2023 Candidate Joseph Bruseo
Joseph A. Bruseo
Professor
Holyoke Community College
I would describe myself as a behavioral ecologist, specializing in small mammal community ecology. My ecological training is broad, stemming from both education and work in the field. Between my master’s and Ph.D., I worked as a field technician as a small mammal biologist, a position that also involved investigation of other ecological aspects (vegetation analysis, entomology, birds, herps). I am currently pursuing a bird banding permit, and have taken a number of week-long workshops to work towards that end.
My leadership experience comes from my service at Holyoke Community College (HCC). I served as department chair for 2 years, and interim dean for one year. I have been a member of the faculty senate. I am the currently chair (6 years) of the Institutional Review Board for HCC, and chair (5 years) of the Curriculum Committee. Prior to becoming chair, I served as a member on both.
What interests, experience or skills would you bring to this position?
Having gone through the certification process, I am familiar with the requirements both to obtain and maintain certification. My professional and educational experience have given me insight into the varied pathways of ecologists. The process of certification can be intimidating, confusing, or thought of as unattainable by some in the field, particularly those starting their professional careers and those from underrepresented groups. With that awareness, I would be an advocate for certification and help to recruit members from all areas of ecology.
How would you support ESA’s mission? How would you plan to promote DEIJ in ESA membership and activities if elected?
Professional Certification should seek to accomplish the following:
1. Literacy: certification provides confirmation that the recipient has a certain level of education and/or experience in the field of Ecology.
2. Competency: certification indicates that the recipient has been vetted as a capable ecologist
3. Progression: maintenance of certification ensures the recipient is continually learning, adding to their knowledge base and experiences in all aspects of ecology. My experience in academia (community college, four-year private and public colleges) and private industry has provided insight into the perceptions of professional certification. Each setting is different, and the concept of certification varies in each. Peers, students, and administrators often view the value of certification differently. My personal experience has been that certification was solely for academicians conducting research. While this segment comprises a portion of ecology, there are many other areas that are just as valid and important. As a member of the Board of Professional Certification, I would advocate for increased certification from all areas of ecology through outreach and education, especially to underrepresented groups. Having recently received certification, I know how daunting the process can be. In particular, I felt as though I did not qualify for certification and was very hesitant to apply. It’s ecologists like me that need to know that they can and should apply and that regardless of their employment, they have value to the society.