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 2026-2027
Ruby Mustill
PresidentI am a fourth-year PhD candidate in Dr. Courtney Fitzpatrick’s lab with interests in primate behavior, life history, and sexual selection. I graduated from Columbia University in 2021 with a degree in anthropology and a concentration in 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 empirical and theoretical methods to study the evolution of adolescence in primates. I’m interested in science writing and outreach, and I served on the Darwin Day planning committee from 2024–2026. For fun, I enjoy quilting, taking photos of my friends, and hanging out with my cat Gertie.
Leonardo Collazos
TreasurerI am a fifth-year PhD student in Dr. Veldman’s lab, focusing my research on the effects of cattle foraging on the diversity and composition of the tropical dry forests understory, and the factors that influence cattle selectivity on the forest forage. I got my bachelors degree in Biology in La Molina National Agrarian University (UNALM), where I explored the biogeography of the woody species of the tropical dry forests of Peru and had the chance to do a revegetation of degraded shrublands in the Andes. Beyond research, I enjoy playing soccer, cooking traditional Peruvian cuisine, and travelling to new places.
Sierra Sanders
Outreach RepresentativeI am a third-year PhD student in Dr. Claudio Casola’s lab. I earned my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and genetics at Texas A&M University, where I studied plant adaptations to extreme environments and the evolution of adaptive genes. My research now focuses on the mechanisms of the birth and evolution of de novo genes and how they integrate into existing genetic networks. I combine bioinformatics and comparative genomics methods to study de novo genes in plants and mammals, with plans to expand to more organisms. Outside of research, I enjoy being out in nature, especially hiking, reading, and hanging out with my cat!
Sijad Islam
Events RepresentativeI am a first-year Ph.D. student in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program at Texas A&M University in Dr. Luis A. Hurtado‘s laboratory. I graduated with both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Zoology from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh, where my research focused on molecular ecology, DNA barcoding, and phylogenetic analyses of insects. My current research centers on conservation genomics and evolutionary biology. I am particularly interested in investigating the evolutionary history, phylogeography, and population genomics of marine invertebrates using genomic and molecular approaches. Apart from research, I enjoy playing cricket, soccer, cooking, traveling, and exploring new places.
Mei Rao
Seminar RepresentativeI am a second-year Ph.D. student with Dr. Ian Ausprey. I’m from Poughkeepsie, New York, and I graduated with my B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from Cornell University in 2025. My dissertation research focuses on local avian adaptation in human-dominated landscapes. I use genomic, bioacoustic, and geospatial analytic techniques to expand our understanding of human-ecosystem interactions. Outside of the lab, I love traveling, cooking, and playing board games!
Bhagya Weththasinghe
GPSG RepresentativeI am a 5th year PhD student in Dr. Daniel Spalink’s lab. I am originally from Sri Lanka and earned my undergraduate degree in Plant Sciences from the University of Colombo. My research interests include plant phylogenetics, biogeography, spatial phylogenetics, and population genetics. My current dissertation research focuses on building a comprehensive phylogeny of Sri Lankan grasses and using biogeographical and spatial phylogenetic approaches to understand the ecological and evolutionary factors that have shaped their colonization and diversification. I served on the Darwin Day planning committee in 2023 and 2024. Outside of research, I enjoy gardening, pressing flowers, cycling, and exploring new places.