Charlotte Grossiord

Abstract

I have always been passionate about plant science. I think it all started with my upbringing in Africa. I grew up in different countries with climates ranging from tropical to semi-arid, so I was constantly surrounded by nature and exposed to an incredible variety of ecosystems. It was impossible not to fall in love with the diversity of plant life. As a kid, I spent my days running through forests, climbing trees, and building treehouses. I was in awe of how resilient and beautiful the natural world was. And it wasn't just outdoors – our home was always filled with plants. They were't just decorations to me; they felt like part of the family, living companions that brought life into every room. All of that shaped my curiosity about plants – how they work, how they interact with their surroundings, and why they are so vital to our world. That curiosity eventually led me to pursue a PhD, where I focused on understanding the role of biodiversity in forests and how it influences how they function. Now, as a plant ecophysiologist, I study how forests respond to climate change and how biodiversity helps them stay resilient. That childhood wonder I felt has not gone away – it still drives everything I do and makes me excited to share my love for plants with others.

Deciding to pursue a career in research was't something that happened overnight, but once I figured it out, it felt like the perfect fit. I have always had a passion for science and a fascination with understanding the natural world, but when I started university, I honestly did't know what researchers or scientists actually did. That all changed during my first research internships. Those experiences gave me a glimpse into the life of a scientist. It didn't take long for me to realize this was exactly what I wanted to do. I loved the variety the job offered – spending time in the field, working in the lab, coming up with new ideas, and traveling to conferences where I got to meet people from all over the world. One of the things that surprised me was how much I enjoyed the writing side of it. Writing had always been a passion of mine, and being able to craft papers and create figures to tell scientific stories was so rewarding. What really sealed the deal for me was the chance to piece together puzzles about how forests function and respond to climate change. The mix of creativity, curiosity, and the opportunity to make a difference felt irresistible. Even now, I still feel that same excitement. Research is a job where no two days are the same, and that is exactly what makes it so fulfilling.

What gets me excited every day is the chance to work with an incredible team of scientists, some of whom are just starting their scientific journey. Mentoring them and helping them build their careers in science is honestly one of the best parts of what I do. Whether we are tackling research challenges together or celebrating their achievements, it is so rewarding to see their confidence grow and their ideas come to life. Mentoring isn't just meaningful – it is fun and gives me so much energy. I also love working with people from all over the world. Collaborating with researchers from different backgrounds, all focused on a shared goal, gives my work a real sense of purpose. It is amazing to see how science can bring people together across borders to solve big problems.

It is hard to point to just one person as a role model because I have been inspired by so many people for different reasons throughout my life. I have been fortunate to have incredible supervisors and advisors who not only guided my research but also supported me personally and professionally. They taught me how to approach science with rigor and curiosity, how to think critically, and how to persevere when things didn't go as planned. Beyond their brilliance as scientists, their care and encouragement left a lasting impact on me, and I carry those lessons into my own mentoring today. But my inspiration does not stop there. I have also been influenced by so many personalities I have encountered throughout my journey, both in science and outside of it. From colleagues who have shown me the power of collaboration and teamwork to friends and family who have modeled resilience and creativity in their own ways, each has contributed to shaping who I am. I think the beauty of having multiple role models is that you can learn something unique from each one. Whether it is their passion for their work, their ability to connect with others, or their unwavering dedication, these qualities inspire me every day to keep learning and growing.

It is hard to pick just a few favorites because there have been so many great papers in New Phytologist in recent years. One area that stands out to me is any paper dealing with vapor pressure deficit (VPD). This topic has been incredibly inspiring, especially as we are exploring similar questions in my group regarding the fundamental role of VPD in driving tree mortality. The papers on VPD have really advanced our understanding of how it impacts tree water relations and stress responses. These studies have been key in helping us refine our own research on how VPD influences tree resilience. There is also a whole collection of papers that recently came out on how heat impacts trees. These papers have significantly advanced our knowledge of how trees cope with heat stress, which is crucial given the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves. They have provided a lot of valuable insights for our own studies. And of course, Tansley reviews are my favorite format in New Phytologist. There have been so many fantastic reviews published recently that it's hard to keep up, but each one provides such a great perspective on emerging areas in plant science. Two recent Tansleys that have stood out to me are Crous et al. (2022) ‘Temperature responses of photosynthesis and respiration in evergreen trees from boreal to tropical latitudes’ and Still et al. (2021) ‘Imaging canopy temperature: shedding (thermal) light on ecosystem processes’.

If I had to pick a favorite plant, I would choose the giant sequoia (Fig. 1). These trees are truly awe-inspiring. I have had the privilege of seeing them in person and standing next to one feels like being in the presence of living history. Some of these trees are over 3000 years old! It is incredible to think about how much they have endured over the centuries. What I love about giant sequoias is their sheer size and strength. They thrive in challenging environments and yet they continue to grow. I have never had the opportunity to study them in detail, but I hope to one day. I am fascinated by their resilience and longevity, and I would love to understand more about how they respond to environmental stress and what we can learn from their ability to adapt. For me, the giant sequoia represents both the beauty and the power of nature.

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