Armsworth Named Fellow of Ecological Society of America

The Ecological Society of America (ESA) announced Professor Paul Armsworth, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, among its cohort of 2025 ESA Fellows. He joins seven other new fellows and 10 new early career fellows.

The fellowship status recognizes the many ways in which the society's members contribute to ecological research, communication, education, management, and policy.

"It feels both wonderful and humbling to be recognized by my ecological peers in this way," said Armsworth. "The ESA is the main academic society for my field, and one I have been participating in since my early graduate school days. So, it is just a real honor to be invited to become a society fellow."

Armsworth is a theoretical ecologist whose research examines how ecology can be integrated with social sciences to inform effective conservation decisions, including the design of protected areas, the benefits of biodiversity and ecosystem services and the role of institutions in shaping conservation outcomes. He received a Ph.D. in biological sciences from Stanford University, as well as a Ph.D. in mathematics from James Cook University.

Armsworth's work bridges theory and practice to inform management and policy decisions at local and national levels.

"In keeping with the mission of land grant universities, Professor Armsworth's work benefits Tennessee and extends beyond state and national borders," said Divisional Dean for Natural Sciences and Mathematics Kate Jones. "His work on how humans can help conserve the natural world—and how nature benefits people—includes important partnerships with state and federal organizations, non-government organizations, and private foundations."

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. Fellows are elected for life.

ESA established its Fellows program in 2012 with the goal of honoring its members and supporting their competitiveness and advancement to leadership positions in the Society, at their institutions, and in broader society. Past ESA Fellows and Early Career Fellows are listed on the ESA Fellows page.

"It's an honor to recognize this year's Fellows and Early Career Fellows of ESA," said ESA President Stephanie Hampton. "These individuals exemplify excellence in ecological science through their research, mentorship and service. Their leadership in advancing both knowledge and application of ecology strengthens our field and supports communities and ecosystems around the world. We applaud this cohort's accomplishments and look forward to the continued impact of their work."

ESA will formally acknowledge and celebrate its new Fellows for their exceptional achievements during a ceremony in August at ESA's 2025 Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland.

Provided by University of Tennessee at Knoxville