Hybrid: 495 Hodson Hall and Zoom (Zoom link; registration not required)
This hybrid event is part of the Natural Resources Science and Practice Seminar Series hosted by the Department of Forest Resources.
Join us for a social starting at 4 p.m. The talk begins at 4:15 p.m. (Zoom link for remote participants.)
Title: Integrating Research and Extension in the Response to Aquatic Invasive Species
Abstract: We will explore connections between departmental research and Extension outreach in responding to aquatic invasive species (AIS). Our applied ecological research and Extension programs address AIS surveillance, impacts, and management. Integrating research into Extension enables new findings to be applied, while the engagement with stakeholders that happens through Extension helps prioritize and refine research questions. By highlighting these reciprocal benefits, we seek to demonstrate that collaborative integration of departmental research and Extension outreach can lead to more effective outcomes in this and other natural resource management contexts.
Bios: Daniel Larkin is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He and his research team work on applied challenges in invasive species management and ecological restoration in lakes, wetlands, and terrestrial habitats. Through Extension, he trains volunteers and professionals to support invasive species response and ecological restoration efforts. Larkin has a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and studied Biology as an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Megan Weber is an Extension Educator at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center and University of Minnesota Extension. Weber's work focuses on the development and delivery of AIS education, volunteer, and participatory science programs that work towards solutions to aquatic invasive species problems. A native Minnesotan, Weber studied marine biology in California and received her B.S. from University of California Santa Cruz and her M.S. in environmental studies from San Jose State University.