Welcome Nathan!

"Microbial communities are some of the most taxonomically, phylogenetically, and functionally diverse biological systems on the planet...My research uses fieldwork and simulation modeling to understand the relative importance of these ecological processes for maintaining biodiversity in dynamic ecosystems."

Nathan Wisnoski is one of the newest Post-Doctoral candidates at the University of Wyoming.  He holds a historic passion for biology having received his B.S. in Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Texas at Austin as well as his Ph.D. in Biology - Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior from the Indiana University in Bloomington.  His most recent position at Indiana University afforded Nathan the experience of studying microbial ecology in the Lennon Lab, making him the perfect addition to our community.  

Nathan's past research endeavors included topics such as Dormancy in Metacommunities, Metacommunities in Stream Networks, Dispersal and Dormancy in Bacterioplankton Communities, LTER Metacommunities, and Dormancy, and Host-Phage Dynamics.  With such a broad spectrum of research interests, it's no wonder he holds authorship recognition in 10 publications, four of which are currently being reviewed, and is preparing drafts for 3 more.  To help fund this research, Nathan has 7 fellowships and awards under his belt alongside 2 substantial grants which, in total, add up to just over $81,000.

If that wasn't enough to impress you, Nathan has demonstrated his professionalism and dedication to his projects through numerous talks, posters, workshops, and teaching positions.  Mentorship and service have been a part of his life since the summer of 2015 as well.  These opportunities have continued to be a part of Nathan's life as he climbed the ladder of academic success.

With his higher education journey beginning in 2009, Nathan has been in the field for just over a decade.  He is highly respected in the academic community but boasts a plethora of hobbies outside of academia.  Nathan explains on his website that he enjoys playing guitar, listening to music, reading, hiking, and nature photography when he isn't in the lab, classroom, or writing a paper.  

Nathan is an all-around wonderful person.  He is bright, creative, and genuine.  We are thrilled to welcome him to the University of Wyoming!  

Change STEMs From Within

“Recent events remind us of the need for acceptance, equity, and diversity in our communities.  We cannot challenge our racial filters if we do not see them for what they are.  We are aware that what we do is insufficient in itself in the face of violence against Black and Brown bodies and oppression of Black and 

Brown opportunities.”

You may have seen Wyoming EPSCoR’s solidarity statement upon its release a few weeks ago.  You may have seen similar statements released by campus and community partners.  These statements of support are great, but what happens when the dust settles?  What happens when your Facebook newsfeed returns to videos of tasty recipes, your best friend's wedding, and 5-minute crafts? 

The first steps toward a real change begin happening.

Wyoming EPSCoR seeks to demonstrate a sincere commitment to increasing equity, acceptance, and diversity in our community.  We may not fully understand the depth of the social justice movement happening across the U.S., but we are dedicated to standing as an ally with those who have been affected and walk in those shoes daily.  We wish to stand as a resource for those looking to become an ally themselves.  

If you read our solidarity statement, you know that “Wyoming NSF EPSCoR stands with our students, faculty, staff, and colleagues to bear witness to the legacies of historical injustices and inequities of racism…”

Science goes far beyond the stereotypical lab coat.  Wyoming EPSCoR plans to illustrate this by highlighting our researchers, faculty, staff, and students of color.  They are an integral part of our STEM programs on and off-campus, and we want to share their stories, experiences, and research with our community.  

While this is only the first step toward the finish line of true equity in STEM, we stand strong with our science family and look forward to recognizing their accomplishments in the field.  They have risen to the occasion to create a strong foundation for the future of STEM in Wyoming.  We support them and we will always stand with them.  

Stay tuned here, and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, for more highlights and details on how Wyoming EPSCoR is taking a stand against racial inequity in STEM.

Wyoming NSF EPSCoR Solidarity Statement

Wyoming NSF EPSCoR stands with our students, faculty, staff, and colleagues to bear witness to the legacies of historical injustices and inequities of racism that have led to violence and death toward Black and Brown members of the human race. 

Recent events remind us of the need for acceptance, equity, and diversity in our communities. We cannot challenge our racial filters if we do not see them for what they are. We are aware that what we do is insufficient in itself in the face of violence against Black and Brown bodies and oppression of Black and Brown opportunities.

Wyoming NSF EPSCoR is committed to seeing our filters and dismantling them. We acknowledge that science has been used to perpetuate racism throughout history and it has wrongfully mistreated Black and Brown bodies ​and minds in the name of research. We will work to increase equitable access to STEM education and careers for all individuals especially Black and Native American​ ​and Hispanic, through research and science outreach, service and economic programs, and STEM economic enfranchisement.