Our Team

Director - Friends of Whitefish Point

Originally from upstate New York, Nova first came to Michigan as a pianist graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy. From there, it was an adventurous trek through Carnegie Mellon University and Oberlin College, studying abroad in Tanzania and earning her B.A. in Biology. Nova has loved Whitefish Point and the fascinating bird migration from her first minute as an owl bander back in 2005. She has worked with passerines, owls, hawks, parrots, ground squirrels, and ocelots at various field sites worldwide, but the owls always bring her back to Whitefish Point. As a nature photographer, Whitefish Point and its wonders have inspired much of her creative work.

Owl Banding Manager

A lifelong birder, Chris became fascinated with owls when he was 8 years old after reading the Hardy Boy’s book “The Clue of the Screeching Owl”. His field research career began in 1990s’ when he was introduced to owl banding at the Cape May Owl Banding Project. Since then he has spent over 70 field seasons working on a variety of avian research projects across the country. He arrived at Whitefish Point as an owl bander in 1999. Chris has co-authored several peer-reviewed papers on owls and he is passionate about documenting all the animals that occur at the Point, with a special interest in moths. As a nature photographer, Whitefish Point provides many opportunities for Chris to capture birds and other wildlife with a camera. He’s excited to bring over two decades of field experience at Whitefish Point to the Friends of Whitefish Point.

Science Advisor

Raised in Wisconsin, Dave now resides in western Maryland and currently works as the Avian Conservation Ecologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program. In 1975, while earning his B.S. at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, he started banding raptors at the Little Suamico Ornithological Station along the western shore of Green Bay. He is the founding director of Project Owlnet, and a founding co-director of Project SNOWstorm. Dave coordinates migrant owl banding stations at Petit Manan Point, ME and Assateague Island, MD. His love for northern forests is reflected in his principal research interests that are focused on Northern Saw-whet Owls and American Goshawks. Dave has served as a volunteer advisor to the owl banding program at Whitefish Point since 2015.

Outreach Specialist

A dedicated bird conservationist and migration counter, Alison Vilag has spent years observing waterbird migrations at remote Lake Superior hotspots, enduring harsh conditions to provide critical data for avian conservation. Her passion for birds, sparked at age six, led her to pursue environmental writing and media, blending her love for nature with storytelling through guiding, photography, and writing.

Web Designer

With over seven years of experience in web and graphic design, Hannah specializes in creating user friendly, visually compelling websites. Over the course of her career, Hannah has worked with a range of nonprofits, and enjoys crafting experiences that resonate with people and support meaningful causes. Outside of work, Hannah is an avid hiker and backpacker. Originally from West Michigan and with family at Whitefish Point, she now calls Los Angeles home. Since relocating, she has become passionate about exploring the Angeles National Forest, the Sierras, and volunteering more locally with Friends of Griffith Park.

Marketing Advisor

Ken Jacobsen brings over 30 years of marketing expertise, helping organizations achieve their goals through strategic leadership. A passionate conservation advocate, he has worked to protect over 250 acres of land and 10,000 feet of shoreline along Lakes Superior and Michigan. Deeply connected to Whitefish Point, Ken has been involved in conservation efforts, including advocating for its inclusion in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Refuge system. He currently serves as the Sierra Club Southeast Michigan Group’s Outings Chair and has held leadership roles with Michigan Audubon and the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. Professionally, Ken is Vice President of Marketing at The TM Group. He holds an MBA in Marketing from Wayne State University and a BS in Advertising from Michigan State University. In his free time, he enjoys nature photography and supporting his family’s creative ventures.