VENUS, FL — Archbold Biological Station (Archbold) is proud to announce that Dr. Jennifer Owen has officially accepted the position of Executive Director and CEO, succeeding Dr. Hilary Swain, who has led the organization since 1995. Dr. Owen will begin her full-time leadership role in early November. Archbold will continue under the leadership of Dr. Swain and Chief Operations Officer Bonnie Pelaez until then.

Dr. Owen brings over two decades of experience in ecological research, academic leadership, and field-station development. At Michigan State University, she served as Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and founded the Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center—transforming an abandoned muck soils research farm into a thriving center for ecological restoration, interdisciplinary research, student learning, and community engagement.

Her internationally recognized research program investigates how environmental stressors—particularly habitat degradation and shifts in food quality and availability—influence the health, behavior, and immune function of wild birds. She explores how these changes affect disease dynamics, including the role of migratory birds in the circulation and potential spread of zoonotic pathogens. Grounded in a One Health perspective, her work bridges avian ecology, ecosystem resilience, and public health. In recent years, Dr. Owen has expanded her efforts to support and build scientific capacity in regions along major migratory flyways, working with partners around the world to advance shared understanding of migratory connectivity and pathogen movement.

Dr. Owen is also a champion for inclusive science. Her leadership is rooted in making research accessible and relevant to diverse audiences—including students, landowners, natural resource professionals, and policymakers—while fostering collaborative approaches to conservation.

“What drew me to Archbold was its extraordinary legacy, the breadth of its programs, and the people who make it all happen—across science, land conservation, education, operations, and governance,” said Dr. Owen. “I’m excited to build on that foundation and help lead Archbold into a future rooted in resilience, inclusion, and transformative science.”

“Jen Owen considers the directorship of Archbold to be her ‘dream job,’ and we are privileged indeed to welcome her into this role,” said Dr. John Fitzpatrick, Chairperson of Archbold’s Board of Directors.

Archbold looks forward to a new chapter under Dr. Owen’s leadership, continuing its commitment to scientific excellence, conservation, and education.

As Dr. Owen settles into her new role at Archbold, a series of events will be scheduled to introduce the incoming Executive Director to Archbold’s stakeholders, community members, and partners.

To learn more about Dr. Owen, please visit https://www.archbold-station.org/people/jowen/.

Archbold is a world-class natural laboratory located on over 20,000 acres in the Headwaters of the Everglades. Archbold’s mission is to build and share the scientific knowledge needed to protect the life, lands, and waters of Florida and beyond. With seven ecological research programs, Archbold science is deeply trusted and critical for conservation of species and natural systems in Florida. Archbold is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1941, dedicated to science, conservation, and education.