To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we are excited to share a collection of blog posts showcasing the work of some of the BES community. In each post, they discuss their experiences in ecology, as well as what this year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, means to them.

What work do you do?  

I am an evolutionary ecologist studying how climate change affects species reproduction, and interested in integrating ecosystems, evolution and ecology in current public health threats. I am also really keen on collaboration with other disciplines, across countries, and continents. Science has no borders and working with other researchers is incredibly fulfilling. 

How did you get into ecology?  

As a child, I was happiest following my dad in the local chestnut and beech woodlands, foraging for mushrooms, wild berries, and observing the beauty of nature. This was what led me to choose natural sciences at university, and moving to the UK to pursue a PhD in behavioural ecology. Ecology, the study of the interconnected relations between organisms and their environment, never ceases to amaze me.  

Who inspires you?  

My children, my family, my colleagues, and my mentor are a continuous source of inspiration. I am lucky as I am surrounded by interesting, generous and kind people who support me in my journey as a scientist and mother. 

How do you think we could ‘accelerate action’ within ecology and science, to move towards gender equality?  

I really feel we have to reach out to others. Being visible role models makes a big difference, normalising people’s diverse career paths, career breaks, and in general just alternative ways to be scientists. I have seen this first hand in my role as mentor to returners to science – women who have taken prolonged career breaks – and to junior colleagues. They tell me that my story is different, and they feel validated in wanting to have a family life, alongside their careers. There is no one journey to become a scientist!