Our Staff

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Dr. Paul Spitzer is a leading expert on osprey ecology whose research has been instrumental in understanding and conserving this iconic raptor. Beginning his work in 1968 under the guidance of Roger Tory Peterson, Dr. Spitzer documented the severe population declines of ospreys along the U.S. East Coast caused by DDT contamination and eggshell thinning.

Following the U.S. ban on DDT in 1972, he conducted long-term studies tracking osprey recovery through nest monitoring, chick banding, and the promotion of artificial nesting platforms. His work has also examined migration routes and wintering habitats across the Caribbean and South America, highlighting the osprey as an important indicator of aquatic ecosystem health.

Miranda is passionate about wildlife conservation and community engagement. As the Operations and Outreach Coordinator at Operation Osprey, she supports the organization’s day-to-day efforts while helping to share the story of Osprey research and conservation. Miranda enjoys connecting people with the mission and work of Operation Osprey to inspire greater awareness and action for these remarkable birds. Miranda has a Bachelor of Science in Organismal and Environmental Biology degree from Christopher Newport University.

Alex Pellegrini is a wildlife biologist and data manager specializing in avian ecology with extensive field experience. He has worked on a range of projects across Maryland, including studies of ospreys, Barn Owls, Short-eared Owls, and Soras. At Operation Osprey, Alex oversees data management efforts, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of our data to support science-based conservation. Outside of work, he’s an avid birder who enjoys exploring new habitats and keeping an eye out for the unexpected.

Michael is a Fish Ecologist hailing from Hawaii where he grew up spending time on the waters with family, learning to fish and gaining an early understanding of fish behavior and ecology. He studied fisheries biology at Humbolt State University and earned his master’s at William & Mary with the Center for Conservation Biology.

His research has been recognized nationally for combining science, citizen engagement, and presentations—involving ospreys and the depletion of Atlantic menhaden in the Lower Chesapeake Bay.

He is also Adjunct Faculty for Biology at the Virginia Peninsula Community College and the Assistant Manager and Tournament Director of the McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center at William and Mary.

 Tessa Beaver is the Water Quality Data Manager for Operation Osprey, with expertise in water quality monitoring, data management and statistical analysis. Her background includes water quality research in the Lake Whatcom Watershed, the drinking water source for the City of Bellingham, Washington, as well as graduate research at Shannon Point Marine Center focused on deep-sea mussels and bacteria. Most recently, she worked as a biological technician studying the survival and reproduction of invasive mussels and barnacles under varying environmental conditions.