Alumni
2023
Ashley Messier, M.S.
Project: Patterns of greenness (NDVI) in the southern Great Plains and their influence on the habitat quality and reproduction of a declining prairie grouse
Advisors: Dan Sullins and David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
2022
Megan Vhay, M.S.
Project: Reconstruction of landscape composition and vegetation characteristics in the Sand Sagebrush Prairie Ecoregion
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current position: Natural Resource Specialist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, New Hampshire
Talesha Karish, Ph.D.
Project: Survival, activity patterns, movements, home ranges and resource selection of female mule deer and white-tailed deer in western Kansas
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
2021
Elisabeth Teige, M.S.
Project: Lesser Prairie-Chicken Translocation to the Sand Sagebrush Ecoregion
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current position: Ph.D. Program, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University
Maureen Kinlan, M.S.
Project: Survival, activity patterns, movements, home ranges and resource selection of female mule deer and white-tailed deer in western Kansas
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current position: Mule Deer Management Zones Biologist, Eastern Washington
Jackie Gehrt, M.S.
Project: Response of Greater Prairie-Chickens to Natural and Anthropogenic Disturbances on Fort Riley deer and white-tailed deer in western Kansas
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
John "Boomer" Malanchuk, Ph.D.
Project: Assessment of Resident Canada Goose Management in Kansas
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
Nick Parker, M.S.
Project: Lesser Prairie-Chicken and Grassland Response to Intensive Wildfire in Kansas
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
2020
Carly Aulicky, Ph.D.
Project: Assessment of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Response to Translocation
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
Alixandra Godar, Ph.D.
Project: Ring-necked Pheasant Population and Space Use
Response to Landscapes Including Spring Cover Crops
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
2019
Liam Berigan, M.S.
Project: Assessment of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Response to Translocation
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Ph.D. Program, University of Maine
Mitchell Kern, M.S.
Survival Rates, Habitat Selection, and Movement of Sympatric Mule Deer and White-tailed Deer in Kansas
Advisor: Drew Ricketts
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Chris Gulick, M.S.
Use of Grazing Management and Prescribed Fire for Conservation of Lesser Prairie Chickens
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Ph.D. Program, Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, University of Florida
Adela Annis, M.S. 
Ring-necked Pheasant Survival, Nest Habitat Use, and Predator Occupancy in Kansas Spring Cover Crops
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Farm Bill Biologist, Pheasants Forever
2018
Richard Lehrter II, M.S.
Coupled Climate, Cultivation and Culture in the Great Plains: Understanding Water Supply and Water Quality in a Fragile Landscape
Advisor: Martha Mather
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: National Ecological Observatory Network
Sean Hitchman, Ph.D.
A mosaic approach can advance the understanding and conservation of native biodiversity in natural and fragmented riverscapes
Advisor: Martha Mather
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Allen Community College
2017
Jonathan Lautenbach, M.S.
The role of fire, microclimate, and vegetation in lesser prairie-chicken habitat selection
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Ph.D Program, University of Wyoming
Sarah Ogden, M.S.
Responses of grassland birds and butterflies to control of sericea lespedeza with fire and grazing
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Daniel Sullins, Ph.D.
Regional variation in demography, distribution, foraging, and strategic conservation of lesser prairie-chickens in Kansas and Colorado
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Horticulture and Natural Resources, Kansas State University
Ryland Taylor, M.S..
Using geomorphology and animal "individuality" to understand 'scape-scale predator distributions
Advisor: Martha Mather
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Environmental Specialist, Maryland Environmental Service
2016
Thomas Becker, M.S.
Retrospective review of wild waterfowl diseases in Kansas
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
John Kraft, M.S.
Vegetation Characteristics and Lesser Prairie Chicken Responses to Land Cover Types and Grazing Management in Western Kansas
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Field Representative, Indigo Inc.
Willow Malone, M.S.
Biodiversity in Playa Wetlands in Relation to Watershed Disturbance
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: National Ecological Observatory Network
Robert Mapes, M.S.
Young of year largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) relative abundance and diet: role of habitat type, spatial context, and size
Advisor: Martha Mather
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Fisheries Biologist, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Kelsey McCullough, M.S.
A multi-scale examination of the distribution and habitat use patterns of the regal fritillary
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Biologist, Fort Riley, Kansas
2015
Jane Fencl, M.S.
Developing and Testing a Spatially-Explicit, Science-Based, Decision-Support Tool for Making Riverscape-Scale Management Decisions: How Dams Affect Fish Communities in the Neosho River, KS
Advisor: Martha Mather
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Graduate Research Assistant, University of Washington
Kayla Gerber, M.S.
Assessing Distribution and Movement of Blue Catfish in Kansas Reservoirs
Advisor: Martha Mather
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Fisheries Biologist, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Joe Gerken, Ph.D.
Recruitment of Fishes in the Kansas River
Advisor: Craig Paukert
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
Current Position: University of Florida
Brian Kearns, Ph.D.
Risk Assessment of Exposure to Lead for Mottled Ducks on National Wildlife Refuge of the Upper Texas Gulf Coast
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
Current Position: Wildlife Biologist, WRA Inc.
Joseph Lautenbach, M.S.
Lesser Prairie-Chicken Reproductive Success, Habitat Selection, and Response to Trees in Kansas and Colorado
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Game Bird Research Leader, Division of Wildlife, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Zach Peterson, M.S.
Assessing Distribution and Movement of Blue Catfish in Kansas Reservoirs
Advisor: Martha Mather
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Fisheries Biologist, City of Denton, Texas
Reid Plumb, M.S.
Breeding Season Survival, Space Use, Movement, and Habitat Use of Female Lesser Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) in Kansas and Colorado
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Project Manager, Voyageurs National Park
Samantha Robinson, M.S.
Landscape Conservation Design, Movements, and Survival of Lesser Prairie-Chickens in Kansas and Colorado
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Ph.D. program, Virginia Tech Shorebird Program
2014
Rachel Pigg, Ph.D.
Patterns and Processes of Dispersal of Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs in a Heavily Managed Landscape of the Great Plains Landscape Conservation Cooperative
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina
David Spencer, M.S.
A Historical Record of Land Cover Change of the Lesser Prairie-chicken Range in Kansas
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: GIS Cartographer, Eastview Geospatial
Andrew Stetter, M.S.
Nest-site Selection, Duckling Survival, and Blood Parasite Prevalence of Lesser Scaup Nesting at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Advisor: David Haukos
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2012
Jason Fischer, M.S.
Influence of sand dredging on habitat and fish communities of the Kansas River
Advisors: Craig Paukert and Kieth Gido
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Fisheries Technician, USGS Great Lakes Science Center Headquarters in Ann Arbor, MI
Amanda Goldberg, M.S.
Apparent survival, dispersal, and abundance of black-tailed prairie dogs
Advisor: Jack Cully
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Ph.D. Program, University of Idaho
Derek Moon, M.S.
Small mammals in disturbed tallgrass prairie landscapes
Advisor: Jack Cully
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist, Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division, Conservation Branch, Fort Riley
2010
Andrea Severson, M.S.
Effects of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) invasion on the aquatic community of a great plains reservoir
Advisor: Craig Paukert
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Environmental Protection Specialist, Western Area Power Administration (WAPA)
2009
Jonathan M. Conard, Ph.D.
Genetic variability, demography, and habitat selection in a reintroduced elk (Cervus elaphus) population
Advisor: Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
Current Occupation: Assistant Professor, Sterling College
Mackenzie R. (Shardlow) Jeffress, M.S.
Factors affecting the detectability and distribution of the North American river otter
Advisor: Craig Paukert
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Position: Wildlife Diversity Biologist, Nevada Department of Wildlife
Ron E. VanNimwegen, Ph.D. (Posthumous)
Behavioral Ecology of Grasshopper Mice and Deer Mice
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Publications: Abstract
2008
Wesley W. Bouska, M.S.
Road crossing designs and their impact on fish assemblages and geomorphology of Great Plains streams
Advisor: Craig Paukert
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Employer: Contract Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Columbia, Missouri
Jeffrey L. Eitzmann, M.S.
Spatial habitat variation in a Great Plains river: effects on the fish assemblage and food web structure
Advisor: Craig Paukert
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Employer: Vice President of Operations, Falcon Drilling, Inc.
Kristen (Pitts) Bouska, M.S.
Assessing threats to native fishes of the Lower Colorado River Basin
Advisor: Craig Paukert
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Employer: Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO
Joshua Schloesser, M.S.
Large river fish community sampling strategies and fish associations to engineered and natural river channel structures
Advisor: Craig Paukert
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Employer: Fish Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ashland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office
2007
Jesse R. Fischer, M.S.
Structural organization of Great Plains stream fish assemblages: Implications for sampling and conservation
Advisor: Craig Paukert
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current: Ph.D., Iowa State University, 2012
Past Employer: Postdoctoral Researcher, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
2006
Jeremy Baumgardt, M.S.
The effects of trapping methods on estimation of population parameters for small mammals
Advisor: Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract
Currently: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Texas A&M University
Brian E. Flock, Ph.D.
The effects of landscape configuration on northern bobwhite in southeastern Kansas
Advisor: Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
Currently: Wildlife Diversity Coordinator, and Bats, Herps, and SWAP Coordinator, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Tracey N. Johnson, M.S.
Ecological restoration of tallgrass prairie: grazing management benefits plant and bird communities inupland and riparian habitats
Advisor: Brett K. Sandercock
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Currently: Assistant Professor, Department of Fish and Wildlife Services, University of Idaho
Andrew S. Makinster, M.S.
Flathead catfish population dynamics in the Kansas River
Advisor: Craig Paukert
Publications: Abstract, Thesis
Current Employer: Rental Sales Specialist, Border Equipment. Formerly Native Fish Project coordinator, AZ Game and Fish Department, also Fisheries Biologist, Aquatic Environmental Services, Inc.
Timothy R. Strakosh, Ph.D.
Effects of water willow establishment on littoral assemblages in Kansas reservoirs: Focus on Age-0 largemouth bass
Advisor: Keith Gido
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
Currently: Fish Biologist, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA
Bala Thiagarajan, Ph.D.
Community dynamics of rodents, fleas and plague associated with black-tailed prairie dogs
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Publications: Abstract, Dissertation
2005
Tammi L. Johnson, M.S.
Spatial dynamics of a bacterial pathogen: Sylvatic plague in Black-tailed prairie dogs
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Publications: Abstract
Current: Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
Lorri A. Newby, M.S.
Effects of experimental manipulation of coterie size on demography of Black-tailed prairie dogs in South Dakota
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Current: Accountant, Yellowstone Park Service Stations
Publications: Abstract
2003
Christopher D. Anderson, M.S.
Recreational pressure at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge: Potential impacts on avian use and seasonal productivity along the Niobrara River
Advisor: Dusty Becker
Publications: Abstract
Jonathan M. Conard, M.S.
Responses of small mammals and their predators to military disturbance in tallgrass prairie
Advisor: Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract
Current Occupation: Assistant Professor, Sterling College
William E. Jensen, Ph.D.
Spatial variation in Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) abundance and brood parasitism in Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Publications: Abstract
Current Occupation: Associate Professor, Emporia State University
Mayee Wong, M.S.
High spatial homogeneity in a sex-biased mating system: The genetic population structure of greater prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Publications: Abstract
Current Employer: Hawaii Department of Health
Stanley L. Proboszcz, M.S.
Evaluation of habitat enhancement structure use by spotted bass in natural and experimental streams
Advisor: Christopher Guy
Publications: Abstract
Current Employer: Watershed Watch Salmon Society
Currently: Fisheries Biologist, Watershed Watch Salmon Society, Coquitlam, BC
2002
Michael C. Quist, Ph.D.
Abiotic factors and species interactions that influence recruitment of walleyes in Kansas reservoirs
Advisor: Guy
Publications: Abstract
Current Occupation: Assistant Unit Leader-Fisheries, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
2001
Troy R. Livingston, M.S.
Coprophagy: An ecological investigation of the consumption of mammalian carnivore feces
Advisor: Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract
Current Employer: US Army
Amber D. Rucker, M.S.
Conversion of tall fescue pastures to tallgrass prairie in southeastern Kansas: Small mammal responses
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Publications: Abstract
Gerald L. Zuercher, Ph.D.
The ecological role of the Bush Dog, Speothos venaticus, as part of the mammalian predator community in the Interior Atlantic Forest of Paraguay
Advisor: Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract
Current Occupation: Department Head and Professor, Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dubuque
2000
Patrick J. Braaten, Ph.D.
Growth of fishes in the Missouri River and Lower Yellowstone River, and factors influencing recruitment of freshwater drum in the lower channelized Missouri River
Advisor: Christopher Guy
Publications: Abstract
Current Employer: Research Fish Biologist, USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center, Fort Peck, MT
Travis B. Horton, M.S.
Habitat use and movement of spotted bass in Otter Creek, Kansas
Advisor: Christopher Guy
Publications: Abstract
Current Employer: Fisheries Manager, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Bozeman, MT
Sally J. Schrank, M.S.
Population characteristics of bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis larvae and adults in the Missouri River and interspecific dynamics with paddlefish Polyodon spathula
Advisor: Christopher Guy
Publications: Abstract
Current Employer: Director of Development, The Nature Conservancy, Bozeman, MT
Patricia R. Snyder, M.S.
Assessment of activity transmitters based on behavioral observations of coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons
Advisor: Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract
Jeffry A. Tripe, M.S.
Density, growth, mortality, food habits, and lipid content of age-0 largemouth bass in El Dorado Reservoir, Kansas
Advisor: Christopher Guy
Publications: Abstract
1999
Justin E. Kretzer, M.S.
Herpetological and coleopteran communities of black-tailed prairie dog colonies and non-colonized areas in southwest Kansas
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Publications: Abstract
Current Employer: Fort Sill, OK
Michael C. Quist, M.S.
Structure and function of fish communities in streams on Fort Riley Military Reservation
Advisor: Christopher Guy
Publications: Abstract
Current Occupation: Assistant Unit Leader-Fisheries, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
James W. Rivers, M.S.
Seasonal avian use patterns of farmed wetlands and nest predation dynamics in riparian grasslands dominated by reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
Advisors: Ted. T. Cable and Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract
Currently: Assistant Professor, Senior Research, Oregon State University
Stephen L. Winter, M.S.
Plant and breeding bird communities of black-tailed prairie dog colonies and non-colonized areas in southwest Kansas and southeast Colorado
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Publications: Abstract
Past Employer: US Fish and Wildlife Service
1998
Jan F. Kamler, M.S.
Ecology and interspecific relationships of mammalian predators on Fort Riley Military Reservation, Kansas
Advisor: Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract
Currently: Panthera, Leopard Program, Southeast Asia Coordinator. Affiliated with the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), University of Oxford since 2004.
Obtained Ph.D. from Texas Tech
1997
Matthew N. Burlingame, M.S.
1995 Kansas licensed angler use and preference survey and attitudes towards angling by secondary education students
Advisor: Christopher Guy
Publications: Abstract
Current Employer: Fish Biometrician, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Greg A. Hoch, M.S.
Mapping and monitoring of disturbance from military training at Fort Riley, Kansas and an investigations into the stability of grassland ecotones using satellite remote sensing
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Publications: Abstract
Current Employer: Prairie Habitat Ecologist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
David E. Hoover, M.S.
Vegetation and breeding bird assemblages in grazed and ungrazed riparian habitats in southeastern Kansas
Advisor: Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract
Current Occupation: Small Game Coordinator, Missouri Department of Conservation
Raymond S. Matlack, M.S.
The swift fox in rangeland and cropland in western Kansas: Relative abundance, mortality, and body size
Advisor: Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract
Current Occupation: Associate Professor, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX
Heidi L. Michaels, M.S.
Landscape and fine scale habitat of the Loggerhead Shrike and Henslow's Sparrow on Fort Riley Military Reservation, Kansas
Advisor: Jack F. Cully, Jr.
Publications: Abstract
Jeff S. Tillma, M.S.
Characteristics of spotted bass in southeast Kansas streams
Advisor: Christopher Guy
Publications: Abstract
Current Employer: Stream Habitat Specialist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
1996
William K. Smith, M.S.
Responses of Ring-necked Pheasants to Conservation Reserve Program fields during courtship and brood rearing in the high plains
Advisor: Philip S. Gipson
Publications: Abstract
Current Occupation: Wildlife Ecologist, Coordinator of Private Lands Program, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
Jennifer A. Wiens, M.S.
Effects of tree revetments on the abiotic and biotic components in two Kansas streams
Advisor: Christopher Guy
Publications: Abstract
