Help Move Us Forward

Be part of shaping the future of Science Visualization

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 the Annual 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 science visualization by building a stronger, more connected community.

Your time and talents make this possible.

Why Volunteer?


Meet colleagues

Connect with like-minded scientific illustrators 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 illustrators 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

    Julianne Snider


    Senior Technical Editor

    Britt Griswold


    Technical Editor

    Caitlin O'Connor


    Post-Production Manager

    Jennifer Lucas


    Post-Production Specialist

    Olivia V. Ambrogio


    Layout Manager

    Sarah McNaboe


    Layout Designer

    Autumn Von Plinsky


    Copy Editor

    Kathleen Garness


    Copy Editor

    Anna McG


    Copy Editor

    Laura Sohl-Smith


  • 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.


image credit: Monica Loncola (member since 2015)