Karen Munroe

Karen Munroe is a Professor of Biology and Chair of the Biology, Geology, and Neuroscience Department at Baldwin Wallace University. She earned her Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Arizona, an M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Purdue University, and a B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Arizona State University.

Her research integrates classical observational field biology with modern molecular techniques to study mammalian social systems and mating behaviors, particularly in squirrel species. Current work focuses on fox squirrel sociality and melanistic (black) squirrel populations, while past studies examined round-tailed ground squirrels and red squirrels.

• 2023: Three publications on undergraduate education and mentorship in mammalogy.
• 2016-2014: Studies on Sciurus carolinensis ecology and social behaviors in round-tailed ground squirrels.
• 2011-2009: Genetic mating system analyses in ground squirrels and red squirrels.
• 2003: Foundational work on patch occupancy patterns in North American mammals.