Oksana Hnatyna is a distinguished Associate Professor at the Department of Zoology, Biological Faculty, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. With a wealth of academic and research experience in the fields of zoology, nature conservation, and malacology, she has made significant contributions to the understanding of bird migration, the biology of birds’ nests, and the conservation of biodiversity. Oksana’s involvement in numerous scientific programs, along with her strong educational background and experience in international research, highlights her as an expert in the field. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in advancing zoological research while also inspiring and mentoring future generations of scholars.
Professional Profile
Education
Oksana began her academic journey at the Department of Zoology, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, where she completed her undergraduate studies in Zoology. Her passion for environmental sciences led her to pursue an MSc in Environment and Natural Resource Economics at the Ukrainian National Forestry University. She then furthered her expertise by completing a Ph.D. in Zoology, focusing on the biology and migration patterns of warblers, under the guidance of Josyf V. Tsaryk, D.Sci. Her academic journey has provided her with a broad base of knowledge in zoology and conservation, which she continues to apply to her research and teaching.
Experience
Oksana has a diverse career, with an extensive background in both research and teaching. She has held various positions at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, starting as a senior laboratory assistant and progressing to her current role as Associate Professor. In addition to her work at the university, she has contributed to the Zoological Museum of LNU, guiding fieldwork and museum-based activities. Her academic responsibilities also extend to guiding undergraduate and graduate students, where she leads lectures and laboratory classes on topics such as animal migration, parasitology, and vertebrate and invertebrate zoology. Her dedication to education is complemented by her involvement in international research programs and collaborations.
Research Interests
Oksana’s primary research interests revolve around animal migration, malacology, and the conservation of biodiversity. Her studies on birds’ nest biology and the migration patterns of warblers in Ukraine have made a considerable impact in the field of ornithology. She also focuses on environmental conservation, having participated in research concerning the ecological health of national parks and nature reserves in Ukraine. Oksana’s work has evolved over the years to include studies on freshwater mussels and other species, with an emphasis on how climate change affects animal populations and ecosystems. Her research extends beyond the laboratory to real-world applications, such as ecosystem monitoring and conservation management.
Awards
Throughout her career, Oksana has been the recipient of several prestigious awards and fellowships. Notably, she was honored with the Queen Jadwiga Scholarship at Jagiellonian University in Poland, which allowed her to expand her research network and gain insights into European conservation efforts. She also received a grant for a research visit to the Burullus Reserve in Egypt, where she furthered her studies on bird migration. Oksana’s involvement in various European Union-funded projects, such as those within COST Action, has demonstrated her ability to collaborate internationally and contribute meaningfully to conservation science.
Publications
Lipińska, A.M., Książkiewicz, Z., Ćmiel, A.M., Hnatyna, O., Laskowska, P., Halabowski, D. Winter Activity and Dormancy of Snails: Freezing and Food Shortage Avoidance Strategy Facing Snow-Cover Shortage. Animals 2025, 15, 348.
Hnatyna, O. Antropogenic materials in the nests of Passerine birds in the west of Ukraine. Studia Biologica, 2023.
Śniegula, S., Hnatyna, O. Występowanie Cordulegaster bidentata (SELYS, 1843) (Odonata: Cordulegastridae) na obszarze Magurskiego Parku Narodowego. Odonatrix, 2022
Zahorodnyi, I., Romaniuk, L., Hnatyna, O. Diet of the little Athene noctua (Scopoli, 1769) on the territory of Berehovo district (Transcarpathian region)
Stępniewska, K., Ożarowska, A., Busse, P., Zehtindjiev, P., Ilieva, M., Hnatyna, O., Meissner, W. Fuelling strategies differ among juvenile Sedge and Reed Warblers along the eastern European flyway during autumn migration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oksana Hnatyna’s exemplary career in zoology and conservation science makes her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her extensive academic contributions, innovative research on bird migration, and ongoing efforts to enhance biodiversity conservation underscore her position as a leader in her field. Through her work, she continues to inspire future generations of researchers and make meaningful impacts in ecological research. With a commitment to both education and applied conservation, Oksana’s research is poised to shape the future of wildlife conservation and environmental protection.