Melanie Jones is a Professor Emerita in Biology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, having joined the faculty in 1990 after completing her degrees in Plant Sciences from Oxford University, and her post-doctoral studies at the University of Calgary. With a distinguished career, she has taught courses in Soil Ecology, Plant Physiology, and General Biology, enabling students to explore the intricate relationships between plants and their environments. Melanie grew up in southern Alberta and has a profound appreciation for the Canadian landscape, which has greatly influenced her research endeavors. Her work primarily focuses on the role of ectomycorrhizas and ericoid mycorrhizas in nutrient uptake, carbon allocation in woody plants, and the ecological impacts of forestry practices on fungal diversity in British Columbia's forests. She is committed to mentoring students interested in these fields, encouraging them to delve into the physiological ecology of tree roots and the management of orchard soils. Melanie enjoys the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley and engages in activities such as cross-country skiing and gardening.