JUNIOR and NEXTGEN

HERPETOLOGIST

The International Herpetological Society's Junior Herpetologist (ages 12-18) and NextGen Herpetologist (ages 19-22) program was created by the IHS board and other passionate herpetologists/herpetoculturists around the country to help promote the fields of herpetology and herpetoculture to young people. 

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The program allows young people the opportunity to attend an annual symposium and spend time with some of the world's best known herpetologists, as well as meet peers with similar passions. They also get an opportunity to see some of the nation's best reptile and amphibian collections, all in a fun and informative meeting place.

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Applications are available to download below:

NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 

The 2021 Junior and NextGen Herpetologist program has been postponed until 2022. Applicants are still encouraged to register as a regular attendee for the 2021 semi-remote meeting in Rodeo, NM and Online. Student and youth discount rates are available. See Registration page for details.  

AGES 12-18

AGES 19-22

NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

APPLICATIONS DEADLINE

AWARD

RECIPIENTS

2021

Junior Herpetologist Program postponed due 

to covid-19 pandemic 

2020

Junior Herpetologist Program postponed due to covid-19 pandemic

2019

Grace Taracka (Ages 12-15) 
Lauren Taracka (Ages 16-18)

Neil Balchan (NextGen)

Belize Winners:

Erica Holding

Daniela Novelo

Joshuan Gonzalez

Giovanni Emilio Mendez

Jalen Jaleel Mendez

Alsen Olvado 

Carlos Murillo

Ajay Williams

Jonathan Dubon

Aledra Sacasa

Jannine Gillet

Jonathon Triminio

Preston Moguel

2018

Michael Skibsted (Ages 12-15)
Tyler Tobias (Ages 16-18)

Paul Coyne (NextGen)

2017

Andrew Gonzalez (Ages 12-15)
Lauren Taracka (Ages 16-18)

Neil Blachan (NextGen)

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2016

Sarah Brabec (Ages 12-15)

Rebecca Levergood (Ages 16-18)
Logan Mansfield (NextGen)

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2015

Matthias Lemm (Ages 12-15)

Aryeh Miller (Ages 16-18)
Caroline Blyskal (NextGen)