On a Wing and a Prayer

Career Connection

Biography
Mary Hennen, Research Biologist

Mary Hennen, Assistant Collections Manager at the Chicago Academy of Sciences, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. While growing up, her family spent many vacations in a northern Wisconsin logging camp. Mary fondly remembers spending hours outdoors swimming, fishing, and hiking. On adventurous occasions, her family drove to an open dump site and watched black bears plunder through garbage for food. An interest in mammals inspired Mary to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.

After completing her degree, Mary returned to Chicago and volunteered part time at the Chicago Academy of Sciences while looking for a job. Fortunately, her volunteer work turned into a full-time position at the museum. Mary became hooked on birds and in 1990 accepted position as director of the Chicago Peregrine Release and Restoration Project. She is currently working on a Master's degree of Environmental Biology at Governor's State University. Mary volunteers at the Field Museum of Natural History which coincidentally helps her in earning this degree. Since 1992, she has assisted Dr. Dave Willard in his migration research for four-five hour blocks two days a week. Samples of her thesis on Swainson's (Catharus ustulatus) and Hermit (Catharus guttatus) thrushes come out of his migratory study.

Mary spent four months doing thesis research in the museum collections measuring and analyzing the skeletons of the Thrush specimens. It is tedious and time consuming work, but very hands on! The next stage of her research involves lots of time on the computer analyzing the data collected. Mary is thankful that college courses, volunteer work, and her career provide her with opportunities to do field work. Although, she enjoys doing research with specimens in the museum collections too! In the field of wildlife management, Mary says, "My biggest concern is habitat loss. This area covers more than just birds!" Hmmm...something to think about and investigate near you.