Kathryn M Jacobsok

Kathryn M Jacobsok is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Grinnell College, with affiliations in Environmental Studies and the Global Development Studies (GDS) concentration. Her work bridges fungal biology with ecological responses to climate change and sustainable resource management in arid regions.

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (1992), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• Post-Doc (1993-1995), Desert Research Foundation of Namibia

Her research focuses on fungal interactions with other organisms, particularly mycorrhizae, endophytes, plant pathogens, and litter saprophytes, examining their ecological roles and responses to climatic drivers like temperature and moisture. Current projects investigate physiological traits enabling saprophyte adaptation to non-rainfall moisture sources such as fog, dew, and snow in arid environments.

• Collaborative research in the Namib Desert (Namibia), Chihuahuan Desert (New Mexico), and Grinnell’s CERA field station
• Teaching includes BIO 150 (Climate Change Effects), BIO 252 (Evolution & Ecology), BIO 325 (Fungal Biology), and ENV 195 (Environmental Challenges)

Jacobsok advises Biology majors and students in Grinnell’s Global Development Studies concentration. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the Center for Prairie Studies, contributing to local environmental and social sustainability initiatives.