Finnegan McGill

Finnegan is a dedicated researcher and environmental conservationist, driven by his concern for the declining bird population worldwide. Over the past three years, he has developed A-BiRD (Automated Bird Recognition Device). A-BiRD is designed to collect accurate and unbiased data on bird behaviors, migration patterns, and habitat preferences. This device integrates Cornell University’s BirdNET-Analyzer for species identification with Finnegan’s own algorithms for direction finding and cueing. “I am concerned with the declining bird population because we’re dependent on them for pollination, seed dispersal, agriculture, and food production”, Finnegan explains. “We need quality data to make smart decisions for the protection of birds, so they can in turn protect us.”

Finnegan’s research has earned him several awards at regional and state science fairs. He is a finalist in competitions such as the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), and the National STEM Challenge.

Beyond his scientific work, Finnegan holds a second-degree black belt in Korean Martial Arts and is involved in Mock Trials, Student Council, Robotics, Mathematics, and Chemistry Clubs. He also volunteers with his therapy dog and became Tucson’s first certified Junior Therapy Dog Handler at age 14. Finnegan and his dog regularly visit local senior facilities, bringing joy to residents struggling with isolation, depression, or memory loss. “It warms my heart to see the smiles on their faces when we walk in,” he shares.