Bird Academy provides online courses and access to live events from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Our mission is to serve birders, nature enthusiasts, and budding ornithologists by helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to feed their passion.
Founded in 1915, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds. Soon after founding the Lab, Arthur “Doc” Allen opened its doors to the public on Monday evenings for seminars created to celebrate the science and beauty of birds.
Bird Academy continues this century-old tradition of sharing the wonder and joy of birds far beyond our walls by creating online courses, providing public access to online events, and offering course access to those who need financial assistance through our Take Flight Program.
The Cornell Lab is a nonprofit organization supported by donations and membership. All courses are backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
Meet the team
Marla Coppolino
Course Developer
As a Course Developer, I create engaging content for the Bird Academy’s online courses. I write material for course pages and scripts for videos,...
Samantha Hauser, Ph.D.
Ornithologist and Program Manager
As content manager, I am responsible for coordinating and supporting the Bird Academy team in course and webinar development. Bird Academy provides...
Jill Leichter
Editor and Designer
Birds pique my curiosity in so many ways. They are beautiful and clever, and I like to observe them and investigate why they do the things they do....
Connie Kintner
Public Information Assistant
I enjoy welcoming people from all over the world to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and answering their questions either in person or by email. It’s...
Kevin McGowan, Ph.D.
Senior Ornithologist and Course Developer/Instructor
I educate people about birds. I write online courses about birds, including bird identification, behavior, and biology. I am the instructor for our...
Nia Mitchell
Marketing Specialist
At Bird Academy, I support outreach, marketing, and engagement by creating content, designing visuals, and promoting courses and events. My role...
Shayna Muller
Media Producer and Editor
I produce educational and instructional videos for the Cornell Lab’s eLearning website, Bird Academy. I have the joy of working with knowledgeable...
Josh Pelrine
Software Engineer
I am a web application developer for Bird Academy. In this role, I keep the site up to date with the latest updates and security patches. I also add...
Frances Steen
Software Engineer
I develop all things BirdWise, Bird Academy’s interactive tool for practicing bird identification through guided quizzing. My primary focus is on...
Jeff Szuc
Lead Software Engineer
As the founding designer and front-end developer of Bird Academy—including its engaging online games such as BeastBox, Flap to the Future, and the...
Mya Thompson, Ph.D.
Co-director of Engagement in Science and Nature
I serve as the Co-Director of Engagement in Science and Nature at the Cornell Lab and am a founder of Bird Academy. I specialize in creating...
Lee Ann van Leer
Customer Relations Expert
In my current role as a Project Assistant at Bird Academy, I serve as a liaison between online learners and the Academy, providing essential support...
Katherine Welch
Marketing Manager
I am marketing manager at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Bird Academy! I help curate and create our promotional content, contests, surveys, and...
