Student Research: Because I have a broad range of interests, I support students on a wide range of topics. My student's most recent research is below: 
- Wolf and Lynx Ecology . This past January term, Mitch Bern and Brian Maronde studied wolf and lynx ecology in northern Minnesota.
- What is the effect of the menstrual cycle on female athletic performance? At first,
this seems straight forward and should be negative, but small studies have shown that this may not be the case. In conjunction with the Nebraska Heart Institute, we are initiating one of the largest studies ever on this question. The results of this study could change how female athletes prepare for events.
Are there organisms that can remove caffeine from the water supply? Caffeine buildup in our water supply is becoming an increasing problem. We are looking at select protists and how they might be able to remove caffeine from wastewater.
- What effect does environmental quality have on small
aquatic invertebrate populations? We are examining insect populations in relation to agricultural activity. Ideally, we will eventually compile a list of indicator species for this area.
- What effect does environmental quality have on crayfish populations? Though similar to the above, we are more interested in the effect of light levels and water turbidity on crayfish biology. This is particularly driven by the effect of soil erosion on water quality.
- Does prairie restoration influence deer-car impacts? Of particular interest are shelter belts and forested lots. Are these areas promoting deer-car interactions? Would restoring prairie to these sites decrease the rate of deer-car interactions?
- Are plant life history traits influenced by coal burning power plants? Emissions from coal plants, while regulated, can pose a significant environmental hazard. We are finding that plants are significantly negatively impacted by their downwind proximity to coal power plants.
- How does fire and limestone influence prairie restoration? High levels of limestone increase the pH of the soil. High levels of pH dramatically change the availability of nutrients. We studied how these changes influence prairie restoration in an abandoned limestone quarry.
- How do prairie dogs influence snake populations? Prairie dog defensive behaviors should force snakes to move away from prairie dog towns. At the same time, prairie dog pups are considered food by some snakes and thus prairie dog towns should attract snakes.