SCBNA Board of Directors

Executive Committee

PresidentPresident-ElectTreasurerDiversity Officer
Anderson Tate, University of California – Davis

Anderson Tate, University of California – Davis

President

Term: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2027

Anderson is currently a Ph.D. student studying ecology at the University of California, Davis, where he researches and develops eDNA approaches for non-invasive monitoring of California vernal pool ecosystems. His research includes using metabarcoding and CRISPR-based technology to inventory vernal pools on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) national wildlife refuge lands. His background includes working for the USFWS, providing scientific support to wildlife refuge managers and field biologists regarding conservation planning and endangered species management. Anderson is enthusiastic about connecting scientists, practitioners, and students through SCBNA to achieve conservation goals by sharing knowledge, providing support, and mentoring. Anderson received his B.S. in Environmental Studies from California State University, Sacramento.

Luisa Maria Diele-Vegas, University of Michigan

Luisa Maria Diele-Vegas, University of Michigan

President-Elect

Term: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2030

Luisa Maria Diele-Vegas is a Brazilian ecologist and transdisciplinary scientist whose work bridges biodiversity, conservation, and inclusive scientific collaboration. She is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Michigan and a Courtesy Senior Research Associate I at the University of Oregon. Additionally, she is a permanent professor in the Graduate Program in Ecology at the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil, and a collaborator professor in the Graduate Program of Zoology at the State University of Santa Cruz, Brazil. She leads the BioDivA Lab, a decentralized and virtual research community designed to foster collaboration across disciplines, cultures, and geographies.

Her research integrates ecophysiology, ecological niche modeling, and conservation biology to understand how organisms respond to environmental change and to support evidence-based biodiversity governance. Beyond her academic contributions, she is committed to building open, collaborative, and transdisciplinary approaches that value local and traditional knowledge, aiming to transform how science engages with global challenges.

Asena Goren, University of Florida

Asena Goren, University of Florida

Treasurer

Term: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2029

I am a quantitative ecologist and research associate at the Center for Landscape Conservation Planning at the University of Florida. My research focuses on decision-support science and innovative solutions for land protection that can support ecological connectivity and resilience at the landscape scale. I am passionate about conservation research, communication, and the translation of science into policy and impact. It is an honor and privilege to serve as Treasurer for the SCBNA Board.

Anna Weber, Florida Institute of Technology

Anna Weber, Florida Institute of Technology

Diversity Officer

Term: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2028

Originally hailing from Michigan, Anna is a postdoctoral researcher in the Shark Conservation Lab in the Ocean Engineering & Marine Sciences Department at the Florida Institute of Technology, where she conducts research on climate change responses in sharks. She received her doctorate in Integrative Biology from the University of New Orleans after completing a dissertation focused on conservation genetics of primates in Gabon. As the student representative for SCBNA, Anna is enthusiastic about providing resources and support to students and early career professionals in the field of conservation. She lives in Palm Bay, Florida with her partner and their dog and cat.

Vice Presidents & Representatives

VP for PolicyVP for EducationStudent RepresentativeChapter RepresentativeMember at LargeMember at Large
PreviousNext
Keegan Mobley, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area

Keegan Mobley, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area

Vice President for Policy

Term: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2029

Keegan Mobley is a steadfast supporter of wildlife and the ecosystems that support them. With a Bachelor’s in Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech, a Master’s in Global Environmental Policy from American University, and close to a decade working with wildlife he firmly believes a better world for all is within reach and works towards it each day.

Having worked as a field biologist in states all over North America (with both terrestrial and marine spp.), as an environmental educator, and now as a program manager, he understands the techniques, logistics, complications, and efforts that go into conservation work. He seeks to support researchers and biodiversity conservation policies/projects with the use of PDM&E and collaboration between Western and Indigenous knowledge holders to improve outcomes for both wildlife, the environment, and people.

Stephanie Clements, Centers for Public Science Learning, Boston Museum of Science

Stephanie Clements, Centers for Public Science Learning, Boston Museum of Science

Vice President for Education

Term: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2028

Stephanie is a conservation biologist and environmental educator driven by a passion for protecting biodiversity and connecting people with nature. As the former Education & Advocacy Director at Tropical Audubon Society, she developed environmental education programs for diverse audiences. These included a flagship conservation advocacy-training program for adults and high school students, an immersive nature-based program for children ages 5–12 from underserved communities, a family-friendly bird conservation festival, and STE(A)M partnerships with local schools. Stephanie has also worked as an Interpretive Park Ranger, a zoo education intern, and a teaching assistant for undergraduate biology and ecology courses. She recently relocated to Boston, MA, where she now serves as Manager of Operations for the Centers for Public Science Learning at the Museum of Science.

She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Miami and a B.S. in Environmental Science from Roanoke College. Her dissertation focused on conservation in human-modified landscapes in Miami and Costa Rica. She successfully petitioned for state listing of the Florida reef gecko and has published 10 peer-reviewed scientific papers. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and indoor cat.

Jumanah Khan, White Egret (WE) Consulting & Ocean Frontier Institute

Jumanah Khan, White Egret (WE) Consulting & Ocean Frontier Institute

Student Representative

Term: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2028

Growing up along the shores of the Great Lakes, I developed a deep appreciation for the connections between people, water, and land. After completing a master’s in environmental studies, I worked with farmers and conservation partners to restore marginal farmland, prevent erosion, and support native biodiversity along Lake Erie’s northern shore.

My journey then took me to the coastal regions of Nova Scotia, where I earned a Master’s of Marine Management at Dalhousie University. There, I worked closely with local communities to develop tools that share stories and build understanding of benthic environments in areas with the world’s largest tides.

Whether restoring farmland in Ontario or supporting research and coastal spatial planning in Nova Scotia, I am committed to building connections between people and ideas to drive meaningful conservation action. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with diverse community members, leading transdisciplinary teams, and managing projects that bridge scientific and traditional knowledge.

I am passionate about amplifying voices within the conservation community, and believe that effective conservation is rooted in relationships—among people and between people and the environments that sustain us.

As Student Representative, I look forward to supporting students across North America, building connections, and working together to create positive change for our shared environments.

Rebecca Tate

Rebecca Tate

Chapter Representative

Term: 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2028

Becca Tate is a dedicated advocate for science and conservation. With a background in neurobiology research and student affairs, her passion for helping students drives her commitment to supporting the next generation of environmentalists. Becca currently lives in Sacramento, CA, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Sacramento. An avid traveler, Becca loves visiting countries to learn about wildlife and local culture. Her hobbies also include snuggling with her two cats and trying new foods.

Laura Hancock, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Laura Hancock, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Member at Large

Term: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2029

Laura Hancock (she/they) will start as an Assistant Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in fall 2026, where she previously served as a Visiting Assistant Professor for the past two years. Laura’s research focuses on ecological connectivity and population ecology, with a focus on microchiropterans and invasive plants as study systems. Specifically, she investigates the drivers of group structuring and distribution patterns seen across multiple spatial levels (microhabitat to landscape), especially in human modified systems.

Previously, she was a full-time conservation scientist with a regional non-profit, as well having completed various term, contract, and internship roles with state, federal, and private organizations. Outside of research and teaching, Laura is passionate about science for policy and policy for science, especially at the federal level, and community education.

Natalie Faught, Credit Valley Conservation Authority

Natalie Faught, Credit Valley Conservation Authority

Member at Large

Term: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2029

Natalie Faught is a conservation partnership professional with more than a decade of experience advancing collaborative initiatives across Canada. Her work focuses on building strategic partnerships among governments, Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, funders, and private-sector partners to support conservation and public benefit outcomes.

Natalie’s experience spans trail development, land acquisition, biodiversity and lands management, and landscape-scale conservation planning. She is passionate about fostering meaningful collaboration, strengthening relationships, and advancing projects that connect people with nature while supporting healthy, resilient ecosystems.

As a member of the Society for Conservation Biology North America Board, Natalie is excited to contribute a Canadian perspective and collaborate with colleagues across North America to advance biodiversity conservation through partnership, innovation, and shared learning.

Staff

Managing DirectorComms & Conference InternFormer Director of OperationsFormer Comms InternFormer Comms Intern
PreviousNext
Bernie Traversari

Bernie Traversari

Managing Director

Bernie’s background includes research in developmental ecology and amphibian conservation and positions in nonprofit leadership, community outreach, and science education. Before joining SCBNA, Bernie served as the Director of Science Outreach at Edgewood College in Madison, WI, where he led the development and implementation of community-based science education programs for underrepresented communities across the state. He is also Board Vice President of the Urban Learning Collaborative, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit aimed at training the next generation of K-12 educators. Bernie is passionate about connecting scientists with community leaders, grassroots organizations, and students of all ages through his role at SCBNA, all in an effort to protect our natural world. Bernie received a B.S. in Biology from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, and an M.S. in Biology from Washington State University. Born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, he now lives and works in Milwaukee, WI with his wife and their cat.

Lisa Wang

Lisa Wang

Communications & Conference Assistant

Lisa is a medical student at Penn State and is from Hershey, PA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology and has a background in science pedagogy, molecular ecology, non-profit marketing, and science and health communications.

Megan Keville

Megan Keville

Former Director of Operations

Megan Keville is SCBNA’s former Director of Operations. She is currently a Science Delivery Specialist for the US Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station, though her background includes positions and research in science communication, restoration ecology, fire science, and ecosystem ecology. Prior to joining SCBNA, Megan served as research coordinator in the Restoration Ecology Lab in the University of Montana’s College of Forestry and Conservation, and as co-coordinator with the Northern Rockies Fire Science Network. She also edited and produced the Society for Ecological Restoration’s quarterly newsletter. Megan received a B.A. in biology from Carleton College, MN, and an M.S. in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana. Megan lives and works in Weaverville, California.

Julianna Duran

Julianna Duran

Former Communications Intern

Julianna Duran is SCBNA’s former Communications Intern & Conference assistance and is a Master’s student at North Carolina State University studying diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in Environmental Conservation. She received a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech and is from Washington D.C. She has a background in wildlife biology, human dimensions, and social media analytics.

Alexis Canney

Alexis Canney

Former Communications Intern

Alexis Canney is a master’s student in conservation and restoration science at the University of California, Irvine. She has a background in nonprofit fundraising and environmental education. She received a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Vassar College, NY and is from Brooklyn, NY.