Southeastern professor named president of national organization

Southeastern Louisiana University’s Schlieder Professor of Biological Sciences Kyle Piller has been elected to serve as the next president of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. The ASIH President oversees all activities of the ASIH.

Founded in 1916, the ASIH is the oldest and largest group of scientists dedicated to the study of fishes, reptiles and amphibians. It publishes the scientific journal Ichthyology & Herpetology, has over 1,000 members from over 30 countries, and coordinates an annual scientific conference. The 2026 conference is scheduled in New Orleans and will host 1,500 attendees.

Dean of Research and Innovation Dan McCarthy said Piller’s service to the ASIH and his reputation as an important ichthyologist have not gone unnoticed at Southeastern.

“This is a tremendous honor for Dr. Piller and for Southeastern,” McCarthy said. “Over the past two decades, Dr. Piller has distinguished himself as an internationally recognized ichthyologist, and not just for the quality and impact of his research, but also for the dozens of students that he has mentored and who have gone on to successful scientific careers themselves.”

Southeastern has been an important resource for the ASIH. The list of past ASIH presidents includes Biological Sciences faculty members Brian Crother and Chris Beachy. Beachy also served as Editor of Ichthyology & Herpetology.

A resident of Loranger, Piller will begin his four year term January 1, 2026.