Help Move Us Forward
Be part of shaping the future of visual science communication
image credit: Pam Little
GNSI is powered by volunteers and we can’t do this without you! As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, everything we do depends on the energy, creativity, and dedication of our members.
Together, volunteers help us:
- Host an annual Visual SciComm Conference for 150–300 participants, with affordable workshops and presentations from industry leaders.
- Produce The Journal of Natural Science Illustration, a beautifully illustrated publication released three times a year.
- Share insights and opportunities through our monthly newsletter and job board.
- Support the field of visual science communication by building a stronger, more connected community.
Your time and talents make this possible.
Why Volunteer?
Meet colleagues
Connect with like-minded visual science communicators and expand your professional circle.
Learn valuable skills
Gain hands-on experience in marketing, copyediting, event planning, design, and more.
Give back
Support the organization that provides affordable workshops, conferences, and resources for the community.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are so many ways to get involved!
Journal of Natural Science Illustration
Help produce GNSI’s flagship periodical, from editing and layout to managing submissions.
Workshops Team
Support our year-round educational programs by helping plan and run workshops.
Accessibility Committee
Ensure GNSI remains open to all by advising on accessibility policies and grants.
Conference Planning
Be part of our largest event of the year, from programming to logistics.
Local Chapters & Groups
Bring science communicators together through local events and meetups.
Education Fund Committee
Evaluate member applications for our small grants program.
Online & Communications
Shape GNSI’s digital presence through web, social, and newsletters.
image credits: Astolfo Mata (member since 2019), Amanda Surveski (member since 2015), Vicky Earle (member since 2025), Elizabeth Bonert (member since 2018), Ellie Johnson, Pedro Salgado
OUR TEAM
Current Committees & Volunteers
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.
image credit: Tessa Wells (member since 2022)
Ready to Volunteer?
Whether you can give a few hours or take on a leadership role, your time makes a difference.
Interested in volunteering? Fill out the form below to let us know how you’d like to help!
Volunteer Inquiry Form (Volunteer page)
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
image credit: Monica Loncola (member since 2015)