About
The People
The Spark Bird Project is led by Jenn Lodi-Smith, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Canisius University. She is also the secretary/treasurer for the Association for Research in Personality, associate editor of Journal of Personality, on the board of the Friends of Reinstein Woods, and mentors the WNY Young Birders Club.
After spending a number of years looking for ways to intersect her passion for nature and her expertise in personality science, she got the spark for The Spark Bird Project while at Hog Island Audubon Family Camp when she learned about the concept of spark birds! Her spark birds are her kiddos who helped her notice birds and then fall in love with birding. Since then, she has had cool moments with a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a fledgling Great Horned Owl, Black-capped Chickadees, Atlantic Puffins, and a friendly Black-throated Green Warbler.
Photo credit Andy Hebrank
Contact
Hello, my name is Genevieve Fontana, the creator behind the Spark Bird Project logo. I am honored to have been chosen for this project. I am currently in my senior year at Canisius University dual majoring in both Animal Behavior Ecology and Conservation as well as Digital Media Arts with a concentration in graphic design. I am specifically interested in how effective digital art can impact conservation efforts.
My love for birds has come from my relationship with my mom. We would spend all year long in our yard. Some of my most distinct memories are making snowmen during our cold Buffalo winters and filling the brim of their hat with black oil sunflower seeds, watching the wide variety of visitors come, including chickadees and cardinals.
If you are interested in checking out more of my work here is my portfolio
With ornithological consultation from Sara R. Morris, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Canisius University Vice President for Academic Affairs, President-Elect of the American Ornithological Society, and Past President of The Wilson Ornithological Society (2015-2017)
With social media consultation from Janet McNally, MFA, Associate Professor of English & Director of All-College Honors Program, Canisius University.