Kristen Baum

Dr. Kristen Baum is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas and Director of Monarch Watch. She previously served as Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at Oklahoma State University and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on pollinator ecology, plant-insect interactions, and conservation strategies for monarch butterflies and grassland ecosystems. She holds degrees from the College of William and Mary (BS), Texas A&M University (MS, PhD), and completed a postdoc at Louisiana State University.

Education:

• BS in Environmental Science, College of William and Mary
• MS in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University
• PhD in Entomology, Texas A&M University
• Postdoctoral Research, Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University

Research Interests:

• Land use impacts on pollinators (native bees, monarchs)
• Grassland management practices (fire, mowing, grazing)
• Monarch butterfly migration and habitat conservation
• Biological control in agricultural systems

Recent article trends emphasize landscape-level effects on pollinators, monarch conservation strategies, and ecological responses to disturbance. Her work integrates field experiments, citizen science, and spatial modeling to address biodiversity challenges.

Advising and Grants: Dr. Baum has mentored numerous graduate students and led collaborative projects on pollinator conservation, including USDA-funded studies and partnerships with state wildlife agencies. She has contributed to initiatives like the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program and roadside habitat assessments for pollinators.

Labs/Teams: Central to her work is the Monarch Watch program, which mobilizes citizen scientists to track monarch migration and restore habitat. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on agricultural sustainability and conservation biology.