Speakers Dr. CAROL MAPES is a professor of biology and has taught at Kutztown University since 1990. She has served as coordinator of the KU Environmental Science program, chair of the biology department, president and vice president of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Biologists (CPUB) and as a long-standing chair of the CPUB Student Grants Committee. She also served on the executive committee of the PASSHE Faculty Professional Development Council. Mapes was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Consortium for Interdisciplinary Environmental Policy and was coordinator of Greening Colleges and Universities Student Involvement for Eastern Pennsylvania. She also managed the KU Satellite Office of the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education. Mapes was elected as a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences representative to the Strategic Planning and Resources Committee and has served on the University Senate and the APSCUF Representative Council. Mapes has taught courses in the plant sciences, environmental science and biology at KU. She has mentored more than 50 undergraduate students in student/faculty research. She has taken many students to regional, national and international conferences to present research findings, including recent conferences in Taiwan and Vancouver. Mapes was invited to present at the International Congress of Entomology in Finland and Japan, and at the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. She has co-authored numerous publications with students and is working on additional student co-authored manuscripts. She strongly believes in the value of involving students in hands-on research experiences, and her work with students was recognized when she received the 2022 KU Faculty Mentorship Award. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology/environmental studies from Williams College and a Ph.D. from Cornell University in plant physiology with minors in entomology and ecology. ELLA MAHON of Clarks Summit, Pa., graduates magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in sociology. During her undergraduate journey, Mahon distinguished herself through a myriad of roles, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a profound commitment to service. As a legislative intern for State Senator Judy Schwank, Mahon crafted letters supporting non-profits, organized events advocating for social justice and assisted constituents with their state government related needs. Her dedication extended into academia as a supplementary instructor in the mathematics department, where she enhanced the learning experience for students in courses such as financial math and probability and statistics. Mahon's academic accolades are noteworthy, including presentations at KU’s Social Work Community Forum and recognition as a Dean's Scholar for two consecutive years. Her involvement extended beyond academics as she contributed to the university and community through various volunteering efforts, such as serving as an English as a Second Language instructor and supporting refugee resettlement. These experiences underscore her commitment to leveraging education for societal impact as she sets her sights on advancing her education.
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