معرفی
**Karen Hickman** is a Professor in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management at Oklahoma State University (OSU), holding an appointment since 2009. She earned her Ph.D. in Biology from Kansas State University in 1996. Her research focuses on invasive species management, rangeland ecology, and the impacts of climate change on grassland ecosystems. She explores management practices like grazing, fire, and herbicide applications to mitigate invasive species while enhancing native biodiversity. Recent work includes global grassland restoration strategies and the role of native microbiomes in restoration success.
**Education**: Doctor of Philosophy, Biology from Kansas State University (1996).
**Research Interests**: Addressing invasive species threats in Great Plains grasslands, evaluating management practices, and understanding plant-soil interactions. Collaborates internationally (e.g., Chihuahua, Mexico) to develop adoptable land management practices. Key themes include fire-grazing interactions, mycorrhizal fungi roles, and climate resilience.
**Grants & Funding**: Includes projects like the "Prairie Chub Species Status Assessment" (2024–2025), "The Justice Challenge: Engaging Students in the Future of Food, Climate, and Sustainable Agriculture" (2022–2025), and training programs for undergraduates in plant research.
**Teaching**: Courses include Ecology of Invasive Species, Environmental Science Capstone, and Rangeland Management. Leads capstone projects and honors thesis mentoring, emphasizing real-world problem-solving and stakeholder engagement.
**Labs/Teams**: Engaged with OSU’s Natural Resource Ecology & Management team, focusing on applied research for sustainable land management. Active in interdisciplinary collaborations to address ecological challenges.
