About the Program

Information for Prospective Students

Fellowship Opportunities

Graduate Alumni

Graduate Faculty

Graduate Students

Student Handbook

Using your EEB Degree



Graduate Program Home

EEB Home

Contact Information:

Phone: (612) 625-5700
Fax: (612) 624-6777
Email: wiggins@umn.edu

University of Minnesota
Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
100 Ecology Building
1987 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108

Department Contacts
Support Staff
Research Associates
Department Directory

Graduate Students

Justin Becknell (beckn026@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Jennifer Powers
Research Interests: Climate change, biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, tropical forests, secondary forests, and remote sensing.
Study System: Costa Rican tropical dry forest
Degrees Held: B.S. University of Minnesota
Years in Program: 2007 -

Website: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~beckn026/

Annie Bosacker (bosa0009@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Craig Packer
Research Interests: Field endocrinology and animal behavior; evolution of social dominance
Study System: Olive baboons; Gombe National Park, Tanzania
Degrees Held: B.A. Biology, Carleton College, 1995; B.A. English, University of Missouri, Columbia, 1998
Years in Program: 1998-

Emily Bruns ()
Advisor(s): Georgiana May
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.A. University of California
Years in Program: 2007 -

Jessica Burtness (burt0144@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Marla Spivak
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.A. St. Olaf College
Years in Program: 2007 -

Meggan Craft (craft004@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Craig Packer
Research Interests: Disease ecology, carnivores, modeling infectious diseases, zoonotic diseases, censusing carnivores, carnivore contact and movement patterns
Study System: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Degrees Held: B.A. Biology, Brown University, 1997
Years in Program: 2003-
Statement: Diseases that infect multiple species threaten the health of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. My thesis addresses the disease dynamics of two multi-species diseases in the Serengeti ecosystem: canine distemper virus (which killed over a thousand lions) and rabies (which kills humans and the critically endangered African wild dog). The objective of this study is to use innovative models informed by field data to understand how canine distemper virus and rabies persist in the Serengeti ecosystem and to design control measures for these diseases. The models and resultant control methods will be applicable to multi-species viruses in other ecosystems.

Alma DeAnda (deand003@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Karen Oberhauser
Research Interests:predator-prey dynamics, specifically the role of predators as a regulatory agent in the North American monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) population. Also, I want to compare this source of mortality relative to abiotic and host plant sources of mortality for the egg and larval stages and determine which one is most important for this population.
Study System: Monarch butterflies
Degrees Held: B.S., Zoology, California State Polytechnic University, 2005
Years in Program: 2005-

Nathan DeJager (Nathan DeJager)
Advisor(s): John Pastor
Research Interests: Interactions between large herbivores and ecosystem dynamics
Study System: Isle Royale National Park
Degrees Held: B.A. Northwestern College, Iowa, 1997; M.S. University of Minnesota, Duluth, 2005
Years in Program: 2006 -

Leah Domine (lauri050@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Jim Cotner
Research Interests: I am interested in determining the role of shallow lakes in mitigating global warming effects of elevated CO2 emissions. Specifically, my research focuses on measuring the degree of carbon sequestration in shallow lakes, and how sediment resuspension events affect the interaction between autotrophic and heterotrophic production in clear-water and turbid-water shallow lakes.
Study System:Shallow lakes in the Prairie Pothole Region
Degrees Held: M.S. Zoology, Miami University, 2005 and B.A. Zoology, North Dakota State University, 2003
Years in Program: 2005-

Aimee Dunlap-Lehtila (dunl0063@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Dave Stephens
Research Interests: behavioral ecology; evolution of cognition; learning, memory and decision making in variable environments
Study System: fruit flies and blue jays
Degrees Held: M.S., Biology, Northern Arizona University, 2002; B.A., B.S. Biology, History, English, University of Memphis, 2000
Years in Program: 2003-
Aimee's homepage

William Eddy (eddyi001@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Sarah Hobbie
Research Interests: Microbial Ecology, Biogeochemistry, Ecosystem Ecology, Plant Physiological Ecology, Landscape Ecology -- form a global change perspective.
Study System: Terrestrial Ecosystems, especially northern forests.
Degrees Held: B.S (Biology). Baldwin-Wallace. M.S. (Natural Resources and Environment) University of Michigan
Years in Program: 2007 -

Alan Flory (flory004@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): David Tilman
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.A. Michigan State University
Years in Program: 2007 -

Meghan Funke (funk0062@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Jim Cotner
Research Interests:I am interested in the physical, chemical and biological processes that affect the availability of dissolved organic matter for microbial consumption. For my dissertation, I will be examining the effects of increased variability of hydrologic fluxes due to climate and land use change on the availability of dissolved organic carbon for microbial consumption in lakes.
Study System: Northern temperate, freshwater lakes.
Degrees Held: B.A. (Architecture), University of Minnesota, 2006; B. of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2006
Years in Program: 2007 -

Thomas Giarla (giarl002@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Sharon Jansa
Research Interests: Mammalian systematics; phylogeography; applications of environmental niche modeling
Study System:Rodents
Degrees Held: B.S. Washington University, 2007
Years in Program: 2007 -

Karl Gruber (grub0121@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): George Heimpel
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.S. Biology, Panama University, 2003
Years in Program: 2003-
Website: www.karl.gruberpanama.com

Paul Gugger (gugg0030@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Jeannine Cavender-Bares
Research Interests: phylogeography, postglacial migration, adaptive response to climate change, evolution of drought tolerance
Study System : Douglas-fir
Degrees Held: B.S. Biology, Duke University, 2003
Years in Program: 2004 -

Dominik Halas (hala0028@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Andrew Simons
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.S., University of Toronto, Evolutionary Biology, 2001
Years in Program: 2005-

Dustin Haines (hain0072@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Diane Larsen
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.S. Biology, Northwest Missouri State University, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 1993
Years in Program: 2004-
[Dustin's Homepage]

Mitchell Haustein (haus0126@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Robert Sterner
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.A., University of St. Thomas, Biology, 2006
Years in Program: 2006-

Peter Hawthorne (hawt0010@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Dave Tilman
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.S., Harvard University, Mathematics, 2004
Years in Program: 2005-

Michael Hirt (hirt0021@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Andrew Simons
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: M.S., John Carroll University, 2006; B.S. University of North Carolina, 2002
Years in Program: 2006-

Angela Hodgson (hodg0097@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): John Pastor
Research Interests: Effects of herbivory on spatial patterns of forest structure, spatial ecology, conservation biology and environmental policy
Study System: Isle Royale National Park
Degrees Held: B.S. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 1992 M.S. University of Nevada, Reno, NV 1996
Years in Program: 2001-

Jim Hood (hoodx008@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Jacques Finlay and Robert Sterner
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: M.A. Zoology, Miami University, 2000; B.A. Biology, Lawrence University, 1997 Years in Program: 2003-

Jon Kenning (kenn0263@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Jim Cotner
Research Interests: Biogeochemistry, Alternative Stable States, Carbon Flux
Study System: Shallow Lakes
Degrees Held: B.A. Carleton College, Northfield, MN 2001
Years in Program: 2001 -
Statement: Shallow lakes exist in either a phytoplankton-dominated, turbid-water state or a macrophyte-dominated, clear-water state. Since the source of carbon is primarily plants (macrophytes) in one state and algae (phytoplankton) in another, the quality of carbon could differ greatly between states thus affecting everything from the lake's stoichiometry to its ability to sequester carbon dioxide.
Jon's homepage

Bernard Kissui (kiss0043@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Craig Packer
Research Interests: Population dynamics, spatial ecology
Study System: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Degrees Held: B.S. Zoology, w/life ecology & mgt., University of Dar es salaam, Tanzania; M.S. Ecology, University of Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Years in Program: 2001-

Margaret Kosmala (kosm0025@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Craig Packer
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.S. University of Minnesota
Years in Program: 2007 -

Bailey McKay ()
Advisor(s): Robert Zink
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.S. Sanford University
Years in Program: 2007 -

Deus Cyprian Mjungu (cypr0003@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Anne Pusey
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.S. Zoology & Wildlife Ecology, University of Dar Es Salaam, 2001
Years in Program: 2003

Annika Moe (moex0125@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Sharon Jansa
Research Interests: phylogeography and population genetics
Study System:
Degrees Held: BA, Biology, Hendrix College, 2004
Years in Program: 2005-

Anna's homepage

Emily Peters (pete1679@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Joe McFadden
Research Interests: Understanding how urban vegetation influences ecosystem processes, and specifically how trees influence urban carbon and water budgets.
Study System: The urban residential ecosystem of Roseville, Minnesota.
Degrees Held: B.S., Ecology & Evolution, University of California, Santa Cruz, 2002
Years in Program: 2005-

Beth Pettitt (pett0033@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Mark Bee
Research Interests: behavioral ecology, animal communication, sexual selection, parental care
Study System: I am interested in the role acoustic communication plays in male-male aggressive interactions and female mate choice in two species of neotropical frogs that exhibit biparental care.
Degrees Held: M.S., University of Central Florida, 2006; B.A., College of St. Benedict, 1995
Years in Program: 2006-

Katherine Phillips (phil8620@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Robert Sterner
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.S., Chemistry, 2002; B.A., Communication Studies, 2003, University of Minnesota
Years in Program: 2005-

Alexis Powell (apowell@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Scott Lanyon
Research Interests: avian evolution and systematics
Study System:
Degrees Held: M.A., Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, 2004; M.S., Education, University of Kansas, 1998; B.A., Biology, Grinnell College, 1992
Years in Program: 2005-

Kristina Prescott ()
Advisor(s): David Andow
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.A. Grinnell College
Years in Program: 2007 -

Rachel Putnam (putn0048@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Dave Tilman and Peter Reich
Research Interests:Climate change and species diversity
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.A., Carleton College, 2001
Years in Program: 2006-

Gina Quiram (quira012@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Jeannine Cavender-Bares and Ruth Shaw
Research Interests: I am interested in the evolutionary consequences of invasive species management. I am currently developing a project to understand how the introduction of biological control agents has affected the evolutionary trajectory of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) specifically herbivore defense traits. I believe that characterizing the long-term consequences of invasive species control is critical when considering the risks and sustainability of management programs.
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.A. Gustavus Adolphus College
Years in Program: 2007 -

Joseph Reid (reid0058@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Jacques Finlay
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.S. University of Wisconsin
Years in Program: 2007 -


Michael Simone (simo0377@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Marla Spivak
Research Interests: behavioral ecology, social insects, behavioral mechanisms of disease resistance, behavioral physiology, sexual selection, ichthyology
Study System: Honey bees
Degrees Held: B.S., B.A., Marine Biology & English, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, 2003
Years in Program: 2003-
Statement:My current research is focusing on behavioral mechanisms of disease resistance by honey bees. Specifically I am working on projects concerning the olfactory sensitivity of hygienic bees (bees that remove diseased brood) and the physiological mechanisms behind this behavior. However my current research is directed toward propolis—a hive product made of plant resins with high levels of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties—and the mechanisms of its use and collection by honey bees.

John Stanton-Geddes (stant067@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Ruth Shaw and Peter Tiffin
Research Interests: plant-insect and multitrophic interactions, adaptive response to climate change
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.A., Amherst College, 2004
Years in Program: 2006-

Rebecca Stark (stark218@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Jim Cotner
Research Interests: biogeochemical cycling, microbial ecology.
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.A., University of Chicago, 2002
Years in Program: 2005-
Statement:

Megan Strauss (strau102@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Craig Packer
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.S., University of Michigan, 2003
Years in Program: 2006-

Hariet Van Vleck (vanv0057@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Jennifer King
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.A. Geology-Environmental Studies, Bowdoin College, 2001
Years in Program: 2004-

Alejandro Velez (velez011@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Mark Bee
Research Interests:
Study System:
Degrees Held: M.S., Universidad de Los Andes, 2004; B.S., Universidad de Los Andes, 2002
Years in Program: 2006-

Jordan Wein (weinx003@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Dave Stephens
Research Interests: Foraging ecology
Study System: Blue Jays
Degrees Held: B.S., North Dakota State University
Years in Program: 2007 -

Pamela Weisenhorn (weise088@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Jennifer Powers, Sarah Hobbie
Research Interests: Microbial physiological ecology, biogeochemical cycling, and ecosystem ecology
Study System:
Degrees Held: B.S. Louisiana State University
Years in Program: 2007 -

Emily Wroblewski (wrob0042@umn.edu)
Advisor(s): Anne Pusey
Research Interests: Discovering Chimpanzees
Study System: chimpanzees, Gombe National Park, Tanzania
Degrees Held: B.S. Biology, DePaul University, 2000
Years in Program: 2003-