissertation focused on spatial ecology of the endangered ocelot to inform road mitigation efforts. I started my first post-doc position in January 2022 where I lead research focused on carnivores and mentor graduate students.

I have been involved with The Wildlife Society since I was an undergraduate. I have been an active member of the Arizona and Texas state chapters as well as the Southwest Section and Women of Wildlife for the last decade. I have served on the communication boards of three different working groups during my graduate career. While I am new to the Early Career Professionals Working Group, I plan to bring my experience serving as chair of two different graduate student organizations to bear.

As a recently married step-mom with a partner who is also in the profession, I am familiar with many of the challenges facing young professionals in the wildlife field. I have a passion for helping my peers. I aim to promote and support diverse voices in TWS while providing a collaborative and productive environment for young professionals.

Co-Chair: Alex Lewis

Past-Chair: Jonathan Trudeau

Jonathan is Ph.D. student at Michigan State University (MSU) where he is studying the effects of landscape characteristics on white-tailed deer movements and how deer behavior may impact the spread of chronic wasting disease in south-central Michigan. Jonathan grew up in New England hunting, fishing, and hiking with his family. His passion for the outdoors was the driving force behind his decision to pursue a career in wildlife. Prior to his current position at MSU, Jonathan worked for an array of organizations including state, federal, and private entities. Most notable, Jonathan worked for the US Fish and Wildlife Service Refugee system where he was a bio-technician collecting information on mesopredators, loons, bats, and amphibians at Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. After being in the workforce for a few years, Jonathan went back to school and received his Masters of Science degree from Ball State University, which is where he was first exposed to The Wildlife Society (TWS).

While at Ball State, and now at MSU, Jonathan enjoys organizing and taking part in outreach programs with the local community. Jonathan regularly talks to local stakeholder groups about his research and about urban wildlife in general. As the secretary for the ECPWG, Jonathan brings his experience working with undergraduates to better position themselves for positions after graduate and plans to apply this knowledge to help other young professionals in the wildlife field. Jonathan’s goal as secretary is to ensure that the thoughts, feelings, and concerns of all early professionals are heard by TWS and to convey any wisdom he may have to other young professionals seeking advice.

Contact: jtrudeau@msu.edu

Secretary: Jordan Grotts

Treasurer: Allison Williams

Communications Coordinator: Ian Shriner

At-Large Board Member: Aidan Branney

At-Large Board Member: Micah Bingaman

At-Large Board Member: Katelin Goebel, AWB®

At-Large Board Member: Courtney King

At-Large Board Member: Chelsea Kross

At-Large Board Member: Josh Smith, CWB®

At-Large Board Member: Miranda Strasburg, AWB®