The Graduate Student Association hosts weekly department socials, graduate student activities, and an annual research symposium, EnviroDay. Funding for activities come from generous department support and faculty sponsorships, as well as dues from the students. A core group of officers is responsible for events with input and support from the graduate student body.
The GSA also manages updates to the graduate student handbook and runs an undergraduate research mentoring program to connect undergraduates interested in research with graduate students.
Three large social functions are held each year:
- Fall BBQ / Picnic (September)
- End of Year Celebration / Holiday Party (December)
- Spring Fling (April)
MISSION STATEMENT
The GSA is a student run organization that aims to provide:
1. professional and personal support for existing graduate students,
2. events that build community among students and faculty,
3. information and guidance for incoming and new graduate students,
4. a voice for graduate students in the department and university, and
5. support, space, and outspoken solidarity with historically marginalized individuals in academia and the wider scientific research community.
Officers 2025-2026
| Name | Position | |
| Savannah Atchley | Co-President | zmv4ah@virginia.edu |
| Paola Granados | Co-President | xac4ke@virginia.edu |
| Jessee Steele | GSA Rep. to Faculty | steele@virginia.edu |
| Caitlin Zimmer | GSA Rep. to Faculty | rps5jw@virginia.edu |
| Eleanor McGrath | Secretary | nbq2wt@virginia.edu |
| Chris Oxley | Treasurer | ewc5gu@virginia.edu |
| Willow Lovecky | GSA Rep. to GSAS | wsl9ne@virginia.edu |
| Kim Union | GSA Rep. to GSAS | keu8gwx@virginia.edu |
| TBD | Social Chair | TBD |
| TBD | Social Chair | TBD |
| TBD | Social Chair | TBD |
| BIPOC in EnviSci Chair | ||
| BIPOC in EnviSci Chair | ||
| Heather Christensen | Accessibility Chair | egs8er@virginia.edu |
| Meara Tolentino | Sustainability Chair | ekm9tu@virginia.edu |
| Vidushi Sharma | Sustainability Chair | knz2jn@virginia.edu |