School of Natural Resources
Dec. 15, 2017
Mitch D. Weegman
Weegman’s research interests are primarily focused on understanding how individual and population processes drive variation in the abundance of animals, whereby individual-level data form the basis for understanding animal behavior and decision-making as well as population dynamics, through compilation of capture histories and population survey information. Researchers in Weegman’s lab utilize novel methods, including Bayesian integrated population models and hybrid GPS/acceleration tracking devices, to address fundamental and applied questions in animal ecology. Current projects include 1) better understanding the causes and consequences of variation in life histories of long-distance migrant birds in North America and Europe, 2) study of environmental…
Dec. 15, 2017
Kristen S. Veum
Veum is a Research Soil Scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service. Her soil health research focuses on the effects of agricultural management systems on soil function and provisioning of ecosystem services (e.g., water quality, carbon sequestration, crop productivity, nutrient cycling, and environmental protection). Current research focuses on assessment and development of biological, physical, and chemical indicators of soil health to quantify the environmental and agronomic benefits associated with conservation practices, and Veum has documented the soil health benefits of perennial vegetation, reduced soil disturbance, and increased rotation diversity at the plot and field scale. Veum…
Dec. 15, 2017
Jennifer Wentz
Educational background B.A., Leisure, Youth, and Human Services, emphasis in Programming and Tourism, University of Northern Iowa M.Ed., Sport and Fitness Administration, University of Houston Ph.D., Agricultural Education and Leadership, University of Missouri Courses Taught PRST1010, Introduction to Sport, Recreation, and Tourism PRST2115, Practicum Experience PRST2025, Community Engagement and Volunteering PRST3215W, Program and Event Development PRST4208/7208, Administration and Organizational Behavior PRST4940, Internship in Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism…
Dec. 15, 2017
Ranjith Udawatta
The primary objective of Udawatta’s research is to quantify environmental benefits of agroforestry. Currently, he is conducting research on influences of agroforestry, grass buffer, and other conservation practices on water and soil quality. In addressing this issue he is examining how trees and grasses change surface and subsurface water quality by reducing runoff, nutrients and sediment when integrated in rowcrop agriculture and grazing management. Changes in soil physical properties, soil water dynamics, and competition for resources, root length density, nutrient accumulation, and microclimate are evaluated to examine soil and water benefits of these practices. Soil carbon sequestration and prairie restoration…
Dec. 15, 2017
Frank Thompson
Thompson is the project leader for the U. S. Forest Service North Central Forest Experiment Station research work unit located at Columbia, Mo., as well as a cooperative faculty member in the School of Natural Resources. He conducts research on population ecology and habitat selection of birds in forest ecosystems and addresses these problems at local, landscape and regional scales for species ranging from neotropical migratory songbirds to resident gamebirds. Thompson’s research currently focuses on forest songbirds and the effects of silvicultural practices, effects of forest fragmentation, edge effects and ecological traps, cowbird and predator abundance and behavior, source-sink population…
Dec. 15, 2017
Hank Stelzer
A native of St. Louis, Dr. Stelzer is an Associate Professor of Forestry in the School of Natural Resources and serves as the Natural Resources Education Director for MU Extension. In the School, Stelzer teaches dendrology, forest utilization, and forest management. His Extension responsibilities include educating private landowners in all aspects of woodland management and conducting tree care workshops for homeowners in communities across the Show-Me State. Educational background Ph.D. Forestry, Purdue University Courses taught Dendrology Urban Forestry Forest Utilization…
Dec. 15, 2017
Michael C. Stambaugh
Prior to becoming a scientist, Stambaugh worked as a forester for private industry and the federal government. Since 2010, his forestry research has received over $8 million in grant funding. He collaborates with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and multiple state natural resources organizations. He has been a National Geographic Explorer since 2010 and in 2023 was a Charles Bullard Fellow in Forest Research at Harvard Forest. Educational background Ph.D., University of Missouri Courses taught Forest Ecology Forest Health Advanced Forest Ecology…
Dec. 15, 2017
Robert Pierce
Educational background Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998…
Dec. 15, 2017
Craig P. Paukert
Paukert is the Leader of the US Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in the School of Natural Resources. His research is in collaboration with state and federal agencies to help them with their research needs related to climate change adaptation strategies for fish and fisheries, conservation and management of large river fishes, and stream fish conservation at the local and landscape scale. Paukert has a Ph.D. from South Dakota State University, an M.S. from Oklahoma State University, and a B.S. From the University of Minnesota. Prior to arriving at MU in 2010, he worked with USGS…
Dec. 15, 2017
Rebecca North
Research in the North group is focused on addressing the question: What controls algal biomass of inland waters? North’s team focuses on the effects of multiple stressors on nutrient cycling, bioavailability, and primary production in Missouri water bodies with particular attention to the source and timing of nutrient loading and the response of the receiving water body. Ecosystem stressors include, but are not limited to: climate change, landscape modification (i.e., agricultural, urban, and industrial applications), eutrophication, and invasive species (i.e., zebra mussels). North’s research is conceptually driven and applies field, lab, and quantitative approaches to studying issues in watershed and…