Chris Ranger has been an Editor-in-Chief on Agricultural and Forest Entomology for two years and is a chemical ecologist working with Ambrosia beetles in particular. Read on to hear more about his journey as an entomologist and hear about his experiences as an author in and editor on Agricultural and Forest Entomology.
Tell us a bit about the person behind the title Editor-in-Chief.
As a child growing up in New Jersey, I often explored the swamps and marshes of a nearby national wildlife refuge. My parents encouraged my interest in biology and ecology, but there was a strict rule against bringing home snakes.
How did your academic career develop, and what led you to entomology in particular?
As a college freshman, I learned that I could major in entomology and even pursue a career as an entomologist. After completing graduate school and postdoctoral training, I was fortunate to land my dream job as a research entomologist.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
As a research entomologist, the most fulfilling aspect of my job is transferring the knowledge gained from our research efforts to stakeholders and the broader scientific community through publications, presentations, and outreach activities. I also enjoy engaging with international collaborators on the topic of invasive insects and their pest management.
“As an EiC with Agricultural and Forest Entomology, I find it rewarding to help authors publish their research, especially students and early-career professionals.
Publishing in AFE has been an exciting and positive experience throughout my career, and I hope to provide the same experience for other authors.”
What is the best part of your role as EiC of your journal?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an EiC with AFE is notifying an author that their manuscript has been accepted for publication.
What has been your most exciting or interesting research discovery? Why?
Working with a multidisciplinary team of researchers to show that stress-induced ethanol in trees enhances the fungus-farming and colonization success of ambrosia beetles was a career highlight.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My wife, my partner of 25 years, inspires me to pursue my goals and motivates me to grow and evolve. She was especially supportive during my undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training, as we moved from one institution to another.
Many entomologists travel widely – what was the most enjoyable fieldwork location you’ve worked in?
Ornamental nurseries during spring bloom are a terrific place for field work due to the diversity of flowering plants and trees, but I’m also excited to spend the day working in our newly constructed laboratory!
What’s your favourite insect and why?
Tiger beetles are my favorite insect to collect as a hobby, while fungus-farming ambrosia beetles are my favorite insect to study due to their unique biology and ecology.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would choose canine telepathy as my superpower so I could read my dog’s thoughts, emotions, and memories.
What is the best piece of advice you received as an ECR?
My Ph.D. supervisor taught me not to take negative peer reviews personally and to be respectful and constructive in my own comments.
Where are you hoping your research (or career) will take you next?
My goal is to foster a creative research environment in my lab and with my collaborators, using science-based approaches to solve pest management challenges for producers of ornamental crops.
If you could wake up with any new skill, what would it be?
A master of Wing Chun, which is a traditional Chinese martial art.
What motto do you live your life by?
“As long as you live, keep learning how to live”. -Seneca
Quickfire Questions
Chris’s favourite:
- Place? Japan
- Food? Indian cuisine is a favorite, but trying new things is always fun.
- Drink? Black coffee
- Book? On the Road by Jack Kerouac is one of my favorite classics. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson has become a recent favorite of mine.
- Music? Built to Spill and Yo La Tengo. Still, I am a lifelong vinyl enthusiast who enjoys collecting albums across various genres, including indie, reggae/dub, punk, jazz, classic rock, and folk music.
- Film/Play? 2001: A Space Odyssey / Waiting for Godot
- Artist? The Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani.
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