The Wildlife Society is an international association of wildlife professionals, and the Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society at Tennessee Tech is a proud affiliate. With over 50 active members and an energized slate of officers, our chapter gives students the chance to network, learn from peers and professionals, and build the grassroots connections that will carry them through their careers.

We are a student-driven organization, meaning we host workshops, meetings, and events that cater to our members interests. Membership allows students to make connections with wildlife professionals and learn about ongoing research in the wildlife field, giving our students a leg up when applying for jobs and internships.

Wildlife biology is a diverse field, and the student chapter at Tennessee Tech showcases that diversity by welcoming members from all majors and backgrounds.

ABOUT OUR CHAPTER

President | Carson Meeks

Hey y'all, my name is Carson, I am a senior studying wildlife and fisheries science and the former president (2025-26) AND vice president (2024-25) of the student chapter of The Wildlife Society. The Wildlife Society has been a huge part of my life for the past three year and I am so grateful for the opportunities to lead and work with student chapter to complete large-scale projects. The student chapter keeps me involved in my community and has given me the opportunity to volunteer with state and local agencies. This summer, I worked for TWRA as the Region II biodiversity intern. I am excited to be at the helm as we prepare to host the 50th southeastern wildlife conclave!

Vice President | Christian Cole

Hello, my name is Christian and I am a senior studying wildlife and fisheries science with a minor in natural resources. The Wildlife Society has provided me countless opportunities to contribute to real wildlife conservation and public lands protection, while also growing my technical skills and building connections with professionals in the field. This summer, I worked as a research technician on a black bear project in Connecticut. The opportunity to host the 50th wildlife conclave is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I look forward to being a part of such a significant event!

Secretary | Lily Bernhardt

Hello, my name is Lily and I am a junior studying wildlife and fisheries science with a minor in geology. The Wildlife Society has provided me with a close-knit community of like-minded people and many networking opportunities. I have worked with faculty at tech to research salamander life history, as well as teach wildlife topics at Clyde M. York 4-H Center. I am so excited to be part of this year's Wildlife Conclave and can't wait to see what the future holds!

Treasurer | Heath Wattenbarger

Hey, my name is Heath and I am a junior majoring in wildlife and fisheries science. The Wildlife Society has provided me with opportunities to connect with and learn from professionals in the wildlife field. This summer, I completed an internship with TWRA at Catoosa WMA doing land management. I am thankful to be a part of TWS this year and look forward to hosting Conclave, along with other opportunities to engage more students with the outdoors.

Social Media & Communications | William Vanatta

Hey, my name is William and I am a junior majoring in wildlife and fisheries. I grew up in Tennessee and have spent most of my life enjoying the outdoors which has fueled my passion for pursuing a career in the wildlife field. This past summer, I completed an internship with TWRA as a technician on Laurel Hill WMA. I love The Wildlife Society because it is a way to connect with like-minded people who share a passion for conservation and experiencing the outdoors. I am thankful to be a part of the 50th Southeastern Wildlife Conclave and play a role in preserving the future of conservation!

Social Media & Communications | Gracie Fields

Hey guys, my name is Gracie, I am a senior majoring in wildlife and fisheries with a minor in parks and protected areas. Growing up in the outdoors fostered a strong passion for outdoor recreation and conservation of public lands. Because of my connections with Tech and The Wildlife Society I've been blessed with the opportunity to work as a seasonal interpretive ranger with Tennessee State Parks. I am thankful for The Wildlife Society because of the meaningful connections, strong community and professional development it provides. I cannot wait to be a part of the 50th Southeastern Wildlife conclave!

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President | Carson Meeks

Vice President | Christian Cole

Secretary | Lily Bernhardt

Treasurer | Heath Wattenbarger

Social Media & Communications | William Vanatta

Social Media & Communications | Gracie Fields

mEET OUR TEAM!

Social Media & communications

Gracie Fields

- Gracie

William
Vanatta

Social Media & communications

Hey, my name is William and I am a junior majoring in wildlife and fisheries. I grew up in Tennessee and have spent most of my life enjoying the outdoors which has fueled my passion for pursuing a career in the wildlife field. This past summer, I completed an internship with TWRA as a technician on Laurel Hill WMA.
I love The Wildlife Society because it is a way to connect with like-minded people who share a passion for conservation and experiencing the outdoors. I am thankful to be a part of the 50th Southeastern Wildlife Conclave and play a role in preserving the future of conservation!

- William

Heath Wattenbarger

Hey, my name is Heath and I am a junior majoring in wildlife and fisheries science.

The Wildlife Society has provided me with opportunities to connect with and learn from professionals in the wildlife field. This summer, I completed an internship with TWRA at Catoosa WMA doing land management. I am thankful to be a part of TWS this year and look forward to hosting Conclave, along with other opportunities to engage more students with the outdoors.

Treasurer

- Heath

Lily Bernhardt

Secretary

Hello, my name is Lily and I am a junior studying wildlife and fisheries science with a minor in geology.

The Wildlife Society has provided me with a close-knit community of like-minded people and many networking opportunities. I have worked with faculty at tech to research salamander life history, as well as teach wildlife topics at Clyde M. York 4-H Center. I am so excited to be part of this year's Wildlife Conclave and can't wait to see what the future holds!

- Lily

carson Meeks

President

Hey y'all, my name is Carson, I am a senior studying wildlife and fisheries science and the former president (2025-26) AND vice president (2024-25) of the student chapter of The Wildlife Society.

The Wildlife Society has been a huge part of my life for the past three year and I am so grateful for the opportunities to lead and work with student chapter to complete large-scale projects. The student chapter keeps me involved in my community and has given me the opportunity to volunteer with state and local agencies. This summer, I worked for TWRA as the Region II biodiversity intern. I am excited to be at the helm as we prepare to host the 50th southeastern wildlife conclave!

- Carson

Christian Cole

Vice President

Hello, my name is Christian and I am a senior studying wildlife and fisheries science with a minor in natural resources.

The Wildlife Society has provided me countless opportunities to contribute to real wildlife conservation and public lands protection, while also growing my technical skills and building connections with professionals in the field. This summer, I worked as a research technician on a black bear project in Connecticut. The opportunity to host the 50th wildlife conclave is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I look forward to being a part of such a significant event!

- Christian

MEET OUR TEAM!