Practitioner in Residence bringing pollinator ecology class to CSC

The eight-week long class is open to the public and attendees may apply for three hours of college credit. The Bill and Virginia Coffee Family Foundation Grant is funding the course.

Attendees will have the opportunity to study terminology, concepts and theory, methodologies, and current research related to pollinator ecology.

The course will feature seven in-class sessions from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Room 110 of the Rangeland Complex Tuesday, Thursday and Tuesday March 19, April 23, 25 and 30, and May 2.

The class topics are: March 12 and 14, Ecosystem Services; March 19, Abundance and Diversity; April 23 and 25, Individual Foraging Economics and Behavior; and April 30 and May 2, Applying Pollinator Ecology Concepts in the Field.

After earning a bachelor’s in fisheries and wildlife and conservation biology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Kral-O’Brien went on to receive both a master’s and doctorate in range science from North Dakota State University.

While pursuing her Ph.D., Kral-O’Brien focused on researching pollinators.

“I was particularly interested in different methodologies used to study pollinators and how to improve conservation efforts for butterflies. This was a vital focus because so many researchers and agencies are starting to study pollinators due to their declines,” Kral-O’Brien said.

For more information, contact Dr. Ron Bolze at 308-432-6237 or rbolze@csc.edu.