Michael Robertson is an undergraduate student at the University of North Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology with a minor in Chemistry and Philosophy. His main research area involves geotracking birds and modeling the data captured to identify species present in specific geographical regions.

Michael worked with mentors Dr. Jaime Jiménez and Dr. Bernard Goffinet in the U.S. and with Dr. Jiménez and Omar Barroso at the Omora Ethnobotanical Park on Navarino Island near Puerto Williams, Chile.

Michael says about his experience, "Having the IRES grant allowed me to experience a different set of cultures and environments, without which, I would never have had the opportunity to visit on my own. The lifelong bonds made with fellow researchers from around the world are invaluable. The time I spend in the far south, drinking from the cleanest waters in the world, will always remain a fond memory and a momentous milestone on my academic journey."

Michael plans to present his research at conferences this summer.

The 14th Annual International Symposium on Tardigrada will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Here Michael will present a paper titled, "Live tardigrades recovered from faeces of White-bellied Seedsnipe (Attagis malounius)," co-authored by Nicholas Russo, Sandra J. McInnes, Bernard Goffinet, and Jaime Jiménez.

The International Ornithological Congress will be held in Vancouver, BC, Canada. At this congress, Michael will present a paper titled, "Consumption of Bryophytes by Montane Sub-Antarctic Birds," co-authored by Nicholas Russo, Roy MacKenzie, Patricio Arce, Bernard Goffinet, and Jaime Jiménez.