To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, we are excited to share a collection of blog posts showcasing the work of some of our new Associate Editors. In each post, our editors discuss their experiences in ecology, as well as what this year’s theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion‘, means to them.

Go to: Dr Laura Bosco | Dr Elena Concepción | Dr Danni Hinchcliffe | Dr Alejandra Morán Ordóñez

Dr Laura Bosco (she/her/hers)

What work do you do?

I’m a conservation biologist, studying biological responses to global change pressures. I mainly focus on climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, and land use change in farmlands. I’m also a board member of the Society for Conservation Biology where I can contribute to various aspects of academic and applied conservation.

How did you get into ecology?

Definitely because of my parents and to some degree thanks to watching nature documentaries of a famous Swiss biologist and film maker. My parents were always aware of the importance of nature and taught us kids to be mindful about protecting and appreciating the natural environment. In addition, my mother is a birdwatcher, which surely influenced me to become an ornithologist as well. 

What is your proudest achievement?

In my professional life it would probably be the courage, stamina and passion that it takes to overcome external as well as internal hurdles during a career in academia – especially as a young woman and first-generation academic.

What does ‘Inspire Inclusion’ mean to you?

Academia is such a competitive field that can lead to rivalry, even between women. Inspiring inclusion means to me that first and foremost women should inspire, support and celebrate each other.

During the past 4 years I have been working in a research group that is dominated by young, brilliant women, with some of the best collaborations I have worked in. I feel extremely fortunate and proud to be able to work with so many smart, funny and wonderful women researchers and feel inspired by them every day. From this foundation of women inspiring women, we need men and the entire society to support and include each other regardless of their gender, ethnicity, etc.

Who inspires you?

My female colleagues at work, including students, post docs and professors. Everyone who follows their passion, pushes the boundaries (for the better), and doesn’t judge based on societal labels. But the most inspiration I get when I’m in nature, away from the desk.

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Dr Elena Concepción (she/her/hers)

What work do you do?

I am a landscape ecologist, expert on rural development and policy assessment. My research focuses on biodiversity and landscape conservation. I am mainly interested on the impacts of land-use changes on biodiversity and ecosystem functions, particularly on how conservation efforts can be better allocated and integrated through distinct policy tools to provide the greatest ecological benefits.

How did you get into ecology?

I became interested in ecology in high school. As a city girl, I was fascinated whenever I had the opportunity to go out into the countryside. Natural sciences were always my favourite subject so when it came time to choose for university, I didn’t hesitate: Environmental sciences.

What is your proudest achievement?

Looking back, I am proud of how far I have come in my career while finding a balance with my personal life. It hasn’t always been easy, like during the pandemic with two children at home. I am especially proud to be recognized by my peers as a supporting colleague and mentor, someone to rely on and to ask for advice. Of course, also being recognized as an expert in my field and to be invited to collaborate on articles, projects or conferences.

One of the things that makes me happiest about my work is when someone comes up to me and tells me that they have read one of my papers or attended a talk or a class and really liked it! And definitely the proud faces of my children when I go to their school for a talk or a science workshop. That is what really makes it worthwhile!

What does ‘Inspire Inclusion’ mean to you?

It means breaking down stereotypes and barriers about what a scientist should look or be like. Many vocations are lost in the belief that to be a scientist you have to be exceptionally bright and intelligent, and that your life should be focused exclusively on science. This is not the case; curiosity and persistence are key to developing a scientific career. And a fulfilling life is completely compatible with doing science. This is just a job we like very much and want to do our best, but without losing the focus.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by my colleagues, not only by the seniors who are references for me, but also by the new generations. Particularly how they tackle challenges and overcome difficulties in a different way, refusing to accept things that were overlooked before. Sharing my day-to-day life with all of them motivates me and enriches me as a scientist.

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Dr Danni Hinchcliffe (she/her)

What work do you do?

I am a conservation biologist who uses a combination of molecular and ecological tools to investigate evolutionary-focussed questions with conservation application. In other words, I am interested in how our more vulnerable species are responding and adapting to environmental challenges.

How did you get into ecology?

I had minimal engagement with the natural world growing up yet was still fascinated by it and cared greatly for wildlife thanks to the power of books, documentaries and the Internet. I studied an undergraduate Master’s degree in Biology at the University of Sheffield, and it was only then that I discovered ecology as a field of study through various modules that piqued my interest. However, I did not take an initial liking to molecular biology. Fast forward seven years and I had a PhD in it.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is having my son last year, but professionally, it is the award of a teaching Senior Fellowship (Higher Education Academy). This was a product of years striving for excellence through research-led teaching, while also driving positive cultural change in higher education. It was  facilitated by my additional university role as Student Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. University should be a place where we all feel a strong sense of belonging and uniqueness is celebrated.

What does ‘Inspire Inclusion’ mean to you?

I am inspired by unique and authentic people who own their individuality and are not afraid to be themselves. I suffer from imposter syndrome and a chronic lack of confidence, but as we continue to break down barriers and recognise individual achievements without regard to divisions, we can all then realise our potential – which in my case – will see species saved from extinction.

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Dr Alejandra Morán Ordóñez (She/her)

What work do you do?

I’m an environmental scientist and ecological modeler. My research focuses on understanding how nature and society interact, and how both can be influenced by environmental policy and ecosystems management.

How did you get into ecology?

My interest in applied ecological research stems from my love for nature, my critical spirit, and my desire to contribute to the management and conservation of species and ecosystems.

What is your proudest achievement?

Having created a human life inside my body. Having my daughter has totally changed my perception of the world and has made me much more aware of how powerful women are and how little society recognizes it.

What does ‘Inspire Inclusion’ mean to you?

For me it means that each of us can be leaders in contributing to the inclusion of other people (regardless of their sex, gender, race, religion, origin, etc.) in the scientific, academic, ecology and conservation world, and act as precedents and role models for other people to follow the same path. Every small gesture counts, and we can all do our part to build a more egalitarian and better society.

Who inspires you? 

Among my colleagues and supervisors, I have always been inspired by people who are empathetic, kind, generous with their time and ideas and those who maintain a good work-life balance. The students I have been lucky enough to work with always inspire me with their endless energy and their desire to change the world.

Find out more about our Editorial Board and discover more International Women’s Day 2024 content across the British Ecological Society here.