Katrin Kellner

Katrin Kellner is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Texas at Tyler. Her research focuses on evolutionary biology of ant societies, microbial ecology, and symbiotic relationships. She investigates how ants adapt to environmental challenges through symbioses with bacteria and fungi, particularly in cold climates and conservation contexts.

Education:

• Postdoc, The University of Texas at Austin (2010–2013): Evolution of Host-Symbiont Relationships & Microbial Ecology
• Postdoc, University of Regensburg, Germany (2009–2010): Infectious Diseases & Chemical Ecology
• Doctor of Natural Sciences (Ph.D. equivalent), University of Regensburg (2005–2009): Evolution, Genetics & Behavior
• Diploma in Biology (Master's equivalent), University of Regensburg (2001–2005): Zoology, Genetics, Botany
• Vordiplom (Bachelor equivalent), University of Regensburg (1999–2005): Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Research Interests: Dr. Kellner studies the evolutionary genetics of ant-fungus symbioses, microbial ecology, and conservation genetics. Her work explores how ants adapt to colder climates, symbiotic bacteria in seed deposits, and endangered species detection via eDNA and ddPCR. She collaborates on projects involving freshwater mussels, crayfish, and environmental DNA analysis.

Funding & Grants: Her research is supported by the National Science Foundation, Texas Army National Guard, and Texas Ecolabs.

Labs & Collaborations: She maintains a lab focused on ant symbiosis and hosts a research page at antsymbiosis.com. Collaborations include conservation genetics projects and eDNA analysis for rare species detection.