
University of Virginia Biology Department
Graduate Student Post-doc Association
GSPA Council 2026-2027

Co-President
Madi Stessman
I'm a third year PhD candidate in the Brodie lab where I am studying the associations between fungivorous beetles and their hosts. Outside of the lab I am an avid crafter and farmers market enthusiast.

Co-President
Madison Karram
I'm a 4th year PhD candidate in the Brodie Lab. My research focuses on the environmental drivers of group living, which investigate in a terrestrial isopod study system. In my free time, I enjoy Lego, Star Wars, my pets, trying new coffee shops, and travelling.

Social Chair
Abhay Gupta
I'm a 2nd year PhD student in the Landry lab where I'm interested in studying epidemiology and networks. Outside of research, I love gaming and coffee!

Media Chair
Alex Meyers
I'm a 2nd year PhD student in the Cox lab where I study sexual selection and sexual conflict in red-spotted newts. Outside of research, I'm a big reader and I love spending time outdoors.
I'm looking forward to sharing all the amazing things happening in the department this year!

Secretary
David Chen
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Treasurer
Michael Leonard
I am a second year PhD student in the Gibson Lab studying host-parasite interactions and the evolution of dispersal and disease defense in the model nematode C. elegans. Outside of the lab, I enjoy watching soccer, listening to music, and exploring new cities.

Post-doc Representative
Daniel Kaiser
I'm a post-doc in the Landry lab. I am generally interested in social contagion and what kind of reinforcing pressures one needs to adopt a behavior or belief. Outside of science, I like to hike and play games with friends.

This can be you!
Look out for GSPA Council Elections in the Spring!