Michael D. Sorenson

Michael D. Sorenson is a Professor of Biology at Boston University's College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on avian behavioral ecology, speciation mechanisms, and molecular systematics, particularly in brood parasitic birds like indigobirds and cuckoos. He holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota and teaches courses including Behavioral Ecology, Population Genetics, and Molecular Phylogenetics.

Key research interests include the genetic basis of host-specific adaptation, speciation via host shifts, and genomic evolution in rapidly diversifying avian radiations. His work integrates field studies, genomic analyses, and phylogenetic methods to address questions in evolutionary biology and conservation.

Recent studies examine convergent adaptation in brood parasitic lineages, the role of chromosomal inversions in speciation, and migratory bird genetics. He has contributed to understanding the evolutionary origins of obligate brood parasitism and its coevolutionary dynamics with hosts.

Awarded the Elliott Coues Award (2016), Dr. Sorenson collaborates internationally on projects such as the genetic diversity of endangered waterfowl and phylogeographic studies of island species. His courses emphasize hands-on training in evolutionary genetics and systematics.