Bernauer Lab
Team
Dr. Olivia Bernauer
I am interested in understanding how global change influences pollinator biology, plant-pollinator interactions, and the pollination services provided by pollinators. To do so, I use a combination of traditional ecological methods and emerging technological tools. Before coming to UW-Eau Claire, I was a postdoctoral researcher at UW-Madison studying how elevated CO2 influences pollen nutrition, how temperature affects bumble bee learning, and how weather influences crop pollination. Previously, Olivia has investigated Australian apple pollination, pollinator floral preferences with citizen scientists, and the effects of fungicides on bees.
Orlean Alam
Hello! I’m Orlean, and I’m currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (pre-med pathway) at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. I'm passionate about understanding climate change and exploring the chemistry that can help mitigate its negative impacts. Fun fact: I’m a deep appreciator of ketchup!
Mackenzie Miner
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, pursuing a degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology. My research interests focus on the foraging patterns of pollinators in spring ephemeral plants near campus, exploring the interactions between plants and pollinators during this brief but essential season. In addition to Dr. Bernauer’s lab, I work with Dr. Jenn Smith where I study California ground squirrels. My work includes analyzing squirrel behavior and investigating their endo- and ectoparasites, contributing to a broader understanding of host-parasite dynamics and ecological interactions. Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue a graduate degree in entomology, delving deeper into the role of insects in various ecosystems.
Jasmine Pearson
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire pursuing a degree in Biology with a Spanish minor. After graduation, I will be pursuing a Doctor of Naturopathy degree. I am passionate about Naturopathic medicine as it focuses on treating the root issues of illness. It uses holistic and natural methods and treatments, such as herbal supplements. My research focus in Dr. Bernauer’s lab is analyzing bumble bee behavior learning across temperatures. Additionally, I will look at the broader implications of how climate and bumble bee behavior could affect the availability of many herbs and plants used in natural supplements.
Kinsley Bush
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology on the Pre-Medicine track. I am currently in the midst of studying for the MCAT, which is both thrilling and unbelievable to me. I am passionate about the chemical effects of climate change and how these changes affect biodiversity and ecosystems. When I have time outside of my science endeavors, I enjoy collecting vinyl, reading, and reality-TV.
Faith Thornton
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire seeking a degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology. I grew up in a family where conservation has always been important to us. Researching bees and how temperature is affecting them is so important to conservation. Bees play such a larger role in ecosystems and our food systems, so I am enthusiastic about researching bees. In my free time you can find me hiking, camping, snowboarding, or just hanging out in a hammock!
