Dr. Karen Munroe, Baldwin-Wallace University Assistant Professor, Biology
Dr. Karen E. Munroe earned her B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Arizona State University, her M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Purdue University and her Ph.D. in Wildlife Conservation and Management from The University of Arizona. Her teaching responsibilities at Baldwin-Wallace University include Principles of Biology I and II, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Molecular Ecology, Evolution and Evolution of Animal Behavior.
Dr. Munroe is a Behavioral and Molecular Ecologist with particular interest in ecological questions of conservation concern. Her research interests are in small mammal (particularly squirrels) social and mating systems. Dr. Munroe has a two prong approach to research with both lab and field components. Field work consists of trapping and marking small mammals for classic field behavioral observations. Lab work focuses on primer design and screening, and microsatellite analysis for both individual based questions (e.g. paternity) and population level questions (e.g. dispersal).
One current area of research focus is the social behavior and mating systems of fox squirrels. Fox squirrels have been observed to form male-based groups, particularly during winter nesting and it is hypothesized that these groups are highly related and serve to reduce energetic costs during winter.
Furthermore, these male-based groups have important implications for the mating system, which is hypothesized to be polygynandrous. Field work includes trapping and marking individuals and lab work including calculating the genetic relatedness of spatially-related individuals particularly those sharing nests.
Another current research focus is the genetic mating system of gray squirrels. A great deal of observational research has been done on their mating systems, but genetic mating system has not been determined and is needed for conservation and management of imperiled sub-species and management of invasive species in Europe and Asia.
Dr. Munroe has also paired with the Cleveland Metro Parks examine the genetic population structure of white-tailed deer in an urban environment, the presence of Chytrid and Rana virus in local herpetological species to allow for better habitat management.
Contact information:
Dr. Karen E. Munroe, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and
Honors Program Advisor
Baldwin Wallace University
Department of Biology and Geology
275 Eastland Rd.
Berea, OH 44017
Office: 440-826-8562
Dr. Munroe is a Behavioral and Molecular Ecologist with particular interest in ecological questions of conservation concern. Her research interests are in small mammal (particularly squirrels) social and mating systems. Dr. Munroe has a two prong approach to research with both lab and field components. Field work consists of trapping and marking small mammals for classic field behavioral observations. Lab work focuses on primer design and screening, and microsatellite analysis for both individual based questions (e.g. paternity) and population level questions (e.g. dispersal).
One current area of research focus is the social behavior and mating systems of fox squirrels. Fox squirrels have been observed to form male-based groups, particularly during winter nesting and it is hypothesized that these groups are highly related and serve to reduce energetic costs during winter.
Furthermore, these male-based groups have important implications for the mating system, which is hypothesized to be polygynandrous. Field work includes trapping and marking individuals and lab work including calculating the genetic relatedness of spatially-related individuals particularly those sharing nests.
Another current research focus is the genetic mating system of gray squirrels. A great deal of observational research has been done on their mating systems, but genetic mating system has not been determined and is needed for conservation and management of imperiled sub-species and management of invasive species in Europe and Asia.
Dr. Munroe has also paired with the Cleveland Metro Parks examine the genetic population structure of white-tailed deer in an urban environment, the presence of Chytrid and Rana virus in local herpetological species to allow for better habitat management.
Contact information:
Dr. Karen E. Munroe, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and
Honors Program Advisor
Baldwin Wallace University
Department of Biology and Geology
275 Eastland Rd.
Berea, OH 44017
Office: 440-826-8562
