About the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators

Connecting Art and Science for over 55 years

image credit: Gloria Fuentes (member since 2020)

Our Mission

The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) connects professionals who promote, educate, and celebrate the visual communication of science. 

Our Vision

We are an association of individuals who communicate science visually and clarify ideas. GNSI brings these individuals together through networking and professional development.

TIMELINE

Our History

1968

GNSI began when a small group of illustrators at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, convened in 1968 over a series of luncheons organized by Carolyn Bartlett Gast and Elaine R.S. Hodges.

1968 - Dec

By December of that year they had written GNSI’s first constitution and chose Larry Isham as their president.

1970 -  2000's

The group's frequent meetings soon blossomed into a published newsletter, laying the foundation for the Journal of Natural Science Illustration, the Education Series Workshops, and The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration.

Today

GNSI today continues that legacy while also providing professional development opportunities through Educational Workshops, Publications, an Annual Conference, Member Exhibits, and networking opportunities.

image credit: Nathalie Aall

GNSI Today

  • Global nonprofit for all visual science communicators
  • Welcomes U.S. & international members
  • 55-year legacy of community + professional growth
  • Standards: professional ethics & public education
  • Programs: workshops, publications, conferences, exhibits, networking opportunities

“Science literacy is made more accessible when visual arts are employed in the service of science"

Discover Visual SciComm in Action

Explore examples of how artists bring science to life through illustration, animation, exhibits, and more.

About Visual SciComm

Learn more about the field of visual science communication and its role in connecting science and society.

image credits: Ukato Kikutani, Michael Felber

OUR TEAM

Board of Directors

Our Board is made up of accomplished visual science communicators, elected by members to serve and support the community. To read their bios, click on each profile picture below:

Deb K Haines

President

President

Jenn Deutscher

Job Title

Vice President

April Neander

Job Title

Treasurer

Mieke Roth

Job Title

Education Director

Cordelia Norris

Job Title

Membership Director

Diana Steelman

Job Title

Recording Secretary

Board members serve two-year terms, with the exception of President-Elect and Past-President, who serve a 1 year term.

Are you motivated and interested in serving the GNSI community in this way? See all of our volunteer opportunities.

image credit: Linda Bittner

Contractors

Mark Kesling

Administrative Contractor

Education Director

Virge Kask

Bookkeeper

Membership Director

Wendy Chadbourne, Stephen DiCerbo, Virge Kask

Conference Co-Chairs

Recording Secretary

Volunteer Committees

  • Online & Communications Team

    Manages GNSI’s web presence, including the website, newsletters, social media, and membership portal support.


    Social Media Coordinator 

    Emerson Harman


    e-Newsletter Editor 

    Sarah Creekmill


    Database Administrator 

    Rebecca Gelernter


    Web Editor & Designer 

    Connie Resch



  • Journal Editorial Team

    Publishes three issues of the Journal of Natural Science Illustration each year. Volunteers gain hands-on experience in writing, editing, design, layout, and production management.


    Managing Editor

    Fiona Martin


    Senior Consulting Editor

    Britt Griswold


    Design Editor

    Sarah McNaboe 


  • Year-Round Workshop Series Team

    Plans and runs professional development workshops in collaboration with the Education Director.


    Currently seeking volunteers to develop and host online workshops.


    Workshop Coordinator

    Lilly Linden


  • President Advisory Committee

    Past President

    Kapi Monoyios


    Past Vice President

    Deb Shaw


    Past Treasurer

    Robin Carlson

  • Administrative Support

    Bookkeeper

    Virge Kask (finance@gnsi.org)


    Administrative Contractor

    Mark Kesling

  • Conference Planning Team

    Organizes GNSI’s largest annual event, either in-person or online. Teams manage programming, registration, the auction, and the Juried Members’ Exhibit.


    2026 Virtual Conference Co-Chair

    Lilly Linden


    2026 Virtual Conference Co-Chair

    * available *


  • Conference Oversight Committee

    Members of the Conference Oversight Committee (COC) provide guidance for current conference planners and recruit future teams, drawing on past conference experience.


    Chair

    Scott Rawlins


    VP Board Representative

    Jenn Deutscher


  • Education Fund Grants Committee

    Meets twice a year to review member proposals and award grants (up to $1,500) for educational projects. Applications are due April 1 and October 1 of each year. To learn more, visit our Education Fund information page.


    Education Fund Grants Chair

    Gloria Fuentes


  • Accessibility Committee

    Advises the Board on policies to make GNSI more inclusive and manages applications for Accessibility Grants.


    Accessibility Committee Chair

    Marla Coppolino


  • Donald B Saynor Student Scholarship

    Each year, one scholarship will be awarded to a college student for a one-year GNSI membership.


    Student Scholarship Co-Chair

    Lana Johnson


    Student Scholarship Co-Chair

    Jeanette O’Hare


  • Nominations & Awards Committee

    Identifies candidates for leadership roles and recognizes members who contribute significantly to the GNSI community.

Interested in being on a committee?

GNSI welcomes all of its members to get involved in special projects and subcommittees.

image credit: Kimberly Moss (member since 2016)

image credit: Deborah Kopka (member since 1994)

About us

Who Can Become a Member?

Anyone with an interest in visual science communication: students, professionals, or supporters.