The AOS Kessel Fellowship funding supports the full range of ornithological research by early-career scientists currently published in peer-reviewed journals, such as avian biology, ecology, behavior, conservation, genetics, and interdisciplinary work. One arctic research Kessel Fellowship of $30,000 was awarded to Dr. Teresa Pegan; and five individual $15,000 fellowships were awarded to Drs. Vitek Jirinec, Leilton Luna, Alix Matthews, Jenna McCullough, and Morgan Ziegenhorn to support their ornithological research.
“This year we reviewed a fantastic set of applications for the Kessel Fellowships and are thrilled to be able to award the first Arctic fellowship for $30,000, in addition to five fellowships for $15,000 each,” says Carrie L. Branch, chair of the AOS Kessel Fellowships Selection Subcommittee. “Being able to provide funding to a set of innovative researchers spanning research approaches and applications across topics in ornithology is a great privilege.”
The AOS Latin American/Caribbean Conservation Research (LACCR) Grants, a nascent and expanding research grants program that began in 2023 to provide funding for early-career scientists from Latin America and the Caribbean, offers research grants of up to $5,000 to support conservation-related research on either migratory or resident birds in those regions. This year, the AOS awarded seven LACCR Grants to Dr. Ron A. Fernández-Gómez, Dra. María Teresa Reinoso-Pérez, Dra. Natalia G. Rosciano, Dr. Juan Manuel Fernández, Dra. Maria Florencia Pucheta, Dra. Olga Magalí Olmedo Masat, and Yabriel Pagán-Benítez, M.S.
“This year’s cohort of LACCR Grant recipients exemplifies the diversity, creativity, and scientific rigor that define AOS conservation work,” says Dr. Angelina Ruiz Sánchez, co-chair of the AOS Conservation Committee. “Their projects address urgent challenges from pathogen spillover and habitat fragmentation to the impacts of industrial development using innovative tools such as artificial intelligence, bioacoustics, GPS tracking, satellite imagery, and participatory monitoring. From the tropical forests of the Selva Maya and the Gran Chaco to the coastal ecosystems of Patagonia and the Caribbean, each project stands out for its aim to generate concrete scientific data to inform decision-making and guide conservation actions on the ground. Supporting early-career scientists in this region is crucial to ensuring locally grounded solutions for birds and the ecosystems they depend on.”
AOS President Sara Morris shares, “The AOS has had a long history of providing funding to support avian research by students, and the Kessel Fellowships and LACCR grants were intended to extend our support for early-career researchers and for conservation. This year’s Kessel and LACCR recipients have proposed exceptional research and conservation projects. We are so pleased and proud to have the opportunity to support these outstanding ornithologists who plan innovative, impactful research on and conservation efforts for birds, especially at this time when many bird populations are declining.”
Congratulations to these grantees! Read on for more information about the researchers and the projects being funded by this year’s Kessel Research Fellowships and Latin American/Caribbean Conservation Research Grants.
Kessel Fellowships for Ornithological Research Teresa Pegan, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University and University of Massachusetts Amherst
Dr. Teresa Pegan received her bachelor's degree from Cornell University in 2015, and her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 2023, advised by Benjamin Winger. She is now a National Science Foundation (NSF) postdoctoral fellow co-sponsored by Scott Edwards at Harvard University and Nathan Senner at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Pegan is interested in how migratory life history strategies influence avian evolution, and her current work focuses on population and evolutionary genomics of extreme long-distance migrants in Charadriiformes (shorebirds and relatives). Her past work has been recognized by a University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Tinkle Award. She previously won an AOS Hesse Award (2019); two AOS Publication Awards, the Katma Award (2019; Winger et al., 2018, Biological Reviews) and the Brina Kessel Award (2022; Winger & Pegan, 2021, Ornithology); and three AOS conference Travel Grants (2024, 2023, 2016). Pegan recently received the 2025 AOS James G. Cooper Early Professional Award and will deliver a plenary address at the AOS 2025 Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, in August.
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Project title: “The evolutionary genomics of extreme migratory adaptation in Arctic-breeding shorebirds”
Abstract: Arctic-breeding shorebirds include some of the most extreme migrants on Earth, including species that perform extreme physiological feats to fly across oceans and hemispheres. Despite apparent risks of long-distance migration, Arctic shorebirds also tend to be long-lived, with slow life-history strategies reflecting their substantial investment in survival. But do their amazing survival adaptations also place them at greater risk of population decline during environmental change, which is especially rapid at high latitudes? The ability of populations to persist under environmental change depends in part on population genetic diversity, which facilitates rapid adaptation—yet extreme strategists may experience especially strong natural selection that reduces genetic diversity at functional genomic regions. Slow life history can also detract from resilience to rapid environmental change. As such, species like Arctic shorebirds, which push the limits of physiological possibility for life on Earth, may also be some of the least able to genetically adapt during rapid global change. To investigate this hypothesis, I will examine how extreme migratory life history influences population genetic diversity in Arctic-breeding shorebirds. Synthesizing approaches from comparative phylogenetics and conservation genomics, I will identify genome regions associated with migratory phenotypes over deep evolutionary time, then analyze the dynamics of natural selection in these regions within contemporary shorebirds with contrasting migratory strategies. My research will provide valuable context for understanding how migratory life histories interact with evolutionary processes in threatened species, and how these dynamics potentially affect the capacity for adaptation to new conditions.
Vitek Jirinec, Ph.D. Research Scientist, Integral Ecology Research Center
Dr. Vitek Jirinec is a Czech-American ecologist and research scientist at the Integral Ecology Research Center (IERC) in California. His research focuses on how birds respond to environmental change, particularly in tropical ecosystems. Jirinec’s work combines field-based methods with biologging technology to study movement, habitat use, and climate vulnerability. He earned his B.Sc. in wildlife from Humboldt State University, where he researched ecosystem services provided by warblers in Jamaican coffee farms, and an M.Sc. in biology from the College of William & Mary, studying Hylocichla mustelina (Wood Thrush) habitat selection. He then completed his Ph.D. at Louisiana State University, where his dissertation revealed how climate change affects Amazonian bird morphology, abundance, and behavior. Beyond the Amazon, he has studied Strix varia (Barred Owls) in Louisiana and California—the latter focused on rodenticide exposure linked to cannabis cultivation. Jirinec is committed to science communication and mentoring, maintaining his blog at vitekology.org to share field stories and ecological insights. His research has been featured by National Geographic, NPR, CNN, and other major media outlets. He received the AOS Mewaldt-King Research Grant (2018) and AOS Travel Grants (2010, 2022), and has received fellowships and grants from the Smithsonian Institution, NASA, the American Philosophical Society, the Animal Behavior Society, the Wilson Ornithological Society, and the Association of Field Ornithology.
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Project title: “Testing the microclimate hypothesis: Understanding tropical bird responses to experimental irrigation”
Abstract: Tropical rainforests, though rich in biodiversity, are increasingly affected by climate change. Recent studies have documented declines in Amazonian bird populations, even in areas free from direct human disturbance, suggesting that subtle changes in microclimate—such as increased temperatures and drought—may be impacting these communities. The study aims to experimentally test the "microclimate hypothesis," which posits that small-scale climatic conditions—and disruptions to them—significantly influence tropical bird ecology. This work is collaborative, connecting researchers from IERC, George Mason University, Michigan Technological University, and Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM). At the “IRRIGA” project site north of Manaus, Brazil, we are simulating historical moisture levels by irrigating rainforest plots during the dry season. We will deploy multi-sensor biologgers on key understory bird species to monitor their behavior, movement, and activity in response to these experimentally moderated microclimates. By integrating fine-scale environmental data with detailed behavioral observations, this study will provide experimental evidence on how microclimate conditions affect tropical birds. The findings will help identify microhabitats that serve as climate refugia and inform conservation strategies aimed at mitigating biodiversity loss in a world under climate change.
Leilton Luna, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Associate, Duke University
Dr. Leilton Luna is an evolutionary biologist specializing in molecular ecology and biodiversity conservation. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at Duke University, he investigates how mating systems influence population genetic patterns within and between species. Previously, he was a postdoc at The Pennsylvania State University, working on wildlife conservation genomics. Luna earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in environmental biology from the Federal University of Pará (UFPA, Brazil), and a Ph.D. in zoology and evolution from UFPA in partnership with the Emilio Goeldi Museum. Luna’s research integrates life history traits with environmental changes—both historical and recent— to understand their impact on species persistence and evolution. He has contributed to several conservation projects applying genetic data to protect threatened bird species in Brazil and the U.S., in collaboration with AQUASIS (Brazil) and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. He has received recognition through the Brazilian Program of Professional Development Abroad as a visiting scholar at the University of Michigan in 2020, the 2023 BioOne Ambassador Award for excellence in scientific communication, and AOS Travel Grants. His long-term vision is to apply evolutionary biology towards actionable conservation strategies, whether as a university professor or a researcher working with NGOs and institutions dedicated to biodiversity conservation.
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Project title: “Is sexual selection harmful or beneficial in small, endangered populations?”
Abstract: Sexual selection—differential access to mating opportunities—can help populations survive, if individuals with fewer deleterious mutations are favored through mate choice of correlated phenotypic traits (i.e., high genetic quality). However, in small populations, sexual selection may also increase the risk of extinction by limiting reproduction to only a few individuals and consequently exposing deleterious mutations through inbreeding. The critically endangered Chiroxiphia bokermanni (Araripe Manakin)—a bird with strong female mate choice and fewer than 200 breeding individuals—offers a unique opportunity to test how sexual selection influences deleterious mutation load in small populations. I propose to integrate genome sequencing, phenotypic measurements, and reproductive data from a long-term monitoring program to assess whether sexually selected traits (e.g., plumage brightness, body condition) reflect or mask genetic quality. I will first test if male traits associated with reproductive success predict genome-wide mutation load, and then evaluate how female mate choice influences the transmission of harmful mutations across generations. This approach will clarify whether sexual selection acts as a purifying force or promotes the accumulation of harmful mutations. Results will inform conservation efforts by guiding a genomics-based breeding strategy that minimizes deleterious variation. More broadly, this study addresses an important question in evolutionary biology—can sexual selection promote persistence in genetically compromised populations? By disentangling the effects of mate choice and mutation load, I aim to advance our understanding of how biodiversity is maintained in the face of genetic and demographic constraints.
Alix E. Matthews, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Researcher, The University at Buffalo (SUNY)
Dr. Alix Matthews is a postdoctoral researcher at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York (UB), where she studies the evolutionary ecology of avian symbioses. Her interest in host-symbiont interactions began during her B.Sc. in environmental sciences at Rhodes College, where she investigated avian malaria. As an M.Sc. student in biological sciences at Arkansas State University (A-State), she entered the world of feather mites, combining field and lab research with species discovery. She then worked as a lab manager studying fungus-farming ants at the University of Texas at Tyler, deepening her perspective on symbioses. During her Ph.D. in molecular biosciences at A-State, she broadened her feather mite research with range-wide sampling, field and lab experiments, and genomic analyses. Her work bridges natural and evolutionary history, ecology, and genomics, with a central focus on expanding our understanding of avian symbiotic systems. At UB, she is investigating how feather mites shape avian microbiomes and how microbial symbionts influence host genetic and phenotypic diversification. Her honors include the AOS Margaret Morse Nice Research Award (2021), a Society of Systematic Biologists Research Award (2021), four Arkansas Audubon Society Trust Research Awards (2014, 2016, 2019, 2020), an AOS Student Presentation Award for best oral presentation (2023), an Ernst Mayr Travel Grant (2021), and four AOS Student Travel Grants to AOS-affiliated conferences (2015–2017, 2023).
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Project title: “Secrets of host specificity and prevalence: uncovering the role of microbes in a bird-mite symbiosis”
Abstract: Eukaryotic symbionts are ubiquitous in nature and integral components of biological systems, yet the mechanisms governing variation in their prevalence (presence vs. absence) and host specificity (specialist vs. generalist) remain poorly understood. One promising, yet underexplored, mechanism involves microbes that co-occur with eukaryotic symbionts within host “ecosystems.” These microbes may alter the host environment in ways that either facilitate or inhibit symbiont colonization, effectively expanding or restricting the range of compatible host niches. By modifying the availability of suitable conditions, microbes may play a central role in shaping symbiont prevalence and specificity. This research tests the hypothesis that microbes mediate symbiont prevalence and host specificity in a system involving feather mites associated with parulid warblers. Specifically, this project will: (1) characterize the relationship between the avian microbiome and mite prevalence, (2) identify microbial transmission pathways between birds and mites, and (3) determine how mite-associated microbes influence host specificity. This work expands symbiosis research by moving beyond the traditional “bipartite” (two party) lens of host-symbiont networks and by reframing the host as an “ecosystem” that is composed of a multitude of interacting symbiotic partners whose ecological and evolutionary dynamics are interdependent. By integrating ecological, microbiological, and evolutionary approaches, this project will be among the first to investigate mechanistic drivers of variation in avian feather mite prevalence and host specificity and will be the first to test microbial mediation in this context. Furthermore, this research will advance our understanding of the remarkable levels of biodiversity (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic) that wild birds support as “ecosystems” worldwide.
Jenna McCullough, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Kentucky
Dr. Jenna McCullough is an evolutionary biologist who is broadly focused on the tempo and mode of avian evolution. McCullough earned her Ph.D. (2024) and M.Sc. (2018) at the University of New Mexico and is currently a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Kentucky. Her Ph.D. dissertation focused on macroevolutionary dynamics of Indo-Pacific kingfishers. She has published 29 peer-reviewed studies on avian evolution in journals including Ornithology, Systematic Biology, and American Naturalist. During her graduate career, McCullough was awarded a Werner and Hildegard Hesse Research Award (2020) and two AOS Travel Grants (2017, 2018).
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Project title: “Is Structural White Color Rare in Birds—or Have We Missed It?”
Abstract: Avian plumage has been central to the development of influential theories on sexual selection and phenotypic divergence during speciation. Rapid changes in the color and patterning of feathers can have substantial impacts in an individual’s survival and reproduction and are therefore important for speciation in birds, yet we rarely understand how such complex traits evolve so quickly. Though ornithologists have studied avian plumages for more than 200 years, structural white color—produced through ordered nanostructures inside feather barbs—has only recently been discovered and only in three species. The proposed research will show that this rare color may be more ubiquitous and will 1) characterize how it is produced, and 2) assess its level of convergence across different avian families. Exploring this newly recognized phenomenon could reshape our understanding of how birds rapidly evolve structurally produced colors.
Morgan Ziegenhorn, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Researcher, Universite de Moncton
Dr. Morgan Ziegenhorn is an early-career scientific researcher focused on ecology and conservation using passive acoustic data. They obtained their bachelor's degree in integrative biology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2016 and their Ph.D. in biological oceanography from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego in 2022. At present, they are a postdoctoral researcher at the Universite de Moncton in New Brunswick, Canada. As an acoustic ecologist, Ziegenhorn leverages machine learning, coding, and modeling skills to effectively manage, process and analyze large acoustic datasets, answering relevant ecological questions across taxa and ecosystems. Ziegenhorn is currently working on modernizing critical monitoring efforts for Arctic-breeding shorebirds using the first large-scale passive acoustic dataset ever collected on Alaska's North Slope. They believe in making science accessible and interesting for everyone, and in incorporating diverse perspectives into scientific management.
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Project title: “Can passive acoustic surveys be used to efficiently monitor the status and trends of Arctic- breeding birds?”
Abstract: The Program for Regional and International Shorebird Monitoring (PRISM) is used to assess the abundance and trends of all shorebird species throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Arctic piece of PRISM provides crucial information on breeding birds across North America. Traditional Arctic PRISM surveys use a double sampling method that includes a rapid ground assessment of shorebird diversity and abundance at a moderate number of randomly selected plots, as well as intensive surveys at a small number of plots to develop landscape-scale estimates of bird abundance. Though essential, Arctic PRISM surveys are both logistically challenging and expensive, and hence likely not sustainable given shrinking budgets.
Beginning in 2021, biologists began using Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) to collect passive acoustic monitoring data at PRISM plots as an alternative to traditional PRISM surveys in the Arctic. These units can be deployed and retrieved by a single person and record data for multiple months, allowing detection of animals at a finer temporal and spatial resolution at less cost. We are currently unable to generate species densities using these data, which are needed to estimate population size for each species. Estimating population size is crucial, as this information is used to identify hot spots and help assess the success of conservation efforts. However, established approaches for acoustic density estimation generally require multiple ARUs per study plot, which increases expense and is difficult to implement for Arctic PRISM, as plots are dispersed over vast expanses of the Arctic tundra.
As a Kessel Fellow, I will test a novel method for PAM density estimation to provide avian species abundance estimates for Arctic-breeding birds. This method, developed by Dr. Alison Johnston at the University of St. Andrews and colleagues at several other institutions, uses a modified version of traditional distance sampling to generate robust density estimates from single-ARU surveys and deep learning outputs. With this project, I aim to begin to answer whether ARUs can effectively replace visual observations for monitoring the distribution, status, and trends of bird species in the Arctic. If successful, this method has the capacity to revolutionize the use of PAM data in density estimation, facilitating applied conservation efforts and the tracking of biodiversity changes.
Latin American/Caribbean Conservation Research Grants Ron A. Fernández-Gómez, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow, SECIHTI (Secretaría de Ciencia, Humanidades, Tecnología e Innovación)
Dr. Ron A. Fernández-Gómez is a Colombian biologist and ornithologist with an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in animal behavior and neuroscience. His research focuses on answering questions about the ecology and evolution of bird vocal behavior using approaches from biogeography, sensory ecology, and biodiversity informatics. He has extensive expertise in fieldwork, data collection and analysis, and modeling, as well as proficiency in programming languages, scientific publication, and science dissemination. Fernández-Gómez has worked in Colombia and Mexico with bioacoustics and ecoacoustics for many years. Most recently, as a postdoctoral fellow at SECIHTI in Mexico, his research involves the use of cutting-edge technology that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) tools and sensors for passive acoustic monitoring in biodiversity assessment. He also serves as co-editor for Ornitología Colombiana and has mentored several students in animal communication. Additionally, he has actively promoted collaborations with national agencies and non-profit organizations in Mexico and Colombia to develop initiatives for bird conservation.
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Project title: “Acoustic monitoring and automated classifiers for bird conservation in key biodiversity areas of the Selva Maya”
Abstract: The Selva Maya is the largest remaining natural vegetation of Mesoamerica and an important area for its avifauna biodiversity and endemisms. However, its ecological functionality is threatened by growing urban development, tourism activities, and habitat destruction. We will study the occurrence of bird species in key Selva Maya remnant forested areas in the south of the Yucatan peninsula by using cutting-edge technologies, i.e., passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) in combination with machine learning-based species detection and soundscape analysis. We will deploy autonomous acoustic sensors in and around the Calakmul-Sian Ka’an Corridor, which will enable us to analyze acoustic indexes and spatial metrics to assess the impact of habitat fragmentation and functional connectivity. Our findings will reveal the potential consequences of environmental degradation linked to landscape transformations, provide crucial insights for developing mitigation strategies, and contribute to identifying Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Our study will provide data on occupancy and bird activity to guide future protection strategies for conservation in the region. The project integrates community participation through acoustic monitoring techniques training. Our results will be disseminated through scientific publications, conference presentations, and shared with local stakeholders, government agencies, conservation organizations, and the general public.
María Teresa Reinoso Pérez, Ph.D. Research Support Specialist, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Dra. María Teresa Reinoso Pérez holds a B.Sc. in biology from the University of Querétaro in Mexico, where early interests in molecular techniques led to a focus on conservation and evolutionary biology. Her undergraduate thesis explored the evolution and phylogenetics of an endangered cactus genus (Cactaceae). She then completed an M.Sc. in molecular biology, focusing on the population genetics of three bird species from arid Mexican regions and studying avian malaria parasites, an experience that led to a lasting interest in wildlife diseases. She earned her Ph.D. in August 2024, under the supervision of Dr. André Dhondt at Cornell University. Her doctoral research focused on host-pathogen interactions in Haemorhous mexicanus (House Finches), aiming to understand how multiple pathogens interact within hosts and influence host health and population dynamics. She is currently affiliated with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where her research continues to integrate molecular ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation to advance the understanding of host-pathogen relationships in wild bird populations.
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Project title: “The potential threat of Mycoplasma gallisepticum to Mexico’s wild birds: A conservation challenge”
Abstract: Wild bird populations face significant threats from habitat loss, climate change, and emerging diseases. Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), a bacterial pathogen originally associated with poultry, has become a major concern for wild birds, particularly finches, in North America. While MG has been extensively studied in the U.S. and Canada, its impact on Mexican avian populations remains unclear. This study aims to assess MG prevalence in Mexican wild bird populations, evaluate potential cross-species transmission, and identify genetic links to poultry strains. By conducting field sampling, genetic analysis, and epidemiological modeling, we will determine MG’s presence, strain diversity, and possible transmission hotspots. Given that conservation-priority species such as Spizella wortheni (Worthen’s Sparrow) and Hesperiphona vespertina (Evening Grosbeak) share habitats with finches, understanding MG dynamics is critical for mitigating risks. This research will provide essential data for disease monitoring and inform biosecurity policies to prevent MG spillover between poultry and wild birds. Our findings will guide conservation efforts and contribute to national wildlife disease management strategies.
Natalia G. Rosciano, Ph.D. Assistant Research, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente - INIBIOMA-UNCo-CONICET
Dra. Natalia G. Rosciano currently works as an assistant researcher at the Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente INIBIOMA-UNCo-CONICET (Institute for Research in Biodiversity and the Environment). She holds a Ph.D. in biology (2016) and a bachelor’s degree (2011) from Universidad de Buenos Aires (Argentina). Her interests are focused on the conservation of wildlife, particularly how natural or human-driven changes impact wildlife and the ecosystem they live in. Rosciano always felt passionate about wildlife and natural environments. While studying biology, she worked as a volunteer in different conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife programs, and also worked at different educational jobs, teaching kids and teenagers about animals and the ecosystems where they live. Since 2016, she is also working as a lecturer on expedition ships to Antarctica and sub-Antarctic Islands. She’s spent over a decade studying seabirds in their natural habitats and sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.
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Project title: “Are seabirds at ease? Assessing threats to seabirds in Islote Lobos National Park, Argentina, using Magellanic penguins as sentinel species”
Abstract: The San Matías Gulf (SMG), a biodiversity hotspot in northern Patagonia, supports critical seabird colonies, including the northernmost breeding population of Spheniscus magellanicus (Magellanic Penguins) at Islote Lobos National Park. This region, that encompasses several protected areas, faces imminent threats from industrial projects (FLNG and oil pipelines) that risk contaminating ecosystems with hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and thermal discharges. As long-lived top predators, S. magellanicus are ideal bioindicators of marine health, yet their trophic ecology and vulnerability to these threats remain unquantified. This project investigates S. magellanicus foraging ecology and contaminant exposure to assess risks from industrial activities. Using GPS tracking (breeding season) and geolocators (migration), we will map foraging hotspots across their annual cycle and analyze overlap with oil-spill models. Blood samples will establish baseline PAH and metal levels, while stable isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) from feathers and blood will define trophic niche shifts. Dive metrics (depth, duration) and oceanographic data (SST, chlorophyll) will link foraging behavior to environmental drivers. Findings will identify high-risk foraging areas, inform spill-response plans, and provide baseline data for policymakers. Results will be shared via peer-reviewed publications and stakeholder reports to balance conservation and development in this ecologically and economically vital region.
Juan Manuel Fernández, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow and Assistant Professor, Laboratorio de Biología de la Conservación, Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral (CONICET- UNNE)
Dr. Juan Manuel Fernández holds a Ph.D. in biology from the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), where he also earned his B.Sc. in biological sciences. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral, dependent on the National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET) – UNNE; and an assistant professor in chordate biology at UNNE. His research focuses on the ecology and conservation of Neotropical birds, particularly woodpeckers and other forest specialists, with emphasis on habitat use, interspecific interactions, and conservation strategies in threatened ecosystems such as the Atlantic Forest and the Gran Chaco. Fernández leads field-based research involving radio telemetry, acoustic monitoring, and cavity-nesting bird surveys, and collaborates closely with protected area staff and local communities to integrate scientific findings into sustainable forest management. He has co-authored scientific papers and attended several ornithological conferences. His work has been supported by fellowships and grants from CONICET, UNNE, Neotropical Grassland Conservancy, the Association of Field Ornithologists, and Rufford Foundation. In his work, he aims to combine field research with training, public outreach, and practical conservation to advance bird conservation in South America.
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Project title: “Assessing reproductive ecology and seed dispersal role of the Bare-faced Curassow (Crax fasciolata) in the Gran Chaco forest”
Abstract: The Gran Chaco, the second largest forest in South America, faces severe deforestation and habitat fragmentation due to agricultural expansion and logging, threatening its biodiversity. Among the most vulnerable species is Crax fasciolata (Bare-faced Curassow), a high-priority species for conservation that has disappeared from most of its historical range due to habitat loss and hunting pressure. This large, frugivorous bird is thought to play a crucial role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration but remains poorly studied in Argentina. This project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps in its reproductive biology and dietary habits to inform conservation strategies in Argentina. Through fieldwork in Chaco National Park and a private reserve in Chaco province, we will identify nesting site preferences, reproductive parameters, and key habitat features that influence breeding success. Additionally, fecal analysis and germination tests will determine its role in seed dispersal. Data collected will guide habitat management, contribute to reintroduction efforts, and highlight the species as a potential flagship for conservation initiatives. This research will contribute to the long-term conservation of the C. fasciolata and the threatened Chaco forest ecosystem.
Maria Florencia Pucheta, Ph.D. Project Coordinator, Aves Argentinas
Dra. Maria Florencia Pucheta earned a Ph.D. in biology from the Universidad de Buenos Aires (Argentina), where she conducted research at the Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral (CECOAL-CONICET), focusing on the reproductive biology, movement ecology, and conservation of the endangered Xanthopsar flavus (Saffron-cowled Blackbird). She currently works at Aves Argentinas as coordinator of the national conservation project for the species. Her research focuses on grassland bird ecology, particularly threats from agricultural systems and management strategies to improve nesting success. Her team has identified key threats and stakeholders to implement conservation actions. She has published on the species’ breeding biology across land-use types, effectiveness of nest protection strategies, and the discovery of a new parasitic fly threatening chick survival, a discovery that has important implications for chick survival and conservation efforts. Past awards include the BirdLife Young Conservation Leaders Award and funding from the Neotropical Grassland Conservancy, which facilitated collaborative efforts with volunteers and field teams to study the species throughout its entire range in Argentina.
Project title: “Enhancing in situ conservation for the endangered Saffron-cowled Blackbird (Xanthopsar flavus) in Argentina’s grasslands”
Abstract: Grassland conversion and agricultural intensification are major drivers of biodiversity loss, especially affecting grassland birds. The endangered Xanthopsar flavus (Saffron-cowled Blackbird), endemic to South American grasslands, faces population declines due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and threats like nest predation, brood parasitism, and Philornis botfly infestations. This project aims to protect the last X. flavus populations by enhancing reproductive success through three key objectives: (1) studying breeding biology to identify factors affecting reproductive success, (2) improving and testing nest protection methods to reduce predation, and (3) identifying breeding refuges within the productive landscape to prioritize conservation areas. The study will take place across Argentina during the 2025–2026 breeding season. Nests will be monitored to assess reproductive success and threats, while camera traps and field observations will document predation and parasitism rates. We will test nest protection devices and evaluate their effectiveness. Additionally, habitat characteristics will be analyzed to identify high-quality breeding refuges. We expect nest protection to improve nest survival and recruitment into the population. Breeding refuges are expected to show higher reproductive success compared to agricultural lands. This project aims to provide key data to inform conservation strategies for X. flavus and other threatened grassland birds in the region.
Olga Magalí Olmedo Masat, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow in Biological Sciences at CENPAT — Puerto Madryn (Chubut), Argentina
Dra. Olga Magalí Olmedo Masat is a biologist and remote-sensing specialist whose work bridges marine ecology, conservation biology, and geospatial technologies. She earned her Ph.D. in biological sciences from the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina) in 2024, graduating with distinction for her thesis on high-resolution satellite imagery applied to coastal monitoring in the San Jorge Gulf. She also holds a degree in biological sciences and biology education from the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste." Her undergraduate research focused on endozoochorous seed dispersal by Rhea americana (Greater rheas) in Mburucuyá National Park. Currently a postdoctoral fellow at CENPAT–CONICET (Chubut), she investigates the use of satellite imagery to monitor seabird and pinniped colonies along the Chubut coast. She has authored several peer-reviewed scientific articles and has presented her research at national and international conferences. She has contributed to ornithological research through her work on avian diet, seed dispersal (endozoochory), and oological collections of non-passerine birds. Her current research focuses on coastal bird species, combining field-based ecological approaches with satellite imagery to better understand spatial and temporal dynamics in remote and sensitive ecosystems. Her interdisciplinary work reflects a strong commitment to understanding and conserving both coastal and terrestrial biodiversity through the use of innovative technologies.
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Project title: “Evaluation of the potential and limitations of satellite remote sensing in the monitoring of seabird colonies on the Argentinean Patagonian coast”
Abstract: Remote technologies complement traditional techniques to obtain high quality data in areas that are difficult to access. In Patagonia Argentina, space-based remote sensing is key to study coastal biodiversity due to the difficult access to terrain in some areas. The Parque Interjurisdiccional Marino Costero Patagonia Austral (PIMCPA), within the San Jorge Gulf, is one of the most productive and biodiverse regions of the Argentinean Sea, over 55 species of marine and coastal birds; some of them under protection, e.g., Larus atlanticus (Olrog's Gull), Spheniscus magellanicus (Magellanic Penguin) and the almost-threatened Macronectes giganteus (Southern Giant Petrel). The aim of this project is to assess the potential of satellite imagery to identify and characterize (in terms of size and density) seabird breeding sites. High spatial resolution satellite images will be compared with aerial surveys (by light aircraft and drone) and estimates based on ground surveys. As a case study, colonies of Leucocarbo atriceps (Imperial Cormorants) will be analyzed. Object-oriented analysis will be applied to identify and define settlement boundaries, and mixed pixel algorithms will be applied to estimate the number of individuals. The results will allow an assessment of the advantages and limitations of remote sensing for coastal monitoring.
Yabriel Pagán-Benítez, M.S. Marine Wildlife Conservation Educator, Red Caribena de Varamientos
Yabriel Pagán-Benítez, M.S. is a research biologist and marine conservation educator. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in marine sciences and a master’s in biology with a focus on environmental and ecological sciences from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico. His research centers on conservation genetics, using molecular markers to assess the diversity, structure, and ecological and evolutionary factors that influence the distribution and mortality of aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates. His goal is to inform conservation strategies through science-based findings. As an educator, Pagán-Benítez teaches oceanography and marine research courses at the Inter American University and plays a key role at the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, where he educates the public about endangered marine species. He also mentors undergraduate students, helping them explore careers in biology and marine science. Pagán-Benítez plans to pursue a Ph.D. in marine biology with a focus on molecular genetics to further support the conservation of aquatic vertebrates. His passion for research and education continues to drive his commitment to marine life protection.
Follow Pagán-Benítez’s research: ORCID
Project title: “Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) health status and conservation in Puerto Rico based on a pathological assessment”
Abstract: Pelecanus occidentalis (Brown Pelicans) are ecologically significant protected avian species, classified as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. It was delisted from endangered in the continental United States in 2009, but it remains classified as endangered locally under Puerto Rican law due to persistent local threats (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2009). The species has experienced alarming population declines in Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean, primarily due to anthropogenic pressures such as pollution, habitat degradation, and human disturbance. Despite documented die-offs and noted threats since the 1980s, the precise causes of mortality remain poorly understood due to a lack of detailed pathological investigations. This research aims to assess the health status and mortality causes of P. occidentalis in Puerto Rico through the histopathological analysis of over 50 deceased individuals rescued and treated by the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center (CMCC) between 2018 and 2024. Necropsies and tissue analyses will identify direct and contributing pathological conditions—such as trauma, parasitism, malnutrition, and disease. The study hypothesizes that inadequate diets and immunosuppression may increase susceptibility to specific mortality causes, particularly those associated with infectious diseases and parasitic loads. Findings from this study will provide critical insights into pelican mortality trends, directly informing targeted conservation strategies. Given the species’ ecological, economic, and cultural importance, understanding its health status also has broader implications for monitoring coastal ecosystem quality and anticipating threats to human and animal health. This research aligns with the One Ocean–One Health perspective by linking wildlife conservation with ecosystem and public health resilience in Puerto Rico and the greater Caribbean.
About the American Ornithological Society The American Ornithological Society (AOS) is an international society dedicated to connecting ornithologists, science, and bird conservation by supporting science that advances the understanding and conservation of birds; promoting broad access to ornithological science; supporting ornithologists throughout their career paths; and fostering a welcoming, diverse, supportive, and dynamic ornithological community. The AOS publishes two top-ranked international scientific journals, Ornithology and Ornithological Applications, and hosts an annual conference that attracts ornithologists from across the globe. Its robust grants program supports student and early-career professional research initiatives. The society’s check-lists serve as the accepted authorities for scientific nomenclature and English common names of birds in the Americas. The AOS is also a partner with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the online Birds of the World, a rich database of species accounts of the world’s birds. The AOS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving about 3,000 members globally. For more information, see www.americanornithology.org.
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