Kansas Biological Survey director finalists to give public presentations


LAWRENCE – The university community is invited to attend public presentations by three finalists for director of the Kansas Biological Survey at the University of Kansas.

The finalists will give public presentations over the next two weeks. The Office of Research, as the administrative home of the Kansas Biological Survey, is overseeing the search process. The finalists are:›

Sara Baer, professor and chair, Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University. Baer’s research expertise is in grassland, soil and restoration ecology. She previously served as a conservation technician at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, where she developed an interest in managing, protecting and restoring tallgrass prairie that continues in her current research. Baer has published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles, graduated 16 master’s and doctoral students and co-developed an interdisciplinary Center for Ecology at SIU. Baer holds a doctorate in biology from Kansas State University.

Bradley Cardinale, professor and director, Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan. Cardinale is a conservation biologist who uses mathematical models, novel experiments and syntheses of existing data to understand and predict the consequences of biodiversity loss for humanity, and to reverse these impacts through conservation and restoration of ecosystems. He has published more than 120 scientific papers and popular articles and is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Ecological Society of America. Cardinale holds a doctorate in biology from the University of Maryland.

Carlos de la Rosa, adjunct professor and senior researcher, National University of Costa Rica and University of Costa Rica. De la Rosa is an aquatic ecologist and conservation biologist with an active research program in taxonomy, ecology and conservation of aquatic insects and their habitats. He has been biodiversity adviser to the Organization of American States, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and organizations in South, Central and North America. He previously served as director of the La Selva Biological Station for the Organization of Tropical Studies in Costa Rica. De la Rosa holds a doctorate in aquatic ecology from the University of Pittsburgh.

The new director is expected to assume leadership of the Kansas Biological Survey this summer and will hold a joint appointment as a tenured professor in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Ed Martinko, who has directed the survey since 1983, is retiring from KU.

Search committee chair Bryan Foster, senior scientist at the survey and professor of ecology & evolutionary biology, invites KU faculty, staff and students to attend the public presentations by each candidate and provide feedback.

Presentations will be delivered in Capitol Federal Hall according to the following schedule:

  • Friday, April 5, 3 p.m., Room 2001, Carlos de la Rosa
  • Monday, April 8, 9 a.m., Colloquium, Sara Baer
  • Monday, April 15, 3 p.m., Colloquium, Bradley Cardinale

More information about the search and the candidates can be found on the Office of Research website.

Questions regarding the public presentations may be directed to Cari Alfers, cariell@ku.edu or 785-864-3567.

The mission of the Kansas Biological Survey – a KU designated research center – is to pursue a deeper understanding of and appreciation for our biological resources through world-class research, education and service that enlightens, engages and empowers people in Kansas and beyond. Established in 1911, the survey is a nexus for natural sciences research, environmental mapping, conservation and education.

Wed, 04/03/2019

author

Mindie Paget

Media Contacts

Mindie Paget

Office of Research

785-864-0013