Javed passed the bar examination in 2021 and began her career in private practice at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP, an internationally recognized intellectual property law firm. During four and a half years with the firm, she worked on patent, privacy and other litigation matters. She also provided pro bono legal services, extending her impact into other areas of the law such as criminal defense.

Her commitment to service has also included membership on the leadership board of Gifts for the Homeless, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit. There, she supported outreach for an annual clothing drive that distributes gently used items to shelters throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, and participated in the organization’s Law Firm Battle of the Bands fundraiser as the lead singer for her firm’s band, “Redacted!�.

Javed recently entered public service as a federal judicial law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, a position that allows her to experience law and litigation from the court’s perspective. 91¹ú²ú celebrates her as a 2026 10 Under 10 honoree for the persistence and intellectual curiosity behind her legal career, as well as her commitment to using her skills in service to colleagues, clients and neighbors.

Member of 91¹ú²ú’s

The post Hira Javed ’16, MS ’18, JD appeared first on Adelphi.

Oslo, Norway
Major: Finance

“I’m looking forward to developing my interests within finance and exploring where that may take me professionally, while continuing to develop as a tennis player. I’m proud of the results I’ve achieved in tennis over the years, including winning the Norwegian U19 National Championship in mixed doubles, but especially of the consistency and hard work behind them. I chose 91¹ú²ú because it was important to me to find a university where I could get a great education while also being a part of a strong tennis team. I also really liked the welcoming atmosphere at 91¹ú²ú, and it felt like the right fit for me both academically and athletically.â€�

Jackson Clark

Matthews, North Carolina
Major: Business, Three-Year Track
Honors College

“I hope to become a lawyer, but I chose my major because of my interest in business and the opportunity to earn that degree in the accelerated three-year track. I came to 91¹ú²ú because of its amazing location, strong faculty and opportunities like the Alternative Summer Break, which I was able to attend in August. I wanted to go to a school in or near a big city like New York, and the three-year program and other grants made that financially possible for me.â€�

Rebecca Golin

Brooklyn, New York
Major: Biochemistry with a minor in mathematics

“I am planning on a medical career, so I chose 91¹ú²ú for its supportive community, strong scientific opportunities and Early Assurance pathway to medical school that will allow me to grow as both a researcher and future physician. I have already conducted cancer research, where I discovered how mathematics and genomic data can help answer complex questions about disease and ultimately improve patient care.â€�

Zion Hines

Perth Amboy, New Jersey
Major: Dance

“I want to be able to dance professionally, and my ultimate goal is to own a dance studio so that I can teach choreography, inspiring dancers of all ages. I am grateful to have accomplished as much as I have so far in my dance career. I received a 2025 New Jersey Governor’s Award for Arts Education, an honor given to high school students, and I have had the opportunity to choreograph and perform a solo titled Inner Thoughts along with five other talented recipients. I am excited to be at 91¹ú²ú. When I auditioned for the dance program last winter, it felt like such a genuine and supportive community. I like the small classes, too, which will allow me to get to know my professors and be able to get any help or advice whenever I need it.â€�

Ashlyn Ho

La Crescenta, California
Major: Biology

“I want to become a dentist, and I chose 91¹ú²ú because of its Early Assurance 4+4 program, which gives me a direct path to the LECOM School of Dental Medicine. 91¹ú²ú also gives me the chance to work closely with my professors. I really enjoy playing the piano, too, and performed at Carnegie Hall as a first-prize winner in the Elite International Music Competition.â€�

Arina Kamenetska

Kharkiv, Ukraine
Major: Theatre
Honors College/Levermore Global Scholars Program

“My goal is to build a career as an actress in both theater and film. I also hope to create international theater projects that bring together actors and artists from different countries and cultures. I am especially proud to have received a Jonathan Larson Scholarship from 91¹ú²ú. I chose 91¹ú²ú because of the people. During my audition with Professor Margaret Lally and Professor Thomas Schrider, I immediately felt that I had found my community and my people. They made me feel that 91¹ú²ú was a place where I would truly belong, and I could see how much the professors genuinely care about their students and want to help them grow.â€�

Karina Kumar

South Richmond Hills, Queens, New York
Major: English, Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP) – Adolescent Education
Levermore Global Scholars Program

“My goal is to become a teacher who can truly make an impact in students’ lives. I will strive to shape young minds in the lens of today’s society and always fight against injustices in education, making my classroom truly accessible to all students. I am particularly interested in finding ways to reach students beyond the textbooks. 91¹ú²ú’s commitment to diversity, equity and global learning reflects the educator I aspire to become.”

Mia Leggio

Seaford, New York
Major: Sport Management
Honors College/

“Sports are really important to me, and I am proud to be following in the footsteps of my sister, Alexandra, who played lacrosse for 91¹ú²ú. I chose 91¹ú²ú because of its strong academics, women’s soccer program and close-knit community. I am also proud to be a certified EMT because that allows me to make a difference by helping others during very tough times.â€�

Anya Patel

New Hyde Park, New York
Major: Biology
Levermore Global Scholars Program

“My goal is to pursue a career in orthodontics and provide compassionate, culturally aware care to diverse communities. Majoring in biology and participating in the Levermore Global Scholars program will help me reach that goal, allowing me to combine my passion for science with my interest in people, cultures and global perspectives. As someone with both Indian and Kenyan heritage, I believe that understanding and respecting different backgrounds is essential to connecting with others and providing compassionate healthcare. I chose 91¹ú²ú because of its close-knit community and the opportunity to pursue my goals in the healthcare field in an environment where I feel supported and encouraged to grow.â€�

Michael Secko

Centerport, New York
Majors: Environmental Science and History with Certificate in Museum Studies
Honors College

“By majoring in two fields while earning a certificate in another, I am hoping to build a career that brings all of those worlds together. Whether it is working at a museum, a national park or an environmental agency, my goal is to find ways to connect our natural environment with human history. I have always been fascinated by how the past and the environment shape each other. I want to find innovative ways to preserve both our history and our planet. Choosing 91¹ú²ú was an easy decision for me. From the moment I stepped on campus, it just felt right. It is also extra special because my grandparents earned both their undergraduate and ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degrees here, so it feels like home in more ways than one.â€�

Justin Smiley-Carter

Jamaica, Queens, New York
Major: Ethics and Public Policy
Honors College/Levermore Global Scholars Program

“I served as secretary-general at a Model UN conference that created a welcoming outlet for students across South Queens and Long Island to explore diplomacy. I plan to attend law school, with the goal of eventually using my experience to create opportunities for younger students in marginalized communities and inspire them to pursue a career in law. I chose 91¹ú²ú because it’s where I can really challenge myself academically, and because the Honors College and Levermore Global Scholars program allow me to explore my interests beyond the classroom while preparing me to reach my goals.â€�

Louis Spillane

Auckland, New Zealand
Major: Finance

“My goal is to build a career in finance while continuing to pursue my passion for football. Football has been a huge part of my life. I was honored to represent New Zealand as a member of the U17 National Team that qualified for the U17 World Cup. Wearing the New Zealand fern, singing the national anthem and seeing my family in the stands made it an experience I’ll never forget. It was a moment where years of hard work and sacrifice came together. I look forward to competing at 91¹ú²ú while building a strong foundation for my future in finance. I hope to combine the discipline, leadership and competitive mindset I have developed through football with my passion for finance and create a successful career that allows me to pursue both interests.â€�

Wyatt Yim

Fresh Meadows, Queens, New York
Major: Nursing

“I want to be working as a traveling nurse to explore the world more, then later on become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. I would like to visit all 50 states and, as a proud Eagle Scout, all the national parks. I chose 91¹ú²ú for its small and beautiful campus, and I began my 91¹ú²ú experience by joining the First-Year Community Action Program (FCAP). It gave me the opportunity to do some volunteer work before the start of classes while meeting new people and helping the community.â€�

The post Meet the Class of 2030! appeared first on Adelphi.

Students spotted a rare cassowary—the world’s most dangerous bird—in the Daintree Rainforest. The cassowary, although normally shy, can stand up to six feet tall and attack with dagger-like claws.

Led by biology and environmental studies and sciences faculty Aaren Freeman, PhD, Matthias Foellmer, PhD, and Elizabeth Buccheri, PhD, the group embarked on a two-week, hands-on expedition across Australia’s wild ecosystems—earning 2 course credits while having the trip of a lifetime.

Marine Ecology, Biology Research and Snorkeling

The adventure started long before takeoff. During the spring semester, students prepped by learning about marine ecology, practicing their snorkeling skills (with two students even getting SCUBA certified), and drafting their own research plans.

Then came the real world.

“Some had cogent plans, but when they arrived and put their faces in the water, what we thought would be there just wasn’t there,� Dr. Freeman recalled. “Adapting to the differences between planning a research project and the reality of conducting that research was an important field experience take-home academic lesson.�

(From left) 91¹ú²ú students Chelsea Javier, Ryan Will and Audrey Cozine after a day of scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef. Students spent up to two hours a day in the water, observing coral atolls and marine wildlife.

Sharks, Giant Spiders and “Indiana Jones� Moments

Base camp for the marine portion of the trip was the Heron Island Research Station, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Students spent up to two hours a day in the water, swimming alongside sharks, stingrays and skates.

Adelphi student John DelCarpine enjoys a gondola high above a eucalyptus forest.

They also witnessed firsthand the harsh impact of climate change and coral bleaching on the 1,400-mile-long Great Barrier Reef—a sobering reminder of the planet’s fragility.

On this visit, Dr. Freeman, was pleasantly surprised at the corals’ resilience. “I remain hopeful,� he said. “But I’m not Pollyanna, the reefs aren’t really doing fine.�

When the group explored the ancient Daintree Rainforest, things were even wilder:

• The Cassowary: Students spotted the notoriously elusive—and notoriously powerful—cassowary, officially ranked by the Library of Congress as the world’s most dangerous bird.
• The Spiders: Guided by Dr. Foellmer (a terrestrial biologist and insect expert), the team navigated terrain packed with massive arachnids. “I had many interactions with big hairy spiders about the size of my hand,â€� Dr. Freeman recalled. “One web ended up on my back —with a four-inch spider on it—and made me feel like Indiana Jones. Yet, these spiders were harmless.â€�
• Canopy Views: The crew even hit the hinterlands, riding a gondola high above the canopy of a eucalyptus forest.

Beyond the Lab: Deep Diving Into Culture

It wasn’t all data collection and dodging wildlife. The group spent half a day in Mossman Gorge led by an Aboriginal guide, learning about sacred forests, traditional medicines and ancient toolmaking. Stops in Cairns and Brisbane introduced students to Australia’s vibrant city life and its incredible, Asia-influenced food scene.

For Dr. Buccheri, this kind of trip is full circle. She actually went on 91¹ú²ú’s 2017 Australia trip as an undergrad, which inspired her to move to Australia, earn her ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s and PhD in reef ecology, and eventually return to 91¹ú²ú to teach.

Dining alfresco in the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest.

Expert Faculty as Australia Guides

Students benefitted not only from their professors’ individual scientific expertise, but also from their experience and knowledge of Australia and the climate change challenges facing its ecologically diverse reefs and rainforests, reflecting 91¹ú²ú’s commitment to sustainability.

“Each of us has our own area of expertise,â€� explained Dr. Freeman, a marine ecologist and chair of the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences. In 2010, he and Dr. Foellmer, a terrestrial biologist and chair of the Department of Biology, took the first group of 91¹ú²ú students to Australia. This year’s was their sixth such trip.

According to Dr. Freeman, Dr. Buccheri’s experience as a student on 91¹ú²ú’s 2017 Australian alternative break trip was life-changing, as it inspired her to gain expertise in reef ecology and reproductive biology by earning ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s and doctoral degrees in Australia. She is now an adjunct professor in environmental studies and sciences . “She’s a great success story,â€� he said.

Front left: Professor Matthais Foellmer, PhD, one of three professors serving as a guide, photographs wildlife along the Daintree River.

Next Australian Trek: 2028

For these 13 biology students, the trip was a massive eye-opener. As one student put it: “It will leave such an amazing impact on your life. You’ll want to go back as soon as you get home.�

Dr. Freeman and the department are already planning their next Australian trek for 2028. The Great Barrier Reef, the Milky Way in a clear night sky and a few friendly sharks are waiting.

Students and their 91¹ú²ú professors gather at sunset after a day of exploring coral atolls around Heron Island Research Station.

The post Forget Europe: Why 13 91¹ú²ú Students Swapped Paris for Sharks, Spiders and Australia’s Coral Reefs appeared first on Adelphi.

It was a day of transitions, and a happy one.

Interim President Christopher Storm, PhD, who will be returning to his job as provost on June 1 with new leadership responsibilities as senior executive vice president of academic affairs, expressed sincere thanks for the support he received over the past year.

President-Elect Michael Balboni ’81, JD, enthusiastically greeted the graduating seniors as his “fellow alumniâ€� and offered his success as an indication of how far an 91¹ú²ú degree can take them.

And the 1,165 members of the Class of 2026 closed the book on their undergraduate years and entered the next phase of their lives.

Commencement by the Numbers and Degrees

Just as it is every year, there was no “typicalâ€� 91¹ú²ú graduate. Six bachelor’s degree recipients are 19 years old. The oldest is 59 and is one of six graduates who are in their 50s. Thirty-five are over 30 years old, many of whom earned degrees in fully online or hybrid programs designed for working adults from 91¹ú²ú’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies.

Diplomas were awarded in 51 different degree programs, reflecting the wide variety of academic and career interests of students in the Class of 2026.

The largest group of graduates were the 299 students who were awarded Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing. 91¹ú²ú’s College of Nursing and Public Health is perennially ranked as a U.S. News & World Best College for Undergraduate Nursing Programs. It is also a U.S. News Best Nursing School for ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degree and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs as well, and one of only 13 institutions designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.

Psychology was the next-most-popular degree, with 85 graduates. U.S. News & World Report includes 91¹ú²ú’s Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology in its rankings of Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs, Best Psychology Grad Schools and Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs.

Biology, a favorite major for premedical and preprofessional students, had the third-largest group of graduates, with 67 students earning their degrees. Rounding out the top five were two more programs in the healthcare and wellness fields—health sciences, with 52 students earning their Bachelor of Science, and physical education, with 51 graduates.

Top-10 degrees also included accelerated nursing, management, computer science, marketing and finance.

Graduates From Near and Far

While most of this year’s graduates are from New York, members of the Class of 2026 came to 91¹ú²ú from 24 other states. Students from New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania were the largest out-of-state contingents.

The class also included 86 international students from 42 countries, including 10 from India, seven from Pakistan, five from Mongolia and five from Vietnam.

Hussein Ali Rifath, president of 91¹ú²ú’s Student Government Association, celebrated the global character of the Class of 2026 in his Commencement address. Rifath, whose family is from Bangladesh, congratulated the international students and the large number of graduates with backgrounds in other lands in a dozen languages. Rifath graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 average and a degree in political science and will spend next year in Spain on a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant scholarship.

A Valuable Degree

The experience of recent graduates shows that an 91¹ú²ú degree is a ticket to a well-paying job. In our most recent alumni survey, graduates of our Class of 2024 reported an average salary of $76,450. Ninety-two percent were employed, continuing their education or participating in an internship within one year of graduation.

The successful outcomes of 91¹ú²ú graduates have attracted national attention. Forbes, which bases its America’s Top Colleges rankings on the ability to produce successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds, ranked 91¹ú²ú as the top private university on Long Island. So did The Wall Street Journal, whose rankings reflect how well colleges prepare their graduates for financial success.

Words to Live By

While this year’s graduates walked away with their degrees and their career plans, they also took along some advice from two 91¹ú²ú alumni whose careers prove their point.

President-Elect Balboni, who grew up in Garden City, rode his skateboard to campus on his first day at 91¹ú²ú with plans of going to medical school. Instead, he went to law school, became a litigator, a state legislator, a business executive and now a college president. What has that experience taught him?

“You have no idea what the future will bring,� he said. “Life is not always going to be a straight line to where you’re going to wind up.�

But he also gave listeners the key to his success. “My career has always been a series of saying ‘I’ll try that.’�

Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD, who received an honorary degree that day while also having the pleasure of seeing his granddaughter receive her 91¹ú²ú degree in nursing, echoed President-Elect Balboni’s message of life’s unpredictability and of opportunities taken advantage of.

After graduating from 91¹ú²ú, he went to graduate school, became a professor and took academic leadership programs. “But it was government service that took me places I never imagined I would experience,â€� he said, referring to diplomatic and high-level administrative appointments he received from Presidents Reagan, Clinton and Obama.

“The world belongs to those who are prepared not only to succeed, but to serve,� he said, and he followed that with three challenges for graduates who want to follow that path:

“Take personal responsibility for your actions, your decisions and your impact.�

“Be honest and ethical, especially when it’s inconvenient.â€�

“Be thoughtful about where you can make the greatest difference.�

The post At a Journey’s End, the Undergraduate Class of 2026 Heads Into the Future With Optimism appeared first on Adelphi.

The accuracy of Season 5’s whimsical plot device was due to the advice and guidance given by Kaiya Provost, PhD, assistant professor of biology in 91¹ú²ú’s College of Arts and Sciences, who was called in to serve as a consultant on the show.

“I wear many hats,� Dr. Provost explained. “I’m a biologist, computational biologist, environmental biologist and an ornithologist.�

Meeting Steve Martin, Selena Gomez and the Crew

A series of serendipitous connections in early 2025 landed Dr. Provost her role on the show. After coming to the attention of unit manager and co-producer Chris George, she was invited to visit the show’s Long Island City soundstage in Queens, New York, one day in March to spend time with cast and crew members.

“It was a delight to spend time with actors Steve Martin, who is a real-life birder, Richard Kind and Selena Gomez, as well as other members of the cast and crew,� Dr. Provost said. “It was a real privilege to be the person they wanted to be there and to be able to see how the ‘Hulu sausage’ gets made.�

Adelphi’s Expert in Birds and Birdcalls

As the amateur sleuths in the show discovered, Lester the doorman—who was a birdwatcher—had left behind a ledger with bird names he had given to a group of shady billionaires. As he was dying, Lester even left additional clues via a bird whistle. No birdbrains, the trio decoded the ledger and birdcalls to expose Lester’s murderer in the season’s finale.

According to Dr. Provost, the birds whose calls needed to be replicated—the Eurasian Jay, Cowbird, Bowerbird and K�k�p�—had already been picked to identify the nefarious billionaires before she became involved.

“I was asked if I could replicate their noises and tell them how they sound and how actors could replicate them—and whether that would be funny.â€� Equally important, the birdcalls had to further the comedy-drama’s plot.

Dr. Provost referenced databases, including the one at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University, to determine what sounds would be the easiest and funniest to mimic. “For instance, the Eurasian jay is itself a mimic,” she explained. “So I asked if it mimics blue jays, would the actors be able to be taught to make that sound.â€�

An 91¹ú²ú Professor Who Teaches Actors, Not Just Students

“I’ve always been interested in bird sounds and have become an expert on them,� Dr. Provost said. “And since I have some background in music as a percussionist and in theater, from high school and college, I could get close to imitating the sounds myself in order to teach the actors.�

She added that, as an example, “The brown-headed cowbird makes a ‘glug-glug-glee’ sound. You can mimic it by making a swallowing sound and then a whistle, or a screech, to make it funny.â€�

“I corrected the actors four or five times,â€� she said. “We could have continued working to make the sounds more and more accurate, but I’m quite happy with the results. My colleagues have said they were surprised at how accurate the sounds were.â€�

The Professor Who Made Steve Martin Laugh

“I had fun,� Dr. Provost recalled. “The experience as a whole was so positive. But if I were to pick a favorite thing, I’d have to say that I made some of these actors laugh while getting them to record a bird sound accurately.

“As an expert, I can be bombastic, but I’m not afraid to look silly to get the job done,â€� she admitted. “When I demonstrated the cowbird’s sound, I made its ‘glug, glug’ and then gave a big scream. No one was expecting me to scream, and I got a good laugh from that. I made Steve Martin laugh—and I’ll never forget that moment. This has been a peak of my career. It’s all downhill from now on.â€�

The post Only Birders in the Building: 91¹ú²ú Professor Takes the “Only Murders in the Buildingâ€� Cast Under Her Wing appeared first on Adelphi.

Dr. Caro, who studied human evolutionary biology at Harvard University before pivoting to zoology and animal biology at the University of Oxford for her doctorate, has spent most of her career researching the dynamics between bird parents and their offspring, integrating concepts from behavioral neuroscience, evolutionary biology and urban biology. “I’m interested in how birds’ social behavior evolves when there’s a tension between two evolutionary incentives: cooperation and competition,� she said.

Bird families are the perfect petri dish for this tension. Parents want their offspring to cooperate and survive, but they may also, as Dr. Caro puts it, “be a little selfish and want their partner to do more of the work.�

Publishing Research That Expands Understanding of Bird Behavior

Recently, Dr. Caro was the first author on an article, “� (Behavioral Ecology, May 2025), that adds a new dimension to our understanding of bird parent behavior. Among evolutionary biologists, conventional wisdom holds that bird parents respond to their offspring begging for food with fixed behaviors, or behaviors that have evolved over time into something specific and unchanging. But Dr. Caro suspected that parents are actually plastic, or flexible, when responding to their offspring’s signals, particularly in different environmental conditions.

Dr. Caro took to the woods to conduct an experiment. She gave half of the resident bird population extra food to simulate ideal environmental conditions. The other half experienced no change to their environments. Additionally, she cross-fostered broods to ensure that chicks in both populations would behave similarly, leaving environmental conditions the only remaining variable.

Over the subsequent week, parents did not concentrate their feeding on the chicks that were the largest or loudest. Instead, Dr. Caro’s theory proved correct. The parents who received extra food became “nice, equitable parents,� she explained, while parents in harsher conditions surrendered to survival of the fittest. “These parents selectively ignored the runts, which means they were making decisions about which of their offspring were most likely to survive when food was low.� Ultimately, parents displayed plasticity in responding to multiple sources of information, including local environmental conditions and their assessments of each chick’s size and behavior.

Exploring Parenting Differences Between Males and Females

Dr. Caro’s “� (Behaviour, July 2025) illuminates another bird family dynamic—this time couples. “In my work, I was noticing that male and female parents made decisions differently. Mothers took longer to make a decision and were more likely to change their minds,� often clashing with fathers over feeding. But, she wondered, were these conflicts purely the product of biological differences in birds?

To find out, she conducted a meta-analysis on 31 bird species, comparing how mothers and fathers responded to offspring begging alongside social and physiological traits that could influence conflict. The results were unexpected. “I went in expecting birds to show similar patterns to mammals, where females are almost always more responsive and provide the vast majority of parental care,� she said. “But across every bird species, sex difference was minimal. Only when I looked within species did I start to see other patterns.�

In bird species with strong bonds between males and females, fathers were more responsive to offspring begging for food. In species with less stable bonds, however, fathers were less responsive to begging, leading females to compensate by taking on a greater share of parental care. Rather than an innate difference among sexes, then, Dr. Caro’s findings demonstrate that varying levels of responsiveness among males and females are likely shaped by the types of bonds they form.

Whether she’s depositing mealworms in bird nests or running statistical analyses, Dr. Caro believes a mixture of research methods will always yield the best result. “Comparative meta-analyses allow me to see the big picture across species. Then I can zoom into the details with experimental work,� she said. “My findings from an experiment might lead me to do a meta-analysis or vice versa. This is just such a rich field with so many different axes to explore.�

The post Birds of a Feather: The Evolutionary Science That Makes Bird Parents and Offspring Flock Together appeared first on Adelphi.

This one species of bird is probably the single most well-studied bird in terms of how it sounds, but we don’t know how or why its song changes through time and space.

Language changes all the time: splitting into new dialects, morphing into slang and spreading ways of speaking from one place to another. This phenomenon holds true for animals as well as humans, as Kaiya Provost, PhD, assistant professor of biology at 91¹ú²ú, knows well from her research into the evolutionary biology of birds.

Birdsong is an incredibly complex mode of communication. In scientific terms, the song of the White-crowned Sparrow includes whistles, trills, buzzes and a category for “other� sounds known as “special notes.� Individual songs help birds find mates and signal their location to other birds.

Two closely related subspecies of the White-crowned Sparrow—a bird that Dr. Provost calls “incredibly cool�—have retained distinct dialects of their own despite living side by side in the Pacific Northwest. “This one species of bird is probably the single most well-studied bird in terms of how it sounds,� she said. “But we don’t know how or why its song changes through time and space.�

Dr. Provost’s enthusiasm for the White-crowned Sparrow rubbed off on Jiaying Yang, an undergraduate from The Ohio State University, now a PhD student at Vanderbilt University, with an interest in bioacoustics. Together, the two developed a project that applied machine learning technologies to vast datasets of White-crowned Sparrow recordings, hoping to prove a theory: that changes in birdsong are the products of a changing environment.

Their findings, which used recordings held by The Ohio State University’s Borror Laboratory of Bioacoustics Database, were published as a paper in the April 2024 issue of Ornithology: “.â€�¹

White-crowned Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrows can be found all over North America, with some variants breeding in the Arctic and wintering in Mexico. Other variants, like some of the Pacific Northwest subspecies explored in Dr. Provost’s paper, stay roughly where they are year- round. While most subspecies keep to their own territory, two subspecies in this particular part of the Pacific Northwest frequently overlap. This overlap, which occurs in what is called a “hybrid zone,� allowed Dr. Provost to pinpoint the causes behind changing birdsong.

Though previous methods of collecting and cataloguing birdsong worked well, they were laborious, requiring researchers to manually check and label data. This meant that immense amounts of data stored in databases like the Borror Lab too often went underutilized. But with machine learning tools that can be given detailed instructions about what to find and learn, smaller teams can be far more efficient. “Now we can process these things much faster and in much bigger batches than we used to,� Dr. Provost said.

Out of a dataset of 20,000 syllables of whistles, trills, buzzes and special notes of White-crowned Sparrow, Dr. Provost and Yang manually annotated 2,000, then had the machine learning model run the rest. Once the songs were tagged, separating out the syllables, the two could cross-reference that data with information about climate, geography and time. Their conclusion, as the paper notes, indicates a correlation between changes in song and “[cultural drift], geographic distance, and climatic differences, but the response is subspecies- and season-specific.�

One subspecies of White-crowned Sparrow, Z. l. nuttalli, which lives in Southern California and does not migrate, showed a limited influence from climate-related factors on its birdsong. However, the other subspecies, Z. l. pugetensis, which is migratory, showed a much larger influence. “And when you group the two together, the impact of climate goes through the roof,� Dr. Provost added. Varying climate up the West Coast likely plays a major role in the relationship between the two subspecies—which, Dr. Provost says, might explain why they have held on to their identities as separate groups over time, even though they interbreed in the hybrid zone between their habitats.

Dr. Provost is looking forward to using the same machine learning tools on a much larger scale. Her current project deals with 137 species of sparrows, instead of just one. “Machine learning gives us a powerful way to get a lot of data very accurately and very quickly,� she said. “Doing it by hand would probably be more accurate in the end, but it would take us 20 years.�

The post Machine Learning Reveals How Climate and Geography Shape Birdsong appeared first on Adelphi.