Benjamin Winger

Benjamin Winger serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Associate Curator at the Museum of Zoology at the University of Michigan. His dual appointment bridges academic research with museum-based specimen collection and curation.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, University of Chicago (2015)
• B.A. in Biological Sciences, Cornell University (2007)

Dr. Winger's research program investigates fundamental evolutionary processes in avian systems through multiple methodological approaches. His work integrates population genetics, genomic analysis, phylogenetic methods, museum specimen data, and field observations to understand speciation mechanisms, biogeographic patterns, and migratory behaviors. A particular focus examines how seasonal migration influences genetic structure and diversity in bird populations.

His recent research outputs demonstrate significant contributions to understanding how climate change affects avian morphology across the Americas and how long-distance migration shapes genetic patterns in boreal bird species. These studies employ large-scale comparative analyses across numerous species to identify evolutionary trends.

Dr. Winger maintains an active research laboratory (Winger Lab) that provides opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to engage in ornithological research. His team utilizes both traditional field methods and modern genomic techniques to address evolutionary questions.