The Executive Committee of the AFS Genetics Sections is proposing formation of two deliverables-focused working groups consisting of section members. All career stages are welcome, but graduate students and early‑career professionals are especially encouraged to join. Meetings will be virtual and scheduled flexibly, with opportunities for both small and substantial contributions.

If you’re interested or would like more information in either group, please contact Jared Homola at homolaj1@msu.edu by March 20, 2026.

Working group 1: Coursework development

A working group is proposed to develop and curate teaching resources that support conservation genetics instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. We’re looking for volunteers who are excited to help build practical, high‑quality materials for educators across fisheries and natural resources programs. The group may create or refine modular activities, case studies, datasets, computational exercises, annotated code, and assessment tools.

Working group 2: Best practices development

A working group is proposed to develop data‑driven best practices that support high‑quality fisheries genetics work. We’re seeking volunteers interested in helping identify, refine, and communicate standards that improve consistency, rigor, and reproducibility in the field. The group may focus on topics such as tissue collection and preservation, metadata standards, QC workflows, genotyping and sequencing workflows, data archiving, and ethical or culturally informed sampling practices, among others. Exact topics of focus to be determined by committee members’ interests. Deliverables may include published journal articles, protocols, or other citable resources.