Professor Tracy Gartner
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Tracy Gartner, professor of environmental science and biology, has been selected as chair-elect for the Education Section of the Ecological Society of America (ESA).

ESA is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of more than 9,000 scientists with the goals of promoting ecological science by improving communication among ecologists; raising the public’s level of awareness of the importance of ecological science; increasing the resources available for the conduct of ecological science; and ensuring the appropriate use of ecological science in environmental decision making by enhancing communication between the ecological community and policy makers.

Specifically, the Education Section promotes and enhances ecology education for students of all ages and for the general public; facilitates the development an dissemination of ecology curricula, publishes educational materials, pedagogic ideas and education programs and projects of the highest quality; provides information, encouragement, and assistance to anyone who teaches ecological concepts and principles; advocates an appropriate emphasis on ecology education at all levels; and recognizes those who provide outstanding instruction in ecology.

During her three-year term as chair elect (2019-2020), chair (2020-2021), and past-chair (2021-2022), Prof. Gartner will be responsible for event programming during annual meetings, including the business mixer, a Resources in Ecological Education Fair, and special sessions around the topic of ecological education. Prof. Gartner also will work closely with the Education and Diversity Programs Office to increase diversity within ecology-related professions, to engage the public in a dialogue on ecological research and issues, and to improve the quality of ecology education at all levels.