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Christopher Lepczyk, an alumni professor at Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, was selected as an elective member, a special membership class for the American Ornithological Society (AOS).
Formed in 2016 through the merger of the American Ornithologists’ Union and the Cooper Ornithological Society, AOS is the world’s largest international ornithological society. The AOS describes itself as a diverse, global network of competent professionals working together to advance the scientific study and conservation of birds.
Nominated AOS Elective Members are expected to have met qualifications such as work experience, membership in the Society, involvement in the community and contributions to ornithology as a discipline and community.
Lepczyk made numerous contributions during his time in the society. His interests focus on bird conservation and management, with research on topics such as endangered species, urban bird ecology, landscape ecology of birds and how humans affect bird diversity.
“It is an honor to be elected as an elective member of the AOS,” said Lepczyk. “I hope my background will help me make an impactful contribution to society.”
With the goal of collecting data that contributes to science-based policy and management decisions, Lepczyk regularly collaborates with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and collaborators around the world. His focus is on the Hawaiian Islands, the Midwest and the Southeast of the United States
Lepczyk has been recognized as an outstanding mentor and teacher at both the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and Auburn University. He is co-editor of two books and co-author of more than 110 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, and has advised more than 40 undergraduate researchers and over 30 master’s and doctoral students.
Lepczyk has been a principal or co-organizer of symposia at three separate sessions of the North American Ornithological Conference and an AOS conference, and is currently a member of the AOS Conservation Committee.
“The College is proud that Dr. Lepczyk was selected as an elective member for the AOS,” said Janaki Alavalapati, Dean of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. “His work with the AOS will continue to advance the study of ornithology through his research contributions, dedication and guidance to future students.”
Lepczyk was nominated and supported by AOS ornithologists David C. Duffy, Sheila Conant and Stanley Temple.
