About
Amanda D. Rodewald is the Garvin Professor and Senior Director of the Center for Avian Population Studies at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a Faculty Director at the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, and a professor in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University. She previously spent 13 years as a professor at Ohio State University, with over 190 scientific papers, a textbook in ornithology, and extensive popular writings since 2000.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Ecology, Pennsylvania State University (2000)
- M.S. in Zoology, University of Arkansas (1995)
- B.S. in Wildlife Biology, University of Montana (1992)
Research Interests:
Rodewald’s work bridges ecology and conservation, focusing on socioecological challenges in temperate and tropical working landscapes. She employs field studies and participatory science to address threats like deforestation, climate change, and invasive species, while integrating social sciences to develop solutions that meet ecological and societal needs. Her projects emphasize shade coffee systems, urban ecosystems, migratory bird conservation, and innovative financing mechanisms for biodiversity protection.
Awards & Honors:
- Alfred Newton Academic Prize Lecture (British Ornithological Union, 2024)
- William Brewster Memorial Award (American Ornithological Society, 2022)
- Honorary Doctorate (Universidad Cientifica del Perú, 2018)
- Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2017)
Advising & Partnerships:
Rodewald has advised 20 Ph.D., 19 M.S., and 10 postdoctoral students, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations with practitioners, NGOs, and government agencies. She testified before Congress on conservation issues and serves on the EPA Science Advisory Board, advocating for evidence-based policies.
Labs & Teams:
As leader of the Center for Avian Population Studies, she harnesses big data (e.g., eBird) and citizen science to guide conservation decisions. Her work spans partnerships with the private sector, coffee farmers, and international organizations to align conservation with human livelihoods and climate goals.
