COVID-19 UPDATE
Due to the state of the COVID pandemic, all PAES general body meetings will be virtual, other events will depend on the conditions at the time . On the right are the guidelines that PAES will be following and enforcing at all of those events. Thanks for cooperating, we are so excited to continue to get to know you all over this year!
About Us
We are P.A.E.S. (Protection and Awareness of Endangered Species). This is organization started in August of 2017 at The Ohio State University. Our goal is to protect the remaining populations of endangered species by adoption through larger organizations, fundraising, and raising awareness of these endangered species and how to combat causes of their endangerment.
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The founders of PAES, Melissa Holland and Megan Bachmann are very passionate about rhinos and apes respectively. For many years, Melissa has been an advocate for animal conservation, adopting her first rhino, Rosa, in 2012. Later for her 19th birthday, she set up a fund with WWF and donated over $300 to the cause with the help of friends like Megan and family.
Megan’s interest in apes goes back to a writing assignment in the 3rd grade that required her to research a critically endangered species. Since that day, Megan continues to be fascinated by these highly intelligent creatures that resemble humans so closely, not just in DNA but their social activities and varying cultures as well. Megan routinely supports organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and We Are The Wild, and is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering, so she can take part in rehabilitation initiatives around the world to bring back the wild. Again the call to help animals at risk has inspired Melissa to create a club with Megan at OSU.
Metro Park Hike
Megan and Melissa
First E-board
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Executive Committee
Chelsea Mishan
Co-President
Our Co-President is a third year Environmental Science major with a specialization in Environmental Molecular Science. She's always had a passion for animals of all kinds and loves to learn about them. She joined PAES because it gives her the ability to learn, raise awareness among her peers, and work towards conservation of these species in need of help.
Rachael Kaiser
Outreach Chair
Our Outreach Chair is a third year Forestry Fisheries and Wildlife major on a path for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. Her desire to help all animals in need no matter the species compelled her to become more active in this club and take on the role of treasurer. Her goal is to create a more sustainable and animal-friendly planet through education of peers and service work.
Ashley Yockey
Co-President
Our Co-President is a fourth year and a Natural Resource Management major. She joined PAES because she has a big interest in the environment and endangered species are an important part of that. It’s important that we do everything we can to help them!
Katey Broy
Treaserer
Our Treasurer is second year Environmental Policy and Decision making major in SENR. She joined PAES because she has so much appreciation for the earth’s beauty and exquisite creatures, from her travels, and wants to devote her life to protecting them!
Melissa Holland
Secretary & Founder
Our Secretary and Founder is a fifth year Industrial System Engineering major. Her passion for animals, specifically rhinos, motivated her to join with friends to create this club. She is hoping to be an advocate of the environment within the engineering discipline and in the workplace. Outside of PAES, Melissa is Ambassador of Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).
Faculty Advisor
Patrick Herak
Our advisor is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Engineering Education. He received a Masters of Science in both Environmental Science and Civil Engineering as well as a PhD in STEM Education from The Ohio State University. During his undergraduate years he worked part-time as a member of the Animal Show Staff at the Columbus Zoo helping spread the message of conservation. Outside of PAES you can find him playing tuba with various ensembles including the TBDBITL Alumni Band.
