EEBISO
As a graduate student, networking and connecting with fellow student researchers is an important way to share information, discover innovative solutions to research problems, and even set up collaborations.
The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Interdisciplinary Student Organization (EEBISO) facilitates the formation of these connections by providing a relaxed setting for students to stay abreast of our ever-changing field(s), socialize with students from a vast array of departments and research backgrounds, have fun, and make lasting friendships and collaborations in the process.
Below is a list of some of the events the EEBISO hosts. All are student-run, with the goal of fostering leadership and community within the graduate students participating in EEB.
- Annual crawfish boil
- Assisting with other EEB-sponsored scientific activities such as the Ecological Integration Symposium (EIS)
- Outreach events such as Darwin Day
- Various other activities and socials
EEBISO Leadership
The EEBISO president is the chief student leader of the organization and maintains the recognized status of the organization. They organize and lead EEBISO meetings, attend executive committee meetings as the student representative, participate as a voting member of the executive committee, and report back non-confidential information to EEBISO. Additional tasks include signing forms, revising the Constitution, applying for funds for educational activities, being the point of contact for EEB Application Buddies, and often working closely with the EEB program coordinator and EEB chair.
The treasurer is responsible for organizing payments for EEBISO events as well as procuring funds for events. Other responsibilities include maintaining the recognized status of the organization and fundraising, which includes t-shirt sales and the silent auction at the annual crawfish boil.
The outreach representative is the lead on recruiting volunteers, forming new collaborations, and organizing outreach events for EEB, including events with The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History (Booneville Days, Wish Upon a Butterfly), WISE – Expanding Your Horizons, and educational opportunities for local schools and at Lick Creek Park. Additional duties include helping to form a committee, setup, participation, and working closely with the EEB outreach chair and EEB program coordinator for Darwin Day.
The events representative is the lead on organizing social events for EEB, including our annual crawfish boil, happy hours, potlucks or picnics, community building activities like game nights, camping trips, and various other events. Other responsibilities include coordinating the EEB mentor-mentee program for incoming students. This position also works with the EEB program coordinator and EEB communications chair to provide EEB social media outlets with information to advertise and boost EEB’s social media reach.
The seminar representative works closely with the EEB program coordinator and EEB seminar chair to communicate student perspectives or concerns about seminars, report seminar news to the EEBISO leadership, and helps with grad student seminar lunches.
The Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) Representative serves as EEBISO’s connection to the university-wide graduate student body. They attend GPSG senate meetings, serve on GPSG and university committees, draft and vote on legislation, advocate for graduate and professional student interests, and propose initiatives or funding that support graduate students. This role also ensures two-way communication by bringing EEBISO’s voice to GPSG and sharing updates, opportunities, and decisions back with EEB graduate students.
EEBISO Officers 2025-2026
Oluwaseun Ajileye
PresidentI am a 4th year PhD student in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program at Texas A&M University, under the supervision of Dr. Jessica Light. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology (parasitology) from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, where I focused on characterizing and isolating medically important parasites and pathogens associated with humans and wildlife. My research now centers on the complex dynamics of host-parasite interactions and vector-borne diseases. I am particularly interested in investigating the distribution and coinfection patterns of filarial nematodes and tick-borne pathogens in North American tick vectors, employing next-generation sequencing and advanced molecular techniques to characterize tick microbiomes and elucidate the biological associations between vectors, parasites, and pathogenic microorganisms. Outside of research, I enjoy playing/watching soccer, traveling, and learning new languages (Spanish)!
Ruby Mustill
TreasurerI am a third-year PhD student in Dr. Courtney Fitzpatrick’s lab with interests in primate behavior, life history, and sexual selection. I’m from Chicago, and I graduated from Columbia University in 2021 with degrees in anthropology and evolutionary biology. Before moving to Texas, I studied macaques in Puerto Rico and baboons in Kasanka National Park, Zambia. For my dissertation research, I’m combining theoretical and empirical methods to study the evolution of adolescence in primates. I’m interested in science writing and outreach, and I served on the 2024 and 2025 Darwin Day planning committees. For fun, I like knitting, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with cats.
Serena Farrell
Outreach RepresentativeI am a graduate student in Dr. Spencer Behmer and Dr. Greg Sword’s lab. As an undergraduate student I attended Cal State San Marcos and received my bachelor’s degree in biology. As an undergrad, I had the opportunity to study animal physiology in relation to Aedes aegypti osmoregulatory tissues. Now I study microbiomes of locusts and grasshoppers and the environmental impacts on the microbiome community in relation to behavioral plasticity. Outside of research I enjoy working out, playing pickleball, and hanging out with my cat Juju Bean!
Asif Ahmed
Events RepresentativeI am a first-year Ph.D. student in Dr. Anja Schulze‘s lab. I did my master’s in Earth and Marine Sciences from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Bachelor’s in Zoology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. I have been trying to understand the impacts of environmental and human-induced stressors on marine biodiversity since my undergraduate years. I studied the behavior of coastal kingfishers and olive ridley turtles in Bangladesh. Later on, I worked on the effect of pesticides on American oysters in the Gulf of Mexico. For my doctoral research, I am shifting focus toward evolutionary biology, with a particular interest in exploring the phylogeny and Evolutionary relationships of marine invertebrates. Beyond research, I enjoy playing cricket, traveling to new places, and experiencing the diversity of local cuisines wherever I go.
Malith Viduranga
Seminar RepresentativeI am a 3rd year PhD student in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program at Texas A&M University, working in Dr. Daniel Spalink’s lab. I was born in a small coastal town in Sri Lanka, where I grew up with ready access to rainforests that inspired my passion for plants. I graduated with a special degree in Plant Science from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, where my undergraduate research focused on niche modeling, distribution, and range dynamics of Sri Lankan endemic plant species. My current research explores the worldwide genus Impatiens, with an emphasis on its niche dynamics, biogeography, and phylogenetics. Outside of research, I enjoy practicing traditional Sri Lankan dancing, trying different food cuisines, and collecting plant species.
Michael Bliss
GPSG RepresentativeI am a first-year PhD student and Merit Fellow in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Interdisciplinary Program under the advisement of Dr. Katy Gonder. I am a conservation biologist focused on protecting Earth’s biodiversity and natural places, especially those most at risk, such as islands and insular systems like forest fragments. While my research is not taxon- specific, I primarily work in primate-rich regions and use primates as flagship species to protect broader communities and ecosystems. Much of my work has taken place across southeastern Madagascar’s rainforest escarpment, where my research aims to inform and drive real-world conservation decisions. This includes species assessments, the development of short- and long-term conservation plans, and community engagement and local capacity building that support effective, locally grounded conservation strategies. Outside of research I enjoy traveling and exploration, being outdoors doing activities like hiking, diving, and playing recreational sports like pickleball, and I really enjoy being around people and learning from and about different perspectives and backgrounds!