Alumni Impact

Meet our alumni/fellows who are currently pursuing a Ph.D. or already achieved a Ph.D., and take a look at what they have to say about SEEDS!

 

ChristinaChristina De Jesus-Villanueva will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Universidad de Puerto Rico en Rio Piedras.


“The biggest way that I have been impacted by seeds is by receiving a sense of direction. I decided that my science would be to serve ecosystems, specifically their management and protection. I made this important decision after a SEEDS workshop called ” Future of Environmental Decisions” where I was inspired to become a scientist with an instrumental role in decisions in support of sustainable practices and conservation. As I continue to build my careers as a conservation biologist, I remain indebted to SEEDS for shaping my path and giving the opportunity to tread it.”

Find out more about The Future of Environmental Decisions” 


Israel_Del_ToroIsrael Del Toro achieved a Ph.D. in Ecology at University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2014 and is currently an assistant professor at Lawrence University.

“As an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at El Paso, I quickly developed an interest in pursuing ecological research and the SEEDS program was the base that nurtured this interest.  Through SEEDS I participated in campus-wide outreach activities, attended a field trip to Bonanza Creek LTER and was even awarded a SEEDS grant to conduct a small local research project. After graduating from UTEP I knew that I wanted to pursue a PhD in ecology and through SEEDS and the REU program I found my PhD advisor, Aaron Ellison. As a PhD student I transitioned to become a SEEDS mentor to undergraduate students participating in the Harvard Forest REU program and at multiple ESA annual meetings. Now that I have completed my PhD and postdoc, I will continue to be involved in the SEEDS program as a mentor to the next cohort of SEEDS undergraduates. I am fortunate to be starting a new tenure track faculty position at Lawrence University in the Fall of 2016.  Where I will continue to mentor students and start a new SEEDS chapter for Lawrentians. In my experience, SEEDS provides young ecologists a nurturing atmosphere with formative research opportunities, an extensive network of mentorship and the supportive attitude of the extended SEEDS family and staff!” 

 


Jonathan KoJonathan Kochch obtained his Ph.D. in Ecology from Utah State University, and he is currently a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Hawaii at Hilo

“ESA SEEDS has inspired me to be a better student, scientist, and mentor. As the field of Ecology grows, it is essential that we actively discuss ways in which we can improve our science, as well as enhance the research and teaching experiences of our scientist. SEEDS provides a platform where all students can learn about what Ecology means to their peers and mentors, and build upon those exchanges into their own professional careers. I feel lucky to have been a part of ESA SEEDS as a student, and I am excited about the opportunities to continue working with SEEDS well into the future.”


Dan Metz,our 2014-dan metz2015 SEEDS fellow, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Marine Biology at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Project Title: A systemic parasitic infection of Pachygrapsus crassipes by an unknown ciliate.

“The SEEDS fellowship set the trajectory of my career, introducing me to my current Ph.D. advisor and paving the way for me to follow my dream. It also introduced me to some of the best and brightest young minds in the field of ecology: all of the other SEEDS students! Getting the opportunity to be a SEEDS research fellow is life-changing, and the resources and contacts you gain from the fellowship will serve you for the rest of your career.”


Greisha-ortizGreisha Ortiz is a Ph.D. student in Pharmacology at Loma Linda University.

“Even though I didn’t choose the ecological field as my career. Certainly, SEEDS family helped me to achieve what I have achieved until this point in the biomedical field. Leadership, confidence, collaboration, and integration. I will keep loving my SEEDS “Familia” and I keep in touch with all of them. Ecology is my life, is my hobby , is my lifestyle.”

 

 


Lucero RadonicLucero Radoniz, 2004-2005 SEEDS Fellow,  achieved a Ph.D. in Anthropology at University of Arizona. She is currently an assistant professor at Michigan State University.

“Over ten years ago, I spent a summer in Hilo, Hawaii, looking at the regeneration of the native forest. SEEDS taught me how to ask questions and turn them into fascinating projects. That summer SEEDS taught me how to design a project, how to work in a team collecting and analyzing data, and how to present results to an audience of colleagues. I enjoyed the process through and through — the curiosity and awe of the research process that remains fueling my work as a cultural anthropologists working on the political ecology of water resources in Mexico and the U.S. Southwest.”


Michael RemkeMichael Remke is a Ph.D. candidate in Forest Science at Northern Arizona University.

“SEEDS has been one of the most impactful organizations in my career and personal growth. SEEDS has enabled success in my career by bringing me to conferences and leadership meetings. These opportunities were incredible networking opportunities that directly led to my connection with my current PhD adviser. These impacts have cascading to have profound effects on personal growth as well. The people that I have met through SEEDS continue to be some of the most inspiring and empowering individuals I have met. These people challenge me to be a better scientist, and a better person. SEEDS has done nothing but better my world view and enhanced my global perspective thus greatly improving my career and person.”


Chrstina WongChristina Wong, 2005-2006 SEEDS fellow, achieved her Ph.D. in Ecology, Economics, and Policy at Arizona State University.

SEEDS gave me the confidence and support to pursue my current career interests.”