President
Melissa Haswell
Delta College
Melissa Haswell is currently the Associate Dean of Science and Mathematics at Delta College in University Center, Michigan. Her primary responsibilities as Associate Dean are to support academic management and operations of the Science and Mathematics Divisions and support the Academic Deans in furthering the academic mission and direction of the College to help ensure student success in degree completion, successful transfer to university, and/or entry-level job employment or career advancement. From 2008-2021, Melissa was a full-time faculty member in the science department at Davenport University (Michigan). She has 17 years of experience in STEM education that emphasizes case-based teaching, the incorporation of authentic research experiences in undergraduate biology courses, and decolonizing the higher education curriculum. Melissa is also is a Higher Education Ambassador for HHMI BioInteractive (2017-present) and is involved with the Kirtland Warbler Census for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Past research projects have included winter bird-feeder use of the White-breasted Nuthatch and dominance hierarchy in Black-capped Chickadees, nesting and reproductive behavior of Eastern Bluebirds, House Wrens, and Tree Swallows, and work as a research assistant/technician on the Tittabawassee River Ecological Risk Assessment with Michigan State University. Melissa received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Alma College and completed two master’s degrees (Health Promotion and Conservation Biology), as well as her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in biology education from Central Michigan University.
Past President
Jason Wiles
Syracuse University
Jason R. Wiles is a biology professor at Syracuse University. He also has courtesy appointments in the Department of Science Teaching and the Department of Earth Sciences. His research focuses on student understanding of and attitudes toward evolution and climate change, as well as on expanding diversity among students pursuing careers in biology and other STEM disciplines.
Executive Secretary of Finance
Greg Smith
Lakeland University
Greg Smith is always working to create new ways for his students to learn. A member of the Lakeland’s faculty since 2003, Dr. Smith is co-founder of Lakeland Undergraduate Research Experience (LURE), which allows students to work alongside their faculty as peers in conducting primary research. Greg always has students in the program that he pushes to explore new avenues in science. He partnered with fellow biology faculty member Paul Pickhardt to create Lakeland’s tropical biology course in Belize, an amazing hands-on opportunity to conduct research in the rainforest. Students find in Greg a supportive mentor who’s quick with a smile. Greg also serves as the faculty advisor for the college’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Christina Wills
Rockhurst University

Paul Pickhardt
Lakeland University

Ryan Dunk
Syracuse University

Conrad Toepfer
Brescia University
Robert Yost (No picture)
Indiana University – Purdue University

Holly Nance
College of Coastal Georgia
Steering Committee Member
Ashley Driver
University of Scranton

Steering Committee Member
Cassandra Korte (No Picture)

George Todd
2021 Program/Local Arrangements Chair
Tara Prestholdt (no picture)
University of Portland