Conservation biology applies principles of ecology, genetics, biogeography, and social science to the conservation of biological diversity. Since its creation in 1985, the Society for Conservation Biology has been one of the fastest growing scientific societies, expanding to more than 10,000 members worldwide. In 1990, students at the School established the first national chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology and developed the bylaws that are now used in the formation of other chapters. The Yale chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology brings together students and faculty from a variety of disciplines who share a common interest in the conservation of nature. The roles of the Society are to complement and supplement the academic programs with student-initiated activities and to strengthen the conservation biology community at Yale. Activities of the Yale chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology are diverse. The chapter sponsors lectures, dinners, field trips, and events to promote professional development and scientific curiosity in the field. Leaders in the discipline are brought in to speak on issues ranging from the current status of the Endangered Species Act to methods in biodiversity monitoring. Learning from the research and experiences of fellow classmates is an invaluable opportunity, so the Society also encourages this dialogue by sponsoring student research presentations and facilitating conversations about issues facing conservationists. Periodic formal and informal meetings enable students and alumni to share information on work together. The Society also maintains an e-mail list reporting job openings, announcements, and important news in conservation biology and related fields.
Leaders:
Julia Fogerite julia.fogerite@yale.edu
Angela Whitney angela.whitney@yale.edu
