Name: Amy Iler
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden & Northwestern University, USA

Tell us a bit about your research

I study the effects of environmental change on plant performance, plant population dynamics, and plant-pollinator interactions. My work focuses on climate change but also includes plant invasions and urbanization, and much of my research occurs in the context of phenology.

What can you tell us about the first paper you published?

The first paper I published was my first dissertation chapter.  It was about how invasive plants affect pollination of native plants.  I was interested in how shade created by invasive shrubs might interfere in pollination of understory herbs just as much as the flowers, because insect pollinators often prefer to forage in higher light environments.  By removing shrubs and flowers, I found that shade has a bigger effect on pollinator visitation, pollination, and native plant reproduction than flower removal.  I even found evidence of positive effects of flowers on one native species. I actually wanted to send this paper to Journal of Ecology, but one of my committee members advised aiming for a less competitive journal. I have always regretted not trying for Journal of Ecology then, but from this experience, I learned to trust my instincts more.  I have since published in Journal of Ecology, have been an Associate Editor for 9 years, and am very excited to be joining the Senior Editor team!

What’s your favourite species and why?

My favourite species…that is so hard!  I really like Bombyliid flies.  They are super fuzzy and have a long tongue, which makes them quite endearing.  I also love gentians.  I guess it is fitting that I selected a plant and a pollinator, as a pollination biologist.

Do you have a story to share about a paper you had rejected?

I once co-authored a paper that was rejected without review at least 5 times, partly because it was a single-species study.  As a population biologist, this is a critique I really dislike!  That paper ended up in a great journal and has been cited hundreds of times, so don’t ever give up, even when the situation seems bleak.  

What are you most looking forward to about being an editor at Journal of Ecology?

I have really enjoyed being an Associate Editor at Journal of Ecology because I like being involved in the process of improving papers.  Constructive feedback is essential to scientific progress, and I can support that as an editor.  As a Senior Editor, I am looking forward to being more involved in journal strategy and special issues.

Name: Pierre Mariotte
Location: Agroscope, Grazing Systems Group, Switzerland

Tell us a bit about your research

My research aims at understanding the role of aboveground and belowground linkages on ecosystem functioning and services in various systems (grasslands, croplands, forests, wetlands), specifically in relation to climate and land-use changes. My current work is focused on finding the best management practices to improve forage yield and quality, and to mediate drought impacts in grasslands through creating new forage mixtures, or including fodder trees in grasslands (agroforestry). The ultimate goal of my research is to find innovative solutions to sustainably produce food, reduce detrimental human impacts on the planet and preserve the diversity of life.

What can you tell us about the first paper you published?

My first PhD paper was rejected six times in various journals including Journal of Ecology, but with perseverance and hard work it was finally published. Many more were published after that, but I will never forget the long process of publishing my first paper. I always advise PhD students to be patient and not despair because manuscripts will always end up being published somewhere. No matter where it is published, all scientific works contribute to improving our knowledge in ecology and that’s the most important thing!

What’s your favourite species and why?

As a plant and soil community ecologist, I don’t have a favourite species, but I am fascinated by the diversity of organisms and how so many species (herbaceous plants, trees, microbes, insects, etc) persist, interact, and promote unique ecosystem functions and services. I would say that I am a nature lover who sees beauty in all life forms.

What are you most looking forward to about being an editor at Journal of Ecology?

Overall, I am thrilled to join the Journal of Ecology Senior Editor team as I’ve highly valued the journal since the beginning of my career. I am excited about various aspects of the position, but I would say that what I am most looking forward to is to help authors improve their work, whether their manuscript ends up being published in the journal on not. I started working with Journal of Ecology as a Blog Editor (2015-2019) and then became an Associate Editor (2017-2023). During these years, I’ve really enjoyed promoting the journal and the British Ecological Society at conferences and on social media (@PierreMariotte), which is something I will continue to do as Senior Editor.