James Vonesh

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT JAMES VONESH

With over 20 years of experience in academia, I am an Assistant Director at VCU Center for Environmental Studies, where I lead and develop innovative educational programs in environmental STEM fields. I have a PhD in Zoology and a passion for research, teaching, mentoring, and service.I have built bridges across university programs, national professional societies, state government and international partners to create opportunities for students and faculty to engage in immersive field-based learning and research. I am the PI of an NSF grant that supports a community of practice in river-based field education with over 200 members across 35 states. I have also established collaborations with VCU School of Education, VCU Recreation Sports, and the River Management Society to offer baccalaureate certificates in outdoor leadership and river field studies and leadership. I have developed 20 courses, including 10 field intensive courses and study abroad courses in multiple countries, that embody the goals of VCU\'s Relevant Experiential and Applied Learning initiative. I am the author of more than 70 scientific publications and one book, and my work has been cited over times. I have maintained an externally funded, highly collaborative international research program focused on population and community ecology, freshwater ecology, invasion biology, and global change.