Student Researchers

Student Researchers

The National Aviary is committed to educating, training, and mentoring the next generation of conservation leaders These graduate students have been mentored by conservation ornithologists at the National Aviary through a formal membership on their graduate committee and through ongoing collaborative research. 

The National Aviary recognizes the importance of education and the need for advance training of the next generation of conservation leaders. The following graduate students have been mentored by conservation ornithologists at the National Aviary through formal membership on their graduate committee, and through on-going collaborative research:

 Brandon Hoenig, Duquesne University, Ph.D., “Molecular determination of nestling diet and development.”

Mack Frantz, West Virginia University, Ph.D. “Demographic, spatial, and epigenetic response of the Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) to shale gas development.”

Brian K. Trevelline, Duquesne University, Ph.D., 2017. “Niche partitioning and trophic dynamics of songbird communities in impacted and unimpacted riparian ecosystems.”

Andrea Thomen, Syracuse University, M.S., 2014. Evaluating avian assemblages in Dominican cacao farms: Implications for management and conservation.

Boris Tinoco, Stony Brook University, Ph.D., 2014. “Understanding the influence of habitat alteration on hummingbird species using a multi-level analysis approach”

Brian K. Trevelline, Duquesne University, M.S., 2013. “Evaluation of DNA barcoding as a technique for elucidating the diet of Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) nestlings.

Jessie Knowlton, Stony Brook University, Ph.D., 2010. “Mixed-species flock ecology and conservation in the highly threatened Tumbesian Region of Ecuador.”

In The News

See All News

Missing Spooky Season Already? Check Out This Halloween-Inspired Wedding | Pittsburgh Magazine

The ceremony and reception were held at the National Aviary, infused with nods to Halloween!

Read More »

Have your photo taken with Santa and a penguin at the National Aviary | PennLive

The Holiday Happenings seasonal event at the National Aviary includes an opportunity you are not likely to get anywhere else.

Read More »

One Tank Trip: National Aviary | Fox8

Bird-watching is a popular activity around Northeast Ohio; one of the best places in the country to see our fine-feathered friends is only a One Tank Trip away.

Read More »

New African penguin arrives at National Aviary | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A new African penguin is waddling around the National Aviary.

Read More »

National Aviary welcomes new penguin to its flock | CBS News

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The National Aviary welcomed a new African penguin to its flock.

Read More »