Rosaura J. Chapina, PhD student in the University of Vermont (UVM) Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, was selected as the Co-Chair Elect for the graduate student association of the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON) in May 2020. GLEON is a world-wide organization of scientists and managers who conduct research and interpret sensor data to understand, predict, and communicate the role and response of lakes in a changing global environment.

The GLEON Student Association (GSA) informs and mentors students to enable the next generation of scientists to participate in collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary science. The group is led by a chair, co-chair, and co-chair elect, who are all graduate student members of GLEON. In addition to tremendous career networking opportunities, GLEON provides high-impact experiences for students. The GSA facilitates opportunities for students within the network, including workshops, student events at meetings, production of a GLEON blog, and other activities.

“As Co-Chair Elect, I will have the opportunity to expand my professional and leadership development and collaborate with diverse groups,” said Chapina. “I am looking forward to representing UVM, the Rubenstein School, and especially Latinas in science to the best of my abilities."

Chapina will help to organize GLEON meetings and contribute ideas and initiatives to enhance student experiences. She will rotate into the Co-Chair position in spring 2021 and the Chair position in 2022. 

Originally from San Jose, California, Chapina earned her Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science (Biology concentration) at the University of Texas at El Paso. She is pursuing her PhD with Professor Jason Stockwell, Director of the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory. She conducts research on the ecology of Mysis, a small shrimp-like crustacean and evaluates Mysis behavior and migration patterns in Lake Champlain. 

“The selection of Rosie as a member of GLEON’s GSA leadership team doesn’t surprise me at all. She works hard, deeply engages in her research, is always willing to lend a hand, and actively takes on responsibility,” said Stockwell, who is the Chair of GLEON’s Committee for inClusive Collaboration. “This is an absolute win-win. Rosie will benefit as she continues to hone her leadership skills within a global network of scientists, and GLEON will benefit from a hard-working and dedicated leader.” 

Chapina is also a graduate student fellow in the Gund Institute for Environment at UVM. She currently serves as the graduate student representative on the Rubenstein School Board of Advisors and as the Rubenstein School representative and Communications Director of the UVM Graduate Student Senate from which she received the Senator of the Year Award in 2020.