 Karen S. Oberhauser
Associate Professor, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation
Biology
E-mail: oberh001@umn.edu
Phone: 612-624-8706
Ph. D. University of Minnesota, Department of Ecology, Evolution
and Behavior
Fields of Interest
Invertebrate conservation and ecology, with particular interest
in monarch butterflies; Citizen Science and ecological monitoring;
Promoting a citizenry with a high degree of scientific and environmental
literacy.
Courses
- FW 1901 Monarch Butterfly Biology and Conservation (Freshman
Seminar)
- FW 4102 Principles of Conservation Biology
- ESPM 3000 Biotechnology and the Natural Environment
- ESPM 5480 Monarchs and More: Insect Ecology for Teachers
Research:
My students and I conduct research
on several aspects of monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) ecology. Our work
has addressed their reproductive ecology, effects of investment in ejaculates
by males on fitness and mating patterns in both sexes, a neogregarine protozoan
parasite of monarchs, factors affecting the distribution and abundance of immature
monarch stages, and risks posed by global climate change, insecticide use and
genetically-modified crops. I have a strong interest in engaging K-12 students
and teachers in inquiry-based science and promoting a citizenry with a high
degree of scientific and environmental literacy. To this end, I have developed
a comprehensive science education program called Monarchs in the Classroom.
The program involves courses and workshops for teachers, a nationwide Citizen
Science project called the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project, curriculum development,
and distribution of monarch eggs and larvae to classroom teachers.
Selected Publications:
- Lindsey, E., M. Mudresh, V. Dhulipala, K. Oberhauser, S. Altizer. 2009. Crowding and disease: effects of host density on resonse to infection in a butterfly-parasite interaction. Ecological Entomology, in press.
- Solensky, M.S. and K. S. Oberhauser. 2009. Sperm precedence in monarch butterflies Danaus plexippus). Behavioural Ecology, doi: 10.1093/beheco/arp003
- Solensky, M.S. and K. S. Oberhauser. 2009. Male monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) adjust their ejaculates in response to risk and intensity of sperm competition. Animal Behaviour 77:465-472.
- Oberhauser, K.S, S. Manweiler, R. Lelich, M. Blank, R. Batalden, A. De Anda. 2009. Impacts of ULV Resmethrin Applications on Non-target Insects. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 25:in press
- Guiney, M.S. and K. S. Oberhauser. 2008. Insects as Flagship Conservation Species. Terrestrial Arthropod Reviews. 1:111-123.
Web site links:
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