The American Society of Naturalists Graduate Council invites applications for three new graduate student representatives to join us this year. Members of the GC serve three-year terms and are responsible for representing the needs and interests of Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to the executive council of the ASN.
As a member of the ASN Graduate Council, you have the chance to participate in the workings of the society and interact with researchers from all over the world. Representatives serve on several committees that are responsible for organizing ASN-sponsored workshops, choosing winners of the Student Research Awards, organizing student-focused events at Evolution and Asilomar, and running the website and social media accounts for grad student ASN members at http://asngrads.com/. However, members are not limited to these responsibilities and there is ample opportunity to develop other initiatives that support ECRs within the ASN community.
Here are a few ways Graduate Council members contribute to the American Society of Naturalists scientific and professional community:
- Voting as a block on executive committee initiatives
- Designing and selling ASN merchandise to raise funds for initiatives such as financial aid for conference attendance fees, Student Research Award funds, etc.
- Organizing events for ASN stand-alone meetings and the tri-society Evolution meetings including Natural History Trivia nights, graduate student mixers, and more
- Creating science outreach content such as web blog posts, podcasts, and more
- Representing the interests and perspectives of ECRs on other ASN committees, such as the Student Research Awards Committee and the Diversity Committee
- Your fantastic idea here!
Applicants should be pursuing a PhD at the time of application. We encourage and welcome ECR applicants from all backgrounds and nationalities. Additionally, we do not require applicants to be part of ASN; if you are selected, we will cover your membership to the society.
If you are interested in joining or have any questions at all, please email the Graduate Council email (asngrads@gmail.com). Submit your application to the Graduate Council email with the subject line “ASN GC application” and attach a short statement (less than 1 page) explaining why you want to join the grad council and what specific actions you hope to contribute to our professional community. The application deadline is August 30, 2022, at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time.
Endorsements from current council members
Sarah McPeek (’21-’24): Serving on the ASN graduate council is a fantastic opportunity to meet and collaborate with ECR colleagues, contribute meaningfully to your professional community, and develop your own initiatives for the society. For example, I wanted to publicize amazing ECR work in The American Naturalist, so I started a podcast through the council to do just that! Is there something you’d like to see from your society? Join us, and we can help you make it happen!
Emma Lehmberg (’19-’22): Being a part of the ASN graduate council was a really enriching experience. Working with the Executive Committee gave me a lot of insight into the challenges that scientific societies face but also the benefits they can provide, especially to Early Career Researchers. Being on the graduate council is an opportunity to advocate for and support your ECR peers, and that has definitely been my favorite aspect of working with the ASN GC council.