The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology extends a warm welcome to its interim chair, Professor Stephen A. Smith. Stephen will serve in this role during the 2026–27 academic year while EEB Chair and Professor Nate Sanders is on sabbatical.

A professor of ecology and evolutionary biology since 2012, Stephen is an internationally recognized researcher whose work focuses on the evolutionary history of plants and the Tree of Life. Alongside his research, he has served in a number of administrative and educational leadership roles, most recently as Director of the Program in Biology. Earlier this year, he received the 2026 Imes and Moore Faculty Mentorship Award in recognition of his commitment to recruiting and mentoring graduate students from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds.

“EEB is a remarkable department because of the people,” says Stephen. “We have an incredibly collaborative community with outstanding faculty, dedicated staff, and talented students. I’m looking forward to supporting that community and helping create an environment where everyone can do their best work.”

“One of my priorities is to listen carefully, communicate openly, and build on the department’s many strengths,” he adds. “EEB has a long tradition of excellence in research, teaching, and outreach, and I’m excited to help continue that tradition.”

Stephen is also looking forward to deepening his understanding of the department in his new role. “I’m especially excited to learn more about all of the different parts of the department,” he says. “Even after many years here, I’m continually impressed by the breadth of research and the commitment our community has to discovery, education, and public engagement.”

As interim chair, Stephen will provide leadership for the department’s teaching, research, and service missions while continuing to foster the collaborative and inclusive community that defines EEB.

Please join us in welcoming Stephen to his new role and wishing him a successful year as interim chair.