Texas A&M Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology

Howdy!

The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology invites you to Hayden Roberts’ dissertation defense on Friday, June 12, at 10:00 AM at WFES 411 or via Zoom.

We hope to see you there!

🎉 Congratulations to Shruthi Srinivasan, Geospatial Analyst & Lecturer!

Shruthi has been named a recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Geospatial Educator Award, presented at the GeoEdC Conference and supported by the National Science Foundation.

This prestigious award recognizes her outstanding contributions to geospatial education and her dedication to teaching GIS for Resource Management at Texas A&M University. The recognition is especially meaningful as the nomination came from one of her students, highlighting the lasting impact of her teaching and mentorship.

Through her work in the classroom and beyond, Shruthi continues to inspire future professionals in geospatial science, natural resource management, and conservation.

Please join us in congratulating Shruthi on this well-deserved honor! 👏🌎🎓

Howdy!

The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology invites you to Veronica Mayer's M.S. thesis defense on Monday, June 8, at 12:00 PM at WFES 411 or via Zoom.

We hope to see you there!

🎉 ECCB Graduate Student Spotlight: Makayla Roberts

Congratulations to ECCB graduate student Makayla Roberts on being selected as a recipient of the Fred Case Grant, awarded by the Native Orchid Conference.

The Fred Case Grant supports undergraduate and graduate student research that advances the knowledge, conservation, and appreciation of North America's native orchids. Applicants are required to submit a research proposal, project budget, timeline, personal statement, and a letter of recommendation from their advisor.

Makayla's achievement highlights the outstanding research being conducted by ECCB students and the importance of supporting the next generation of conservation scientists.

👏 Congratulations, Makayla! We look forward to seeing the impact of your research.

Learn more about the Fred Case Research Grant Program here:
https://www.nativeorchidconference.org/fred-case-grant

Howdy!

The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology invites you to Meghan Booknis' M.S. thesis defense on Friday, May 29, at 1:00 PM at WFES 119 or via Zoom.

We hope to see you there!

Today, we honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is not forgotten, and their legacy continues to shape the freedoms we share. From Texas A&M University, we reflect with gratitude and respect on this Memorial Day.

🪶 Featured in the news!

Research by Jessica Yorzinski from the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology (ECCB) at Texas A&M University has been featured by MSN News.

The study explores how crows may perceive feather coloration beyond human vision, offering fascinating insights into avian vision and sensory ecology.

Read the MSN feature: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/crows-look-identical-to-us-but-scientists-found-a-hidden-visual-code-only-they-can-see/ar-AA23FRXO

Crows look identical to us, but scientists found a hidden visual code only they can see Imagine yourself in a parking lot watching a group of crows digging through leftover food near a dumpster. To you all these birds are the same: solid black, indistinguishable from each other, just birds doing bird things. But to the crows themselves the scene is quite different. “Each bird is givi...

🌿 The May 2026 edition of the ECCB Newsletter is now available!

Explore highlights from the past semester, including student achievements, faculty recognitions, research stories, events, and department updates from the Texas A&M University Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology community.

📩 Click the link to read the full newsletter and catch up on the latest ECCB news.

https://eccb.tamu.edu/2026/05/eccb-newsletter-may-2026/

May 2026 Ecology and Conservation Biology Newsletter Explore the May 2026 Ecology and Conservation Biology Newsletter from Texas A&M University featuring research, student achievements, faculty news, and ECCB updates.

Howdy!

The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology invites you to Miranda Peterson’s dissertation defense on Friday, May 15, at 1:30 PM at WFES 119 or via Zoom.

We hope to see you there!

Aggies step forward ready to lead, serve and make a difference.

From classrooms to communities around the world, these graduates are prepared to be a force for good.