|
 Karen S. Oberhauser
Assistant 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:
- Solensky, M.S. and K. S. Oberhauser. 2008. Sperm precedence in monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). To be submitted in April 2008 to Behavioral Ecology.
- Solensky, M.S. and K. S. Oberhauser. 2008. Male monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) adjust their ejaculates in response to risk and intensity of sperm competition. Behavioral Ecology, in review.
- Betalden, R., K. S. Oberhauser, and A. T. Peterson. 2007. Ecological Niches in Breeding Generations of Eastern North American Monarch Butterflies. Ecology Entomology. In Press.
- Oberhauser, K. S., I. Gebhard, C. Cameron, and S. Oberhauser. 2007. Parasitism of Monarch Butterflies (Danaus plexippus) by Lespesia archippivora (Diptera: Tachinidae). Am. Midl. Nat. 157: 312-328.
- Brower, L., K. Oberhauser, M. Boppré, A.V.Z. Brower, R.I. Vane-Wright.2007.Monarch sex: Ancient rites, or recent wrongs? Antenna 31: 12-18.
- Oberhauser, K., I. Gebhard, C. Cameron, and S. Oberhauser. 2006. Parasitism of Monarch Butterflies (Danaus plexippus) by Lespesia archippivora (Diptera: Tachinidae). Am. Midl. Nat. 157:312-328.
- Oberhauser, K. S., S. J. Brinda, S. Weaver, R. D. Moon, S. A. Manweiler and N. Read. 2006. Growth and Survival of Monarch Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Danaidae) After Exposure to Permethrin Barrier Treatments. Environ. Entomol. 35(6): 1626-1634.
- Jeanpierre, B., K. Oberhauser, and C. Freeman. 2005. Characteristics of Professional Development That Effect Change in Secondary Science Teachers' Classroom Practices. Journal of Research in Science Teaching. 42: 668-690.
Web site links:
|
|
