Thomas J Benson

Thomas J Benson serves as a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, with a concurrent appointment as Principal Research Scientist at the Illinois Natural History Survey. His academic career focuses on wildlife ecology, particularly avian population dynamics, habitat requirements, and conservation biology across multiple spatial and temporal scales.

Dr. Benson's research interests center on ornithology with emphasis on nesting ecology, predation risk, and responses to environmental change. His work examines how landscape composition, habitat fragmentation, and climate variables influence bird distribution, abundance, and reproductive success. He specializes in studying nightjars (including Eastern Whip-poor-wills and Chuck-will's-widows), cuckoos, and other species of conservation concern, employing both field studies and sophisticated modeling approaches to understand ecological patterns.

Analysis of Dr. Benson's recent publications reveals consistent research themes examining predator-prey interactions, particularly how predation risk affects nesting behavior and fledgling survival. His work spans multiple ecosystems from coastal areas to agricultural landscapes, with significant contributions to understanding climate change impacts on bird populations. He frequently collaborates with researchers across institutions to address complex ecological questions using integrated methodological approaches.

Dr. Benson has established long-term monitoring programs for several bird species and has been instrumental in developing conservation strategies for species facing population declines. His research bridges fundamental ecological understanding with practical conservation applications, providing valuable insights for natural resource management and policy development.