Karinne Tennenbaum

Karinne, an aspiring ornithological researcher, is a Yale Engineering & Science Scholar studying Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.

Coming from a lineage of multi-generational women scientists, she is passionate about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. Her expertise spans ornithology, herpetology, and ichthyology. She possesses diverse research experience: studying the effects of lead on urban and rural bird populations in Flint, Michigan post-Flint Water Crisis; performing scanning electron microscopy analysis of structural colours in a rare Venezuelan hummingbird; exploring drivers of Ranavirus outbreaks in a Wood Frog metapopulation; and delving into tooth morphology’s role in microfossil fish teeth classification and evolutionary relationships.

Beyond academia, she promotes conservation, education, and inclusivity. Her novice birding podcast, “Taking Flight,” has 12 episodes with over 700 listens from 18 countries. As a co-founder of the Michigan Young Birders Network and co-president of the Yale Birding Society, she fosters community engagement and promotes environmental advocacy. Additionally, she works as a specimen preparer in the ornithological collection at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. Karinne finds joy in leading hikes and teaching introductory birding. She is captivated by bird behaviour and interspecific interaction and strives to #BringBirdsBack.