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Ecological Society of America recognizes scientist for making ‘outstanding contributions’ to the field

Mike Gil, a marine biologist and University of Colorado Boulder assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, is one of 10 scientists elected as an early career fellow by the Ecological Society of America (ESA), the

Gil, who received his Ph.D. from the University of Florida, is an empirical and theoretical ecologist who works at the intersection of community ecology, behavioral ecology and conservation.

“My career interests and aspirations have been shaped by the ecologists that make up the Ecological Society of America, past and present. For my work to be formally recognized by my esteemed colleagues is a great honor,” Gil said of the honor.

Mike Gil (here taking a selfie with a shark) pursues research on the relationships between the decision-making of individual organisms and the structure and function of ecosystems, particularly in the face of environmental change.

Gil’s research focuses on the relationships between the decision-making of individual organisms and the structure and function of ecosystems, particularly in the face of environmental change. Much of his work uses coral reef fish as model systems to assess ecosystem-scale consequences of animal behavior. In 2022, Gil and researchers from three partnering universities received a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to better understand how complex species interactions affect natural ecosystems.

Gil also is highly active in efforts to diversify involvement in STEM. He founded and directs , a nonprofit that uses personal storytelling in videos published across social media to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM.

ESA early career fellows are members within eight years of completing their doctoral training or other terminal degree who have advanced ecological knowledge and applications and show promise in continuing to make outstanding contributions to a wide range of fields served by ESA. They are elected for five years.

In addition to Gil and the nine other scientists recognized as early career fellows this year, the ESA governing board has named nine new fellows. Fellows are members who have made outstanding contributions to a wide range of fields served by ESA, including those that advance or apply ecological knowledge in academics, government, non-profit organizations and the broader society. They are elected for life.

“I am thrilled to recognize the exceptional contributions of our newly selected fellows and early career fellows,” said ESA President Shahid Naeem in a release announcing them. “Their groundbreaking research, unwavering commitment to mentoring and teaching and advocacy for sound science in management and policy decisions have not only advanced ecological science but also inspired positive change within our community and beyond. We celebrate their achievements and eagerly anticipate the profound impacts they will continue to make in their careers.”

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