Katherine Kral-O'Brien

Katherine Kral-O'Brien is an Assistant Professor at Iowa State University, focusing on pollinator conservation in agroecosystems and grassland ecosystems. Her research integrates ecological principles with practical conservation strategies, emphasizing butterfly and bee populations in managed and natural landscapes. She holds a PhD in Range Science from North Dakota State University, with prior degrees in Wildlife Biology and Range Science.

Her work addresses challenges such as invasive species management, climate change impacts, and methodological improvements in ecological surveys. Key affiliations include the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium and the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Recent projects involve evaluating pollinator responses to conservation practices like prescribed burns and habitat restoration.

Research themes include spatiotemporal dynamics of monarch butterflies, plant-pollinator network stability, and the ecological roles of large herbivores. She advocates for community-driven conservation and gender equity in STEM through collaborative initiatives. Current opportunities include seasonal research technician roles in Iowa and Minnesota.