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.
Undergraduate Researchers
Riley Klingelhofer, Research Technician
Riley is an undergraduate student majoring in Wildlife Biology, minoring in Wetland Ecology, and earning a certificate in GIS. She serves as the president of the BSU student chapter of The Wildlife Society. As a research assistant, Riley helps with all aspects of the Bemidji deer project.
Dustin Piotter, Research Technician
Dustin received his Associates of Applied Science in Natural Resource Technology from Central Lakes College and is now an undergraduate at BSU majoring in Wildlife Biology with minors in Wetland Ecology and Aquatic Systems. As a research technician, Dustin helps with the Bemidji Deer Project.
Brad Smithburg, Research Technician
Brad received an Associate of Science from Southeastern Community College and is now an undergraduate student at BSU studying Wildlife Biology. He grew up hunting in Southeast Iowa, acquiring a passion for wildlife and the outdoors, especially white-tailed deer. Brad is looking forward to working as a research technician on the Bemidji Deer Project.
Kyle Duis, Research Technician
Kyle is an undergraduate at Bemidji State University, majoring in Wildlife Biology and earning a GIS certification, with plans to graduate in the spring. He currently serves as the Treasurer for the BSU chapter of The Wildlife Society. His interests include forested ecosystems, furbearers, large mammals, and waterfowl.
Grace Gumiela, Research Technician
Grace is an undergraduate student majoring in Biology on the Pre-Veterinary Medicine track, with a minor in Wildlife Biology. She is a member of the softball team at BSU. Grace is looking forward to being a research technician for the Bemidji Deer Project.
Jenna Lawin, Research Technician
Jenna received an Associates of Applied Science degree from Central Lakes College in Natural Resource Law Enforcement and is now an undergraduate at Bemidji State double majoring in Wildlife Biology and Aquatic Biology with a Fisheries Biology emphasis. She is excited to help out with the deer project as a research technician.
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