Hej everyone. I’m Finja Strehmann, and I’m yet another new face at the department! I recently started my postdoc with Staffan Bensch, where I’ll be studying the genetic basis of differences in stress physiology between northern and southern Willow Warblers.
I was born in Germany, raised in Austria, and have gone back and forth between the two several times—so now, I’m excited and curious about my time in Sweden! My background is in ornithology, parasitology, and physiology. For my bachelor’s thesis, I studied mixed-species foraging flocks in Costa Rica, then worked as a student assistant in Israel’s Negev Desert, supporting research on evaporative water loss and stopover behavior in migratory passerines. Most recently, I completed my PhD in Germany, focusing on endoparasites and physiological indicators in a forest bird community.
Like most ornithologists, I love spending time outdoors—watching birds, hiking, biking, and exploring nature. I also volunteered at a bird sanctuary, helping to raise birds ranging from tiny chiffchaffs to Eurasian eagle owls. Beyond birds, I have too many hobbies to count—I’ve done horseback riding, sailing, windsurfing, orienteering, volleyball, badminton, knitting, crocheting, painting, drawing, and woodworking. I also love cooking and baking and enjoy experimenting with new recipes and flavors. I’m always up for trying something new!
So if you ever need company while picking up a new hobby, want to chat about birds and conservation, or feel like discussing science, politics, or anything else, feel free to drop by my office. I look forward to getting to know many of you!
