Brian Olsen

Dr. Brian Olsen is Professor of Ornithology at the University of Maine's School of Biology and Ecology. As founding co-director of the Saltmarsh Habitat and Avian Research Program (SHARP), he leads large-scale conservation research on tidal marsh birds.

Research examines avian adaptation to environmental change, including sea-level rise impacts on coastal species, climate change effects on Arctic birds, and intertidal ecosystem dynamics. Combines behavioral observation, demographic monitoring, and genomic approaches.

Current projects focus on tidal marsh sparrow conservation and rocky intertidal food web dynamics. Research involves collaboration with state/federal agencies and NGOs throughout the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.