GRI Hosts Book Workshop on Life Bird by Professor Dan Cristol

The William & Mary Global Research Institute recently convened a two-day writing workshop at Wintergreen, Virginia, to refine Professor Daniel Cristol's forthcoming book "Life Bird," which explores the intersection of ornithology, scientific discovery, and higher education through accessible storytelling.

The retreat convened nine scholars and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to provide feedback on Cristol's manuscript, which draws on his lifetime of avian research to examine both animal and human relationships while making the research process more accessible to general audiences.

"This was such an incredibly helpful workshop, I can't wait to get back to work on the book to incorporate all of the great ideas that were shared," said Cristol. "Thank you, Mike, for organizing this, and thank you to everyone for reading the draft."

The collaborative workshop represents the type of ecosystem-building work that has become a hallmark of GRI’s work.  According to Mike Tierney, Director of GRI, “A great book workshop needs to help the author improve his/her manuscript, but it should also open up opportunities for future collaborations and encourage us to think beyond our own silos. Dan’s book was the most accessible book we have ever workshopped at GRI. It is designed to bring university research and insights to the general public.  Folks inside and beyond the ivory tower will read this book. Dan grounds his story in three decades of scientific research, but he does a great job of humanizing the scientific process and explaining what birds and bird science can teach us about human relationships.”  Going forward, GRI will invest in convening activities that support applied research and help scholars translate academic work into publications with broader societal impact.

Participants included Arthur Knight (English and Film Studies), Andy Fisher (History), Rebecca Green (Law School), Jennifer Tierney (Political Consultant), Liz Allison (Biology), Michael Levine (Medical Doctor), and Kelly M. Brennan (Colonial Williamsburg), who gathered to help Professor Cristol explain how a life studying birds can provide insights about the scientific process, higher education, and human relationships.  Special thanks to GRI Advisory Board member Todd Stottlemyer for providing an idyllic location for a great conversation and even better bird walks led by Dan.