Science Writer & Nature Author; Author of "The Genius of Birds"; Contributor to National Geographic & The New York Times

Charlottesville, VA, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Jennifer Ackerman Biography

Jennifer Ackerman is an American science writer and author who has spent more than three decades exploring the natural world. Her work focuses on explaining and interpreting science for a general audience, blending scientific research with narrative storytelling. Ackerman is the author of eight books, which have been published in more than 20 languages. In addition to her books, she contributes to Scientific American, National Geographic, and The New York Times.

Ackerman gained recognition with "The Genius of Birds," a New York Times bestseller that challenges the perception of birds as simple creatures. In this book, Ackerman explores avian intelligence and the complexity of bird behavior. The book was named one of the 10 best nonfiction books by The Wall Street Journal, a Best Science Book by National Public Radio's Science Friday, a Best Book of the Year by The Spectator and National Post, and a Nature Book of the Year by London Sunday Times. It was a finalist for the National Academies Communication Book Award and the Smart Book Award in Poland. Ackerman followed with "The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, and Think," which was a finalist for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award and received additional award nominations.

Ackerman's book, "What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds," became a New York Times bestseller and was selected as a best book by The New York Times, The Economist, The Times (UK), and NPR's Science Friday. "What an Owl Knows" was also recognized as a New York Times Notable Book, won a Gold Nautilus Book Award in Animals & Nature, and received the National Outdoor Book Award in Outdoor Literature. Her forthcoming book, "PLUCK: How the New Science of Female Birds Is Upending the Avian World," continues her focus on ornithology and avian science.

Ackerman has received awards and fellowships, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Bunting Institute of Radcliffe College, Brown College at the University of Virginia, and the Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University. Her articles and essays have appeared in anthologies such as Best American Science Writing, The Nature Reader, and Best Nature Writing. Ackerman's writing is recognized for making complex biological concepts accessible to a broad audience, contributing to science communication and nature writing.

BOOK Jennifer Ackerman

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/27/2026.

Jennifer Ackerman Videos

Jennifer Ackerman- USFWS author interview about The Genius of ...

Jennifer Ackerman- USFWS author interview about The Genius of ...

The Jennifer Ackerman author interview with Mark Madison of the USFWS about The Genius of Birds.

Jennifer Ackerman: The Genius of Birds

Jennifer Ackerman: The Genius of Birds

Did you know that some species of birds can store up to 2000 songs in a brain a thousand times smaller than a human's? At MWF17, acclaimed ...

Trying to Beat a Cold? Jennifer Ackerman, author of AH-CHOO!, Has ...

Trying to Beat a Cold? Jennifer Ackerman, author of AH-CHOO!, Has ...

Jennifer Ackerman, author of AH-CHOO! The Uncommon Life of Your Common Cold (TWELVE books, September 2010) dishes on which cold ...

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Jennifer Ackerman is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jennifer Ackerman for your event is available upon request. Jennifer Ackerman generally travels from Charlottesville, VA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are David Suzuki, Lucas Joppa, Meg Lowman, Rick Ridgeway and Robert Ballard. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jennifer Ackerman for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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