IGC Graduate Student Organization

IGC GRADUATE STUDENT ORGANIZATION

The IGC GSO exists to benefit the IGC community as a whole through student contributions to infrastructural, educational, and social investments and activities. Further goals of the IGC GSO include:

Facilitate communication between faculty and students within IGC, and between IGC and the university and community.
Build community among IGC graduate students.
Further the professional development of IGC graduate students.
Foster interdisciplinary interactions between IGC graduate students and scientists, policymakers, and the public.

GSO Officers and Constitution

The IGC GSO Governing Body is composed of an Executive Committee (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Sustainability Officer) and a Programming Body (Outreach Committee, Social Committee and Professional Development Committee). Elections occur annually during Spring semester, and new officers start their positions at the beginning of Fall semester.

2019-2020 Officers

President: Zach Gajewski

Vice President: Ernie Osburn

Secretary: Lauren Maynard

Treasurer: Kristin Bretz

Sustainability Officer: Kerry Gendreau

Outreach Committee Chair: Isaac VanDiest

Professional Development Committee Chairs: Stephen DeVilbiss, Becca O’Brien

Social Committee Chair: Alaina Weinheimer

IG3C Representatives: Korin Jones, Bennett Grooms

GSO Constitution

2018-19 Officers

President – Mary Lofton

Vice President – Nicole Ward

Secretary – Ernie Osburn

Treasurer – Rachel Brooks

Sustainability Officer – Kerry Gendreau

Outreach Committee Chair – Vasiliy Lakoba

Social Committee Chair – Brenen Wynd

Professional Develop. Committee Chair – Sam Lane

2017-18 Officers

President – Max Ragozzino

Vice President – Mary Lofton

Secretary – Becky Fletcher

Treasurer – Ben Vernasco

Outreach Committee Chair – Sydney Hope

Social Committee Chair – Nicole Ward

Professional Develop. Committee Chair – Fadoua El Moustaid

2016-17 Officers

President – Matt Aberle
Vice President – Angie Estrada
Secretary – Zach Martin
Treasurer – Ben Vernasco
Outreach Committee Chair – Tamara Fetters
Professional Develop. Committee Chair – Ben Ahlswede
Social Chair – Ryan McClure

2015-16 Officers

President – Heather Govenor
Secretary – Maya Wilson
Treasurer – Jennifer Wagner
Outreach Committee Chair – Angie Estrada
Professional Develop. Committee Chair – Zach Martin

2014-15 Officers

President – Tony Timpano
Secretaries – Tamara Fetters & Leah Novak
Treasurer – Cathy Jachowski
Outreach Committee Chair – Jen Wagner
Professional Develop. Committee Chair – Jon Doubek

RECENT EVENTS

2018 Gilbert Linkous Science Fair

March 15, 2018: The Interfaces of Global Change Graduate Student Organization returned for an evening of outreach fun for the annual Gilbert Linkous Elementary School science fair on March 15, 2018. Fellows organized and hosted a photo booth experience for kids at the fair, themed “Dress Like a Scientist”. Children explored field and lab gear, and learned that you don’t have to have fancy equipment to be a scientist!

November 4, 2017: The IGC Grad Student Organization sponsored an outreach table at the Festival Expo in Newman Library. Their station, named “The Balance of Nature”, was focused on learning about ways that children can help take care of the Earth and keep nature in balance. The interactive station featured block and coloring activities along with sticker prizes.

March 16, 2016: It was a big night for little scientists at the Gilbert Linkous Elementary School Science Fair on March 16, 2016, where there was no shortage of creativity or enthusiasm! The annual science fair features the research of kindergarten through 5th graders, and is fast becoming a favorite IGC Spring outreach opportunity.

September 26, 2015: The Interfaces of Global Change IGEP sponsored a booth and social media campaign at the Blacksburg Science Festival called “Why I Care For Nature.”

March 18, 2015: The Interfaces of Global Change Graduate Student Organization participated in a science fair at Gilbert Linkous Elementary School in Blacksburg. The IGC Fellows served as judges (or “mad scientists”!) and operated a Science Photo Booth.

Dr. Robert Lackey, Fisheries Professor, Oregon State University

Thursday, March 5, 2015; Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.; Location: Fralin Auditorium

“Science in Public Policy: Maintaining Relevance, Ensuring Accuracy, and Avoiding Advocacy”

Passport to Discovery

Saturday, April 12, 2014:

Interfaces of Global Change Graduate Student Organization hosted a science outreach day at the SEEDS Nature Center* in Blacksburg, VA. The day of outdoor activities was titled “Passport to Discovery: a hands-on journey through the world of biological science and nature for children of all ages.”