Dr. Ben Mirin
2025 Keynote Speaker
Dr. Ben Mirin is an ethno-ornithologist, musician, science communicator, and media producer. He received his Ph.D. in 2024 from the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University, where he is based in the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He is also a member of the Ethno-ornithology World Atlas research group at the University of Oxford. Ben’s research focuses on community-based conservation through education and storytelling, and explores how creativity can make science more inclusive for the future of life on Earth.
Ben first became known as a “Wildlife DJ” who travels the world recording animal sounds and sampling their voices to create music that inspires conservation. He is the co-creator and host of the digital and television series WILD BEATS on National Geographic Kids and Nat Geo Wild, and a National Geographic Explorer. He is also a Fellow at The Explorers Club, a Senior Fellow Emeritus at The Safina Center at Stony Brook University, and was the first Artist in Residence at the Bronx Zoo.
“As our world faces growing existential challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, success depends increasingly on the diversity of people and ideas that we bring to the table. If we continue to work across disciplines, we can make conservation more inclusive, foster creative solutions to environmental problems, and inspire more people to shape the future of life on Earth.”
Ben combines his passions to create inclusive educational media that connect new audiences to nature around the world. He is especially passionate about engaging people outside the traditional scope of science communication and education. His works are freely available on benmirin.com, and have been honored with fellowships from Fulbright, the National Science Foundation, the US Department of Education, and features at the United Nations, National Geographic, the BBC, TED, SXSW, Smithsonian, and Audubon among others.
Meet Ben
Creative Conservation: Applying Your Passions to Nature
Saturday 7:00 PM | Homer High School Auditorium
Join us for a live musical performance and lecture from our keynote speaker, Dr. Ben Mirin, whose work explores the power of creativity as a force for making conservation more inclusive. Learn about Mirin’s personal journey into ornithology and how he blends disciplines to communicate science to audiences outside the tent of conservation. $10. Limit 250.
Wildlife Sound Recording with Ben Mirin
Friday 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | AMNWR Seminar Room
Join our keynote speaker Dr. Ben Mirin for a morning of recording wildlife sounds. Learn the basics of sound recording equipment and techniques, go for a sound walk, and begin building your own personal library of nature sounds. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own equipment, but don’t worry, a smartphone will suffice! $25. Limit 15.
Birder’s Coffee
Sunday 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | AMNWR Seminar Room
Join keynote speaker Ben Mirin, fellow birders, and Friends board members for coffee and a morning snack. Share your festival bird sightings and learn about the exciting ways to get involved with Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges through education, service, and advocacy.