In 2015 I received my PhD degree in evolutionary biology at Lund University, where I worked on speciation in birds. Being a keen birdwatcher and naturalist, I love to explore new environments when traveling. Somehow, to my great pleasure, I tend to end up on islands frequently! After my PhD I left the air for a while and went under the sea surface to explore the development and evolution of the snout-like mouths of pipefish and seahorses. In my research trajectory, I have now crawled up onto islands again, studying the evolution of flight loss in island rails, among other things. I recently took up the post as Senior Curator of Birds at National Museums Scotland (UK) and remain a scientific associate with the Natural History Museum (UK).
Hanging with my pals at National Museums Scotland. (Photo: Emily Brown.)
My interest in the nature and my care for the environment has also led to extensive voluntary work in many organisations and bird observatories. I am currently a member of BirdLife Sweden’s taxonomic committee (site mainly in Swedish, except for the checklist of extinct bird species) and have previously been engaged as a long-term board member for—among others—the fantastic Kvismare Bird Observatory (the best mud in the world) and Ottenby Bird Observatory—the bird observatory with the longest consecutive trapping series in the world. Likewise, since I strive to improve and make a difference, I was an active PhD student representative in various university boards and organs.
Enjoying a the sand dunes of Fraser Island after a climb.
When not in the lab, in the woods, or by my desk, I devote some time to music. Between 2005 and 2014 I was a member of the internationally reputable male-voice chamber choir Svanholm Singers; recording, performing, touring, and competing. What time is left I spend with my family and friends [and here, my daughter has pointed out a conspicuous omission of her name, so hello Nomi Wintersparv😘], fairly frequently in combination with good food and good drinks.
See my short version CV if you are interested.