Kristy Daniel, PhD

Professor
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX

NABT Member Since 2006

NABT Activities:

• Director-at-Large, NABT Board of Directors (2023–Present)
• Region VII Coordinator (2020–2022)
• Biology Education Research Committee Member (2009–2021; co-chair 2011–2015)
• Nominations Chair, Four-Year College & University Section (2019–2023)
• Chair, Four-Year College & University Section (2018) and Executive Board Member (2016 Secretary, 2017 Vice Chair, 2019 Past Chair)
• Advisory Board Member, The American Biology Teacher (2016–2021)

Additional Leadership Experience:

• National Association for Interpretation (NAI): Certified Interpretive Trainer for the Certificate of Interpretive Guiding (Certified in 2022) and Member of the College and University Academics Section Committee (2022–Present)
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Commission on Education and Communication Member (2016–Present)
• AP Biology: Table Leader (2020–2021, 2023–Present); Standard Setting Committee (2022); Reader (2012–2020)
• Texas Informal Science Education Association (ISEA): Elected Board Member (2021–Present); Scholarship Fundraising Committee - Chair (2021–2023); Member (2003–Present); Programming Member (2023–Present); Logistics Committee Member (2023–Present)
• Assistant Director of the Hays County Master Naturalist Training Class (HCMN) (2017–Present), annually leading two classes through 40-hour programs over 6 months for new members (30-40 members each fall/spring).

Honors and Additional Activities:

• Presidential Distinction Award for Excellence in Teaching, Texas State University (2023)
• LBJ Institute Faculty STEM Education Research Fellow, Texas State University (2021–2022)
• Research in Biology Education Award, National Association of Biology Teachers, (2022)
• Excellence in University Teaching, The University of Southern Mississippi (2015)
• Research Rangers Volunteer Project Director (2019–Present).
  • Research Rangers is a joint project developed in partnership with HCMN and Texas State that has developed a dozen outdoor environmental science investigations for children in 3rd through 5th grade.

Personal Statement:

I am well-prepared to take on the presidential leadership role for our NABT community through my experience on the current Board of Directors, where I have built strong relationships while upholding our commitment to developing policy statements and transparency and open communications.

My extensive teaching experience spans the entire educational spectrum, from kindergarten through graduate education, and is complemented by my contributions to informal biology education for learners of all ages. My comprehensive background has equipped me to understand the diverse challenges biology educators face across different settings and student populations.

Teaching biology has been my lifelong passion. As a Biology Professor at a Hispanic-serving institution, I advocate daily for culturally responsive and inclusive practices to improve education for all students. My approach to leadership includes a deep commitment to amplifying diverse perspectives, maintaining scientific integrity, and promoting evidence-based teaching practices.

 My experience conducting rigorous biology education research strengthens my ability to support NABT's mission of empowering educators and advancing biology literacy in our society. My research (much of which is published in The American Biology Teacher) explores representation in biology, including how students learn and communicate with visual diagrams, how scientists and teachers can best communicate biology to students and the public, and how to broaden representation in biology by building creative opportunities for belonging. Achieving my childhood dream of becoming a college biology professor and living in the “Mermaid Capital of Texas” has fueled my professional expertise and personal dedication to advancing biology education.

Personal Statement of Goals and Vision:

If elected President-Elect of NABT, I am committed to advancing our mission of empowering educators to provide the best possible biology education for all students. I will focus on three key priorities that honor NABT's core values:

I am committed to championing inclusive excellence in biology education during a time when diversity initiatives face increasing challenges. I remain committed to creating safe, learning-centered spaces where students from all backgrounds can engage with biological concepts. I have developed and implemented models for culturally responsive pedagogy, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can engage meaningfully with biological concepts. I also work to promote storytelling in science to build the relevance of biology topics for students. My commitment reflects NABT's value of promoting an inclusive community that welcomes diverse perspectives and experiences.

My research on effective teaching practices, such as learner-centered problem solving, effectively incorporating science practices into classroom instruction, and building representational competence in science, has provided valuable insights that will help NABT advocate for scientifically accurate and current curriculum and pedagogy. I will work to expand professional development opportunities that empower educators to adopt evidence-based teaching practices to enhance student learning and engagement.

In an era of rapid scientific advancements, it is crucial that NABT supports educators in fostering scientific literacy and ethical reasoning, particularly in areas like evolution, biotechnology, climate change, and the ethical use of AI tools. This approach honors our organization's commitment to scientific integrity and responsible citizenship.

To achieve these goals, I will build upon NABT's governance structure to enhance collaboration among members and expand our outreach efforts, particularly to support educators from underrepresented communities. I will advocate for resources that help biology teachers address contemporary challenges while maintaining scientific accuracy and rigor.

My vision is of an NABT that continues to evolve and respond to the needs of biology educators at all levels while upholding our core values. Together, we can advance biology education in a way that not only imparts knowledge but also inspires the next generation of scientifically literate citizens who appreciate the wonder and importance of our living world.

William McComas, PhD

Professor
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

NABT Member Since 1980

NABT Activities:

• Editor-in-Chief, The American Biology Teacher (2014–Present)
• Chair, Journal Advisory Committee (2022–Present)
• Director-at-Large, NABT Board of Directors (2011–2014)
• Editor and author of the anniversary monograph The National Association of Biology at 75 Years: A History of the Organization (2013)
• Attended approximately 35 national NABT conferences, giving presentations, workshops, or orientations on writing for ABT. Was invited to give two general session presentations at the conference (2011 and 2012)

Additional Leadership Experience

• Association of Science Teacher Education (ASTE): Member (1992– Present); President (2024), Board Member as Director-at-Large (2005–2009); Chair of the Publications Committee (2006–2008)
• International History, Philosophy and Science Teaching Group (IHPST): Member (1995 - Present); President (2005–2007); Board member (2009–2011); Publications Advisory Chair (2008–2022); Conference Chair (Denver, 2001)
• National Science Teachers Association (NSTA): Member (1985–Present); Board Member Representing District XVI (CA, NV, and HI) (1998–2000)
• National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST): Member (1990– Present), and Publications Advisory Committee (2005–2008)
• Arkansas Science Teachers Association (ASTA): (2006–Present)

Honors & Additional Activities

• SEC Faculty Achievement Award (2025), for exemplary contributions to teaching, research, and service, The University of Arkansas (Southeastern Conference)
• Honorary Member, National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) (2023)
• Friend of Darwin Award, National Center for Science Education (NCSE) (2020)
• Elected Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (Section Q) (2017)
• Evolution Education Award, National Association of Biology Teachers (2007)

Personal Statement:

NABT has been my “home” organization for nearly 40 years. This has provided a vital foundation throughout my career, supporting me as I transitioned from secondary biology teaching to my current work in enhancing science education through teacher preparation and contributions to research and scholarship in biology education.

Over the years, I have engaged with the science education community in various ways. For example, I have been editor of The American Biology Teacher for more than a decade. During my service as editor, I have expanded the voice and management of the journal by appointing a small team of NABT members as reviewing editors. Together, we regularly transform good articles into great ones. Our collaborative approach has contributed to an acceptance rate of 75% - one of the highest in scholarly publishing.

I have also held several leadership roles, including serving as a recent president of the Association for Science Teacher Education. In that role, I worked closely with the Board during a particularly challenging time as we welcomed both a new executive director and a new manager of digital services. These experiences have deepened my understanding of group dynamics and problem-solving, skills I believe will benefit the members of NABT.

Personal Statement of Goals and Vision:

The NABT mission is both straightforward and inclusive in its goal “to provide the best possible biology and life science education for all students.” I would argue that this goal can only be realized when, as stated in our vision, we foster “an inclusive community of diverse professionals who advance science literacy and education in service of a society that uses biological principles in their interactions with a dynamic world.”  As a long-time member of NABT, I have consistently witnessed our commitment to exemplary biology instruction and the nurturing and support of skilled, dedicated educators—evident in our publications, conferences, and advocacy efforts.

I’ve attended more NABT conferences than I can count, but each time I return home with a renewed understanding that we are truly living our mission and vision. NABT fosters camaraderie and support among members, advances biology and life science education by informing and empowering teachers, and engages in broader initiatives to support instruction and educators through advocacy and policy work.

My membership in NABT continually reminds me that what happens in classrooms is paramount—something that must be protected and strengthened, especially in times of crisis and change. For nearly a century, NABT has been the professional home and guiding beacon for life science educators, and it must remain so. NABT not only advocates for the place of biology in the curriculum but also recognizes the increasing challenges posed by assaults on science, while providing opportunities for meaningful professional growth.

It would be both a pleasure and an honor to bring my lifetime of dedication to biology teaching excellence—along with the insights I’ve gained through key leadership experiences in science education—to the role of President-Elect of the National Association of Biology Teachers. It would be immensely gratifying to help ensure that NABT continues to be the place where those passionate about life science instruction can grow their roles in education into fulfilling and impactful careers as biology educators.

Anna Hiatt, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biology
Hastings College
Hastings, NE

NABT Member Since 2008

NABT Activities:

• Intro Bio Task Force, Principal Investigator and Chair (2015–Present)
• Professional Development Committee, (2023–2024)
• Director-at-Large, NABT Board of Directors (2021–2023)
• Director/Coordinator, NABT Board of Directors (2019–2020)
• Region IV Coordinator (2018–2020)

Additional Leadership Experience:

• Experience on the NABT Board of Directors has made me familiar with the financial reports, accounting processes, and budget for NABT
• Elected Faculty Representative, University of Nebraska Academic Planning Committee (evaluating budgets and budget reductions)
• First Generation Nebraska Advisory Board, representing hundreds of First Generation Faculty at UNL
•  First Gen Nebraska, Events and Activities Coordinator for students who are the first in their family to attend college
• Frequent panelist for the First Husker program

Honors and Additional Activities:

• Midwest-Great Plains PULSE Hub, Member (2017–Present)
• Experience managing NSF grant budgets, including serving as the PI for the UNL and NABT project entitled "Advancing the Introductory Biology Experience (IBEx)"
• Experience managing large enrollment course expenditures
• College of Arts and Sciences Teaching Award, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2021)
• Parents Recognition Award for Service to Students, UNL Parents Association (2018 and 2019)
• Nebraska Women in Science Conference, Presenter (2018–2019)

Personal Statement:

I am honored to be considered as a nominee for the Secretary/Treasurer of the National Association of Biology Teachers. I have been a member of NABT for 15 years, and my longstanding involvement includes serving as Director/Coordinator and Director-at-Large on the Board of Directors, Chair of the 4-Year Section, Regional Coordinator, and co-chair of the Introductory Biology Task Force. These roles have deepened my understanding of NABT’s mission and operations and reflect my ongoing commitment to advancing biology education.

My prior service on the NABT Board has prepared me well for the responsibilities of Secretary/Treasurer, particularly through familiarity with financial reporting, budgeting processes, and understanding the importance of regular communication and collaboration with the Executive Director.

In addition to professional leadership, I have managed large NSF and institutional grant budgets, further demonstrating my ability to handle complex financial responsibilities with transparency and efficiency. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to support NABT’s financial health and strategic planning and would be honored to continue serving this dedicated community of educators.

Jaqueline Washington, PhD

Professor
Empire State University
New York, NY

NABT Member Since 2006

NABT Activities:

• Secretary/Treasurer, NABT Board of Directors (2022–Present)
• Finance Committee (2022–Present)
• Inclusive Teaching Symposium, Chair (2021)
• Biology Education Poster Session, Judge (2021, 2022, 2023)          
• Chair, Four-Year College & University Section (2021) and Executive Board Member (2019 Secretary, 2020 Vice Chair, 2022 Past Chair)

Additional Leadership Experience:

• Nyack College, Faculty President (2019–2021)
• Nyack College, Department Chair (2005–2022)
• PULSE (Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences), Board Member and Fellow Leadership Council (2016–Present)
• SABER (2020-2024): Member, Invited Speaker Committee, (2020–2024)
• American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Conference of Undergraduate Educators, Chair and Vice Chair (2011–2012) 

Honors and Additional Activities:

• Keynote Speaker, ASMCUE (2023)
• Question Leader/Table Leader, AP Biology,  (2020–Present)
• HHMI BioInteractive Ambassador (2016–Present)
• Reviewer, Journal for Microbiology and Biology Education (2012–Present)
• Founder and Organizer, Nyack College Student Research Symposium (2010–2019)

Personal Statement:

As an educator and advocate, my work and passion bridges science education and equity. With firsthand experience of the obstacles in STEM, I have both personal insight and professional commitment to creating more inclusive academic spaces. For more than fifteen years, I have led and contributed to efforts to make life science education more accessible, relevant, and empowering for all students. Central to my approach is the idea that representation and action must go hand in hand to truly transform the STEM landscape.

Early in my career, my search for professional development led me to NABT and after attending my first conference, I was hooked by the programming and genuine kindness I experienced from other like-minded individuals. My personal journey as an educator is deeply connected to this organization which has had a profound impact on my growth. As a result, I am grateful for opportunities to serve and to give back to an organization that has been a cornerstone in my development as an educator.

NABT is uniquely positioned as a leader in transforming life science education, and during these critical times, it is important to continue that work with excellence. As leaders, the Board of Directors works collaboratively to advance NABT’s mission while representing diverse voices of members in the organization. As the current NABT Secretary/Treasurer, there is a strong alignment between my role in the board and my broader personal/professional commitments. Therefore, I would be honored to be re-elected as Secretary/Treasurer.

Sheela Vemu, PhD

Associate Professor of Biology
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove, IL

NABT Member Since 2012

NABT Activities:

• Chair, Two-Year College & University Section (2022) and Executive Committee Member (2020 Secretary, 2021 Vice Chair, 2023 Past Chair)
• Host, NABT Community Conversations, a series of webinars on equity, high-impact practices, and community college student success teaching tips (2022)
• Judge, NABT CESR Poster Competition (2022–Present)
• Biology Disciplinary Group Member, NSF-funded project, Building Leadership Capacity to Support Two-Year College and Disciplinary Society Collaborations
• Presenter, NABT Professional Development Conference (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)

Additional Leadership Experience:

• Collaborated with the local high school network in Illinois and conducted science workshops in high schools (Present)
• Great Lakes ReNEW Workforce K-16 Development Working Group, Member
• Chicago Council on Science and Technology (c2st.org), Auxiliary Board Member,  (2020–Present)

• Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) Office of Science, Panelist at the Roundtable Listening Session (2022)
• Tiny Earth Summer Symposium, Steering Committee Leader, Student-Centered Research, (2022–Present)

Honors & Additional Activities:

• Two-Year College Teaching Award, National Association of Biology Teachers (2003)
• Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition, American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), (2024)
• Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award, Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) (2024)
• Outstanding Faculty Award, Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, (2023)
• Faculty Excellence Award, The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (2024)

Personal Statement:

As a faculty member at a two-year rural HSI institution, I am dedicated to advancing life science education at both secondary and post-secondary levels. Equitable access to quality biology education transforms lives, which drives me to engage in initiatives that bridge high school and college learning environments. My collaborative efforts, particularly through NSF-funded NOYCE HS STEM teacher workshops, involve interdisciplinary strategies that engage students in authentic biological inquiry. These initiatives equip students with the skills needed to excel in life science fields.

These are challenging times for science education. Despite the obstacles, committed voices can drive essential advocacy through intentional micro-change environments—like tide pools—that promote grassroots transformation. We can establish an inclusive life science education system by concentrating on strategic shifts in curriculum, pedagogy, and collaboration. My work with NABT reinforces my determination to elevate support for underrepresented voices while building new membership avenues, promoting faculty-led research with high schools, and advocating for inclusive practices. 

As Director-at-Large, I aim to champion the professional growth of biology educators and enhance NABT’s leadership in shaping life science education from high school to college. I look forward to promoting micro-change efforts within NABT that empower faculty to drive meaningful transformation while ensuring equity in science.

Suann Yang, PhD

Associate Professor
State University of New Yourk (SUNY) Geneseo
Geneseo, NY

NABT Member Since 2014

NABT Activities:

• Inclusive Teaching Symposium Committee (2023–Present)
• Reviewing Editor, The American Biology Teacher (2021–Present)
• Co-presenter or co-author for a total of 27 Workshop, Oral, and Poster Presentations at Annual Professional Development Conferences (2013–2024)
• 4-Year College & University Section: Biology Education Research Symposium Co-Chair (2018–2021), Professional Development Committee, 4-Year Section (2015–2017)

Additional Leadership Experience:

• Principal Investigator, NSF Research Coordination Network-Undergraduate Biology Education (RCN-UBE) "Biologists and Graph Interpretation Professional development for an online curriculum to foster data literacy and value diverse identities"
• Quantitative Undergraduate Biology Education and Synthesis (QUBES): Faculty Mentoring Network (FMN) Leader (2019–Present)
• National Institute on Scientific Teaching (NIST): National Academies Education Mentor (2013–2019)

Honors and Additional Activities:

• Co-organized and co-hosted national, public webinars featuring education researchers whose work addresses social justice in STEM education.
• Northeast Natural History Conference (Albany, NY): Co-organized the session "Partnering with Education to Further Invasive Species Research."
• New York State Master Teacher Program: Designed and presented sessions (2017, 2023, 2024).
• Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, SUNY (2024)
• Faculty Advisory Council on Teaching and Technology (FACT²) Award for Excellence in Instruction at State Operated or Statutory Campus , SUNY (2020)

Personal Statement:

Being a member of NABT is part of my identity as an educator and has helped shape me as a change agent for transforming STEM education. Serving as a Director-at-Large would be a meaningful way for me to give back to NABT and contribute to how NABT empowers educators to provide the best life science education for all students.

I am excited to leverage my expertise in evidence-based teaching, along with my past experiences in organizing professional development. My roles in promoting equity-centered teaching in workshops and symposia at national conferences (e.g., NABT, ESA, BioQUEST/QUBES) and in regional opportunities (NIST, NYS Master Teachers) prepare me to lead initiatives that prioritize DEIB. My experience with leading online faculty learning communities, along with my work in education research for NABT, also prepare me to develop widely-accessible and timely programs. My role as PI for the Biologists and Graph Interpretation Network, which is building a supportive community to show students that scientists are more diverse than what is shown in their textbooks, exemplifies how I would apply my experiences to be an effective Director-at-Large – one who cultivates spaces where educators can bring their expertise to enrich and build a lasting community of support.

David Butler

9–12 Biology Teacher
Southern Wells Junior Senior High School
Poneto, IN

NABT Member Since 2007

NABT Activities:

• BioClub Advisor (Present)
• NABT Committees: Membership Committee, Professional Development Committee, Quick Hits Coordinator (2024–Present)
• Director/Coordinator, NABT Board of Directors (2024 – 2025)
• Region III Coordinator and OBTA Director (2023–Present)
• Professional Development Conference Presenter (2001, 2002)

Additional Leadership Experience:

• Hoosier Association of Science Teachers Inc. (HASTI): President (2021–2022), Vice President Elect (2020–2021), Executive Board Member (2022–2023)
• Hoosier Association of Science Teachers Inc. (HASTI): Director-At-Large and District Director (2017-2020)
• Indiana Association of Biology Teachers: President (2014–2015)

Honors & Additional Activities:

• Simulating Monohybrid Punnett Squares: Focusing on the Relationships Between Probability, Chance, and Data. American Biology Teacher, Issue 87.1, January 2025.
• Southern Wells School Corporation Educator of the Year Award, Wells County Chamber of Commerce
• National Teacher Hall of Fame, Semi-Finalist (2020)
• Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, State Finalist (2019)
• Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) for Indiana, National Association of Biology Teachers (2012)

Personal Statement:

I once heard a student exclaim, “It’s so beautiful,” as they observed their own DNA precipitating in a window of isopropyl alcohol formed inside a test tube. That heartfelt comment not only touched me but also underscored the purpose of the activity, ignited interest in genetics, and fostered a deep appreciation for the wonders of biology. This desire to inspire passion and admiration for the subject aligns closely with my goals for all biology educators through NABT. I aim to continue enhancing science education by sharing ideas, activities, and techniques with my colleagues to sustain the joy of teaching.

As a former coordinator, I remain committed to offering guidance, resources, and support to biology educators. Through years of involvement at various levels of science education (local, state, and national) I have assisted educators in becoming effective knowledge disseminators, ultimately improving the quality of science education. I aspire to keep serving educators by upholding NABT’s mission and values, appointing state representatives and OBTA Directors, helping evaluate nominations when needed, and encouraging participation in NABT for all biology teachers across the nation.