Dan Ruthrauff is a wildlife biologist who has studied Alaska-breeding birds for nearly 30 years. His research focuses primarily on shorebirds and addresses topics like migration ecology, effects of climate change, and limiting factors across the annual cycle. He worked at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Alaska Science Center for 23 years, and in 2025 transitioned to a conservation-focused position in the private sector. Dan is WFO’s vice president and chair of the Publications Committee and has served as an associate editor for Western Birds since 2015. When not chasing birds, Dan enjoys cycling, skiing, swimming, and gardening.