**About the Editors**

### **Jie Gao**

Professor Jie Gao, born in 1991, is a distinguished scholar and a leading voice in the fields of global change ecology, forest management, and conservation science. He holds a doctoral degree and has completed a prestigious Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship at Peking University, where he also fulfills the vital role of a doctoral supervisor. As a member of the American Scientist Honorary Society, Professor Gao stands out for his academic prowess and contributions to the scientific community. His work has been published in over 20 articles across esteemed international journals including 'Nature Climate Change', 'Journal of Integrative Plant Biology', and 'FEMS Microbiology Ecology', to name a few. These publications highlight his extensive research and expertise in addressing some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Professor Gao's scholarly focus encompasses a holistic approach to understanding and mitigating the effects of global environmental changes, with a particular emphasis on forestry operations and the preservation of biodiversity. His commitment to research excellence not only advances the field of ecological science but also lays the groundwork for practical strategies in forest management and biodiversity conservation that can be applied on a global scale.

### **Weiwei Huang**

Weiwei Huang is an associate professor at Nanjing Forestry University, China. She obtained her PhD in Forestry from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. She mainly works on dendrochronology, dendroecology, tree physiology, and wood anatomy. Her research work focuses on exploring the forest tree/bamboo species and their ability to cope with climate change. She was awarded the Heilmann honorary award in 2018 for her research analyzing Danish forest tree species and their ability to cope with future climate.

### **Johan Gielis**

Dr. Johan Gielis is a renowned scientist acclaimed for his significant contributions to the field of mathematical biology. With a career marked by a profound interest in the geometry of nature, he has been celebrated for the development of the Gielis Formula, a mathematical equation that describes a wide variety of natural and geometric forms. His interdisciplinary work bridges the gap between mathematical theories and biological applications, offering insights into the patterns and forms that underpin the structure of living organisms.

At the core of Dr. Gielis' research is the notion that nature's complexity can be understood through the lens of mathematical simplicity. He has applied his equation to explain phenomena ranging from the morphology of plants to the geometry of sea stars, highlighting the universal applicability of geometric principles. As a lecturer and researcher, he continues to inspire students and peers alike with his innovative approach to deciphering the codes of life through mathematics. Dr. Gielis' work not only deepens our understanding of the natural world but also paves the way for advancements in fields such as biomimetics and computational biology.

### **Peijian Shi**

Dr. Peijian Shi is an associate professor of Nanjing Forestry University. He obtained his PhD from the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, which is a top research institution in ecology and zoology. His research interests are remarkably diverse, spanning plant morphology, insect physiology and ecology, and social management science. Dr. Peijian Shi has published more than 120 papers in some international peer-reviewed journals, a testament to his active engagement with the scientific community. Dr. Shi is a vocal advocate for academic freedom. His numerous studies have significantly contributed to the advancement of botany and ecology in China, influencing both the academic landscape and the practical application of ecological principles within social management contexts. Dr. Shi's dedication to exploring the complex interplay between living organisms and their environments, coupled with his commitment to societal issues, positions him as a pivotal figure in the progression of ecological studies and their implementation in the real world. His work not only furthers academic dialogue but also invites a broader discussion on the role of academia in societal governance and policy making.
