Principal Investigator
Jake Haus, Associate Professor
Jake received his Bachelor’s in Biology from Bemidji State University and both his Master’s and Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Delaware. As an associate professor at Bemidji State University, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in ecology, mammalogy, and wildlife management. He conducts applied research into the behavior, spatial ecology, and harvest management of big game species.
Current Graduate Students
Raena Kemna, M.S. Student
Raena is an M.S. graduate student studying the ecology and spatial dynamics of white-tailed deer. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology with a minor in Wildlife Care and Handling from the University of Minnesota. Raena’s thesis research examines deer spatial response to suburban archery hunting in Bemidji, and the findings will inform management recommendations in other suburban areas of Minnesota.
Kate Peterson, M.S. Student
Kate is an M.S. student analyzing historic data sets to understand how environmental factors drive the use of anthropogenic food resources by black bears. The project is a collaborative effort with researchers from the Minnesota DNR. Kate earned an Associates degree in Biology from North Hennepin Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology with minors in GIS and Wetland Ecology from Bemidji State University.
Dustin Piotter, M.S. Student
Dustin’s thesis research examines the population demographics, health, and habitat use of adult male and female white-tailed deer on the Fond du Lac Reservation and surrounding areas of the 1854 Ceded Territory. The study is a collaborative effort between BSU and the Fond du Lac Division of Resource Management. Dustin received an Associates of Applied Science degree in Natural Resource Technology from Central Lakes College and a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology with minors in Wetland Ecology and Aquatic Systems from Bemidji State University.
Undergraduate Researchers
Opportunities coming soon!
In the coming months, I will have several opportunities for BSU students to get involved with ongoing projects. I will post positions here, and will send out emails via the BSU student TWS chapter.
Past Graduate Students
Kim Shelton, M.S.
Graduated: Spring 2023
Current Employer: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Master’s Thesis: Occupancy and activity patterns of snowshoe hares, fishers, martens, and bobcats on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation