UW’s Claire Willing named fellow of Ecological Society of America
Our take
In a notable achievement for the University of Washington, Claire Willing has been named a 2026 Early Career Fellow by the Ecological Society of America. As an assistant professor specializing in environmental and forest science, Willing’s research focuses on fungal ecology, particularly how fungi evolve and support plant communities in the face of climate change. This recognition not only highlights her individual contributions to the field but also underscores the importance of ecological research in understanding and mitigating the impacts of our changing environment. In a world where ecological issues are increasingly pressing, the work of researchers like Willing is more critical than ever, especially when we consider parallel discussions around environmental conservation, such as those presented in articles like UW researchers decipher beluga calls to bolster conservation efforts and Court Rules Texas State Must Reinstate Prof Fired for Israel-Palestine Talk.
Willing's work with fungi is particularly fascinating because it challenges us to rethink our understanding of ecosystems. Fungi are often overlooked players in environmental health, yet they are crucial for nutrient cycling and plant health. As climate change accelerates, understanding these relationships can lead to better management practices for both natural and agricultural ecosystems. This perspective not only aligns with current research trends but also resonates with broader societal conversations about sustainability and resilience. As we witness the impacts of climate change firsthand, initiatives that emphasize the interconnectivity of species and their environments become increasingly relevant.
Moreover, her appointment as a fellow serves as an inspiration for students and early-career professionals in the sciences. It provides a tangible example of how dedication and innovative research can lead to recognition and influence in the field. This achievement can encourage more students to engage with pressing ecological issues, fostering a community of curious builders who learn through action and collaboration. In doing so, they can contribute to the ongoing dialogues about environmental stewardship and sustainability, much like those seen in other recent discussions on campus, such as the legal battles faced by students at Kentucky State University over a new state law (Kentucky State University Students, Alumni Sue to Block New State Law).
As we celebrate Willing’s accomplishments, it’s essential to consider the future implications of her research. How might her findings influence conservation strategies or agricultural practices in the Pacific Northwest and beyond? As climate change continues to alter ecosystems, the insights gained from studying fungal ecology could play a crucial role in developing resilient strategies that benefit both the environment and human societies. The questions surrounding ecological resilience, community involvement, and sustainable practices are not just academic; they are essential for the future we are collectively building. Watching how Willing’s work unfolds could provide valuable lessons for us all, particularly as we strive for a more sustainable coexistence with the natural world.
The Ecological Society of America on Wednesday announced recipients of its 2026 fellowship awards. Claire Willing, a University of Washington assistant professor of environmental and forest science, was named an Early Career Fellow, which recognizes scientists for contributions to advancing and applying ecological knowledge within eight years of completing a doctorate.
Willing studies how microbes respond, and help plants cope with, environmental change. Her lab focuses on fungi and other microbes living near plant roots. Much like the gut microbiome, these communities play a critical role in plant nutrition, immune function and overall forest health.
Willing’s lab focuses on understanding these communities and how they are shifting with climate change. Her research integrates methods from various scientific disciplines to gain insight into the ecosystem-wide impact of fungi.
“I work across pretty diverse fields, from fungal ecology to plant and forest ecology,” Willing said. “Integrating everything together is challenging, but I think it’s a critical intersection to study right now and this award is a nice acknowledgement of that.”
As a Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center Faculty Fellow, Willing also collaborates with federal, state and tribal agencies to incorporate fungi into climate adaptation planning.
Many of her lab’s projects examine responses to climate change. For example, one of Willing’s current grad students is studying fungi in post-fire ecosystems.
Some fungal groups are fire-adapted, meaning that they can withstand wildfire better than others. After wildfire, the soil often becomes hydrophobic, which causes water to run off the surface instead of soaking in. This increases the risk of erosion, among other consequences. Fungi help seedlings to establish and stabilize the soil by helping it retain water.
Early findings from her lab indicate that prolonged fire suppression, a stewardship strategy intended to minimize wildfire impacts, can limit microorganisms fire tolerance, which then exacerbates the damage caused by a fire.
“There are lots of different nuances that we’re really just starting to understand,” Willing said.
She hopes this work can help inform future forest management practices. Although there are many mushroom enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest, Willing is one of few scientists in the region studying how these organisms fold into broader ecosystems.
Most of the data on microbial communities was collected within the past 20 years or so, which makes it difficult to gauge how these organisms are responding to climate change. Another project in Willing’s lab involves conducting genetic analyses on preserved plant specimens to establish a baseline for fungal health.
“Our understanding of what fungal and bacterial communities were like before the onset of rapid warming is really limited,” Willing said.
Building this baseline will help researchers see how microbial communities are evolving and reveal management opportunities.
Without fungi, life on Earth couldn’t exist as we know it. Dead logs and fallen leaves would simply accumulate, with nothing to break them down and return their nutrients to the soil.
“Fungi are involved in everything,” Willing said. “In the cycle of life, they are at the beginning, helping plants to take root across every ecosystem on Earth, and at the end, helping to create lush soils for future life to flourish.”
ESA will acknowledge and celebrate fellows during a ceremony on July 27 at the annual meeting in Salt Lake City. Early Career Fellows are elected for five years.
For more information about her work, contact Willing at willingc@uw.edu.
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