UF Wildlife Society Officers:

President:

Charisse Sproha

Pronouns: she/her

Instagram: @charisse273

Hi there everyone!

This year with TWS is going to be awesome and I’m so excited for everything we have in store! From opportunities such as fun and interesting workshops to networking with wildlife professionals there will be something for everyone. I’m excited to welcome in new members and see returning members again for a fantastic year of wildlifing! So a little bit about me: I’m a senior wildlife ecology and conservation major from Palm city Florida. My interests are focused in the conservation of endangered species, mainly birds and large mammals. During my past three years at UF I have been involved with several research projects. Some of the projects I’ve worked with are the Audubon society songbird banding, research on anole lizard malaria and research on African mega-herbivore impact on the savanna ecosystem. I’ve also had the opportunity to be involved in a study abroad trip to New Zealand where I realized just how important community engagement is in conservation. In New Zealand I was encouraged to become immersed in the Māori culture and the stunning and unique ecosystems of the country. This past summer I was chosen to participate in an international research experience for students (IRES) program in Africa. In South Africa and Eswatini, I partnered with students from UF as well as universities from the two African countries to conduct research on the impacts of mega-herbivores on savanna ecosystems. We spent two months in the field learning how to set up our own research projects from start to finish as well as how to work and live as part of a group of international researchers from very different backgrounds and cultures. I learned so much about wildlife and myself and I grew as a person. I couldn’t have wished for a better research experience. After I graduate I plan to get back out into the field to try out different seasonal wildlife jobs, then return to school for a Masters degree. When I'm not busy with my crazy life, I love to go hiking, bake treats for my friends, and I always enjoy a good novel :)

Vice President of Internal Affairs

Alex Nelson

Pronouns: she/her

Instagram: @peace_love_alex3

Hi everyone!

I can't wait to meet all of our new members and see my fellow returning wildlifers! We have so many amazing events in store for you guys this semester. From speakers, to workshops, and socials, there are so many opportunities to grow your knowledge and expertise in the WEC field.

I am a rising junior majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (WEC), as an ecology specialization. My passions are in marine animals (sharks, turtles, mammals), Veterinary science, and photography. I have always grown up with animals and love being hands on with improving their welfare.

This past summer I worked at a Wildlife Hospital in Israel. I got to admit patients, conduct physical examinations, administer medications, and more. This was an amazing experience that allowed me to work with a variety of wildlife animals ranging from gazelles to kestrels to hedgehogs! I have also had the opportunity of interning at a veterinarian hospital for a summer where I worked with cats and dogs. I’ve also enjoyed participating in service projects where I worked with a travel clinic that assisted with spays and neuters, as well as relocating sea turtle eggs to prevent poaching.

I have so many interests in the wildlife field and The Wildlife Society (TWS) has given me the chance to explore all of these paths and meet wildlife professionals with many different careers. I am so excited to be working with an amazing team of officers and can’t wait for this semester to begin!

Vice President of External Affairs:

Abby Willer

Pronouns: she/her

Instagram: @abb.will

Hey y’all!

My name is Abby Willer, and I’m the Vice President of External Affairs. I’m a senior majoring in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation and minoring in Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences. Currently, I am pursuing an undergraduate thesis with the Florida Invasion Ecology lab. I am researching the diet overlap from invasive lizards in the Florida Keys and how that might affect the native ecosystem. I also assist the Taylor lab in studying arachnid behavior and evolution. In particular, the color vision capabilities of jumping spiders. I have also bounced around working with the Fletcher lab and snail kites, the Alachua Audubon Society and passerine birds, and assisting Gainesville’s chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation with outreach hunts.

This year, I will be heading our 41st Annual Beast Feast which is our largest club fundraiser. I have a wealth of awesome ideas that I can’t wait to bring to life! This will be my last year at UF, and I am going to put my all into making this club the best it can be alongside my fellow officers.

Secretary:

Madden Haag

Pronouns: he/him

Instagram: @maddenhaag & @madden_haag_wildlife

Hello everybody!

I am super excited to get to know more people who are interested in all things wildlife! I am a second year student here at UF and I am majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. I am primarily interested in herpetology (reptiles and amphibians), but love learning about anything ecological. Outside of herps, I also enjoy photography, paleontology, and trinkets. Ever since I was very little and watching The Crocodile Hunter on VHS tapes, my dream life has been to travel around the world and document as much biodiversity as possible. Over this past summer, I was lucky enough to explore Illinois, Oregon, Washington, California, Georgia, and the Florida Keys. This year I hope we are able to incorporate a variety of everyone’s interests into our GBMs and workshops. Let me know if anyone ever wants to go for a hike around Gainesville!

Treasurer:

Delana Gonzales

Pronouns: she/her

Instagram: @d3lana

Hey Guys!

My name is Delana Gonzales(She/Her) and I am happy to be your treasurer for another year! I am a third year Wildlife Ecology & Conservation major and I am SUPER excited to see what TWS will bring to you guys this year. I hope to make everyone feel included and help them realize that conservation is for everyone! My interests lie in the field of Herpetology and animal behavior and I am currently working with the invasive Tegu where I’ll (hopefully) be conducting my own independent research project. Can’t wait to meet everyone!! 🐍🦎

Fundraising Coordinator

Will Welsh

Pronouns: he/him

Instagram: @willewelsh

Hi ya’ll, my name is Will Welsh. I am a sophomore Wildlife Ecology & Conservation major from Cleveland, OH. This year I will be the Fundraising Coordinator for TWS. I am super excited to organize and run some fun events to raise money for our fantastic club. When I’m not scheming about fundraising opportunities you can probably find me in the woods. Hiking and fishing are probably my two favorite things, although Browns football is certainly up there. They are just a lot less reliable. The fish bite more often than the Browns win :(. In the future, I would love to work for a state or federal agency as a wildlife biologist or ecologist. Last summer I interned at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and that is certainly a place where I would love to work. After gaining some experience, it is a career aspiration of mine to find way to mix my passion for wildlife and the outdoors with business. I am minoring in Business Administration at UF to gain more knowledge in this area. Founding a wildlife consulting/contracting firm would be my ultimate career goal. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and learning more about our field this year!

Conclave & Social Coordinator:

Tyler Krotenberg

Pronouns: he/him

Instagram: @the_florida_herper

What’s up!

My name is Tyler Krotenberg and I am your new social events & conclave coordinator! I transferred to UF this past spring as a Natural Resource Conservation major. I love going out herping, hiking, fishing, and diving. I hope to specialize in working in fisheries and particularly studying some of the under appreciated fish species native here. I am so excited for a fantastic year of both fan favorite social events as well as some new ones. I will also be putting together everything for our trip to Kentucky next year for the 2024 conclave where we finally beat Georgia!

Co-Education Outreach Coordinator (External)

Felix Roy

Pronouns: he/him

Instagram: @infernalshepherd

Hey guys!

I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and really getting to know you all better this year. I’m a 3rd year Wildlife Ecology and Conservation major pursuing a Fire Ecology and Management certificate. I love herps but I find all facets of wildlife interesting and I love learning new things. I am a Doris Duke Conservation Scholar and I am passionate about increasing DEI in our club and in the wildlife career as a whole. I enjoy community outreach and events and love talking to people about wildlife and getting them interested. Talking to kids and getting them involved is especially fun and rewarding. We have lots of cool community events and outreach going on this year, so keep an eye out and come have fun with us!