Name and Cluster: My name is Colin Orians and I am excited to join the Population and Community Ecology cluster as a rotating Program Officer.

Education: BA, Earlham College; PhD, The Pennsylvania State University

Home Institution: Tufts University

Tell us about your research: I am a global change biologist and my primary research agenda explores the performance of plants in natural and managed systems in response to climate change and interacting herbivores (native and exotic). The empirical work is guided by theory, and we strive to identify the underlying mechanisms behind plant responses to stressors. We work in both temperate and tropical systems, and our projects span from basic biology to coupled natural human systems.

Why do you want to serve with NSF?  There is so much great science being done, often at the boundaries of different disciplines, and to be part of the funding process within and across fields is exciting. Moreover, I have very much enjoyed serving on panels, meeting colleagues and exploring the frontiers of our fields.  I have learned so much in the process so look forward to creating similar opportunities for others. Lastly, as a recipient of NSF grants, I wanted to give back to the community.

What are you looking forward to in your tenure here at NSF? I look forward to working with my cluster mates, interacting with staff and program officers throughout BIO, and connecting with colleagues across the country. 

Name and Cluster: 

Hello! My name is Jeremy Wojdak (pronounced “whoa-jack”) and I’m a new rotating Program Officer in the Population and Community Ecology Cluster.

Education: 

I received a BS from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and a PhD from Michigan State University while working at the Kellogg Biological Station.

Home Institution: 

I’ve been on the Biology faculty at Radford University, a primarily undergraduate institution in Virginia, since 2004.

Tell us about your research: 

I study species interactions in freshwater ecosystems, and specifically predator-prey and host-parasite interactions.  I didn’t consciously plan it this way, but the unifying theme across projects has been looking for context-dependent features of species interactions that emerge with increasing community complexity.  How do alternative hosts mediate parasite transmission through a focal host species?  How do predator assemblages combine to determine prey’s risk of mortality?  These are the kinds of questions that most interest me – questions at the edge of where reductionism as an approach to science starts to break down. 

My other professional focus emerged from spending a lot of time in classrooms – I’ve been creating faculty development experiences and open educational classroom resources to support undergraduate quantitative biology education and equitable and inclusive educational experiences for STEM students.

Why do you want to serve with NSF? 

Every step of my educational and professional life has in some way been supported by the National Science Foundation; countless people invested their time and energy to provide opportunities that I just stepped into.  To say I feel a debt would be an understatement. I look forward to helping NSF identify and support the next waves of scientific discovery and quality STEM education, and the people that make all that happen.

What are you looking forward to in your tenure here at NSF? 

I’m excited to interact with the diverse cadre of NSF colleagues, proposers, PIs, and panelists that make the merit review process work so well. There are very few environments so rich with ambitious, creative, and dare I say, transformative, ideas.

Name and Cluster:

My name is Shannon Fehlberg, and I’m a rotating Program Officer in the Systematics and Biodiversity Science Cluster.

Education:

I have an M.S. degree in Biology from the University of Colorado, Denver; Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder; and a post-doc from Kansas State University, Manhattan.

Home Institution:

My home institution is the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. I work in the Research, Conservation, and Collections department, which has 20 staff working in a variety of scientific, collections-based, and outreach roles.

Tell us about your research:

My research focuses on observed patterns in and potential mechanisms driving the evolutionary diversification of plants. In particular, I am interested in rapid diversification that results in a number of closely related lineages with varying amounts of similarities and differences in genetics, morphology, geographic distribution, and ecological niche. I use established and emerging genetic tools at the population and species levels and consider the role of mechanisms such as whole genome duplication (polyploidy), hybridization, selection, and range shifts resulting from past climate oscillations. My work primarily examines members of the genus Phlox, several genera in the cactus family, a clonal wetland plant, and invasive Tamarix. As a researcher at a botanical garden, I am often seeking knowledge that will contribute to conservation efforts.

Why do you want to serve with NSF?

Receiving NSF funding early in my career played a critical role in my development as a scientist. I want to help members of my research community experience that same benefit. I’m also eager to learn more about current research across all biological fields and see the most cutting-edge ideas and approaches for advancing scientific knowledge.

What are you looking forward to in your tenure here at NSF?

I’m looking forward to working with the dedicated and talented people in my cluster and division. Furthermore, understanding how the review process works on a deeper level and expanding my knowledge of the numerous programs and initiatives across the Foundation will enrich my perspective for opportunities in science and enable me to share this perspective with others. Finally, I’m excited to experience all the rich historical and cultural activities in the Washington DC area.