Lisa Manne
she/her
Professor
College of Staten Island, City University of New York
Discipline
Conservation, Migration & Movement Ecology
Regional Focus
Northeastern North America; in future: Greenland
Years Active
3-5 years
Species Focus
Gulls and Terns (Laridae)
Tell us about your work with seabirds.
I am a professor studying avian responses to habitat and climate change. One aspect of my research looks at individual movements of lesser black-backed gulls, as they carry out their lifecycle. All ages (even first-winter birds) embark on long-distance exploration, more than the research community has previously appreciated, and this exploration provides a mechanism for them to alter their ranges as habitat or climate changes.
What advice would you offer to individuals aspiring to pursue a career as seabird scientists?
Keep your motivation firmly at the top of your mind. Seabirds are diverse creatures, intelligent and amazing, but also threatened by many processes. We must advocate for them! Take help and mentorship when it is offered. Be persistent when setbacks occur - they happen for everyone, and one setback does not dictate the quality or importance of the work.
Lisa Manne, about to release a lesser black-backed gull fitted with satellite transmitter at Sesachacha Pond (pond in background), near Low Beach, Nantucket, MA tagging site.
Email:
Website:
Twitter:
@lisamanne
Instagram:
@bitesize_ecology