Our Team

Director

Originally from upstate New York, Nova first came to Michigan as a pianist graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy. From there, it was an adventurous trek through Carnegie Mellon University and Oberlin College, studying abroad in Tanzania and earning her B.A. in Biology. Nova has loved Whitefish Point and the fascinating bird migration from her first minute as an owl bander back in 2005. She has worked with passerines, owls, hawks, parrots, ground squirrels, and ocelots at various field sites worldwide, but the owls always bring her back to Whitefish Point. As a nature photographer, Whitefish Point and its wonders have inspired much of her creative work.

Owl Banding Manager

A lifelong birder, Chris became fascinated with owls when he was 8 years old after reading the Hardy Boy’s book “The Clue of the Screeching Owl”. His field research career began in 1990s’ when he was introduced to owl banding at the Cape May Owl Banding Project. Since then he has spent over 70 field seasons working on a variety of avian research projects across the country. He arrived at Whitefish Point as an owl bander in 1999. Chris has co-authored several peer-reviewed papers on owls and he is passionate about documenting all the animals that occur at the Point, with a special interest in moths. As a nature photographer, Whitefish Point provides many opportunities for Chris to capture birds and other wildlife with a camera. He’s excited to bring over two decades of field experience at Whitefish Point to the Friends of Whitefish Point.

Science Advisor

Raised in Wisconsin, Dave now resides in western Maryland and currently works as the Avian Conservation Ecologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program. In 1975, while earning his B.S. at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, he started banding raptors at the Little Suamico Ornithological Station along the western shore of Green Bay. He is the founding director of Project Owlnet, and a founding co-director of Project SNOWstorm. Dave coordinates migrant owl banding stations at Petit Manan Point, ME and Assateague Island, MD. His love for northern forests is reflected in his principal research interests that are focused on Northern Saw-whet Owls and American Goshawks. Dave has served as a volunteer advisor to the owl banding program at Whitefish Point since 2015.

Outreach Specialist

A dedicated bird conservationist and migration counter, Alison Vilag has spent years observing waterbird migrations at remote Lake Superior hotspots, enduring harsh conditions to provide critical data for avian conservation. Her passion for birds, sparked at age six, led her to pursue environmental writing and media, blending her love for nature with storytelling through guiding, photography, and writing.

Web Designer

With over seven years of experience in web and graphic design, Hannah specializes in creating user friendly, visually compelling websites. Over the course of her career, Hannah has worked with a range of nonprofits, and enjoys crafting experiences that resonate with people and support meaningful causes. Outside of work, Hannah is an avid hiker and backpacker. Originally from West Michigan and with family at Whitefish Point, she now calls Los Angeles home. Since relocating, she has become passionate about exploring the Angeles National Forest, the Sierras, and volunteering more locally with Friends of Griffith Park.

Marketing Advisor

Ken Jacobsen brings over 30 years of marketing expertise, helping organizations achieve their goals through strategic leadership. A passionate conservation advocate, he has worked to protect over 250 acres of land and 10,000 feet of shoreline along Lakes Superior and Michigan. Deeply connected to Whitefish Point, Ken has been involved in conservation efforts, including advocating for its inclusion in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Refuge system. He currently serves as the Sierra Club Southeast Michigan Group’s Outings Chair and has held leadership roles with Michigan Audubon and the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. Professionally, Ken is Vice President of Marketing at The TM Group. He holds an MBA in Marketing from Wayne State University and a BS in Advertising from Michigan State University. In his free time, he enjoys nature photography and supporting his family’s creative ventures.

Tour Leader

Alec Olivier first visited Whitefish Point in 2005 at the age of 4. Since then, he has birded around the country. Nothing has fascinated him as much as migration at Whitefish Point. The excitement of not knowing what rare bird or migration event is around the corner is enough to keep him coming back. He’s been fortunate to spend a season as the fall Waterbird Counter at Whitefish Point. In addition, he spent two summers as the Piping Plover Monitor and a season as the Spring Field Intern. Alec has guided at the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival as well as multiple group and private tours in the eastern UP. He is currently a member of the Michigan Bird Records Committee. Alec is a dedicated volunteer for the Friends of Whitefish Point, and takes every opportunity he can get to go out with people and show them how unique and special this place is. 

Lead Owl Bander- Fall 2025

Born and raised in rural Maine, Liv has always felt at home in natural places. They received a B.A. in Biology from the University of Maine at Farmington and have been a wildlife technician ever since. While Liv has worked with passerines and marsh birds, they've found their true passion lies with owls and seabirds. This is their third season as an owl bander and their second season at Whitefish Point, and they have spent the past four summers living on small islands off the coast of Maine as a seabird researcher for National Audubon Society's Seabird Institute. Liv loves the field and feels incredibly lucky to work so closely with such elusive and inspiring species. They are so excited to be back at Whitefish Point for another fall migration.

Assistant Owl Bander- Fall 2025

From Ohio, Bridget graduated with a degree in Wildlife Conservation from Ohio University and has a strong love for birds of all kinds. She has been fortunate enough to be able to see some birds from all around the world and has had some amazing banding experiences. From passerines in Ohio, hummingbirds in Ecuador, Common Terns in Maine, raptors in Wisconsin and Pinyon Jays in Utah, she has high hopes to continue traveling to band birds. This will be her second season working with owls and she is hoping to be able to band a few new species!

Assistant Owl Bander- Summer 2025

Currently studying Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife at the Ohio State University, Holly will be working her first full season of owl banding on the point.  After a lifetime of enjoying birds, working with homing pigeons with 4-H in high school, and two years of serving as the Research Coordinator for the OSU Ornithology Club, she cannot imagine a life outside of studying birds.  She has volunteered with waterfowl, passerine, owl, and raptor stations for almost three years and has spent past field seasons working with window strikes, Prothonotary Warblers, and a West Nile Virus project on birds and mosquitoes.  She is excited to join Friends of Whitefish Point for their summer banding season after completing a position working with Appalachian breeding birds in Southeast Ohio.   She looks forward to learning from and working with Chris and the owls at the point. When not volunteering or working with birds, Holly can be found birding, drawing, playing instruments, reading, or hiking.