Karyn Rode, Ph.D.

I work with international and bilateral groups, such as the Polar Bear Range States and US-Russia Polar Bear Commission, DOI partners, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. National Park Service, Alaska Native co-management groups, and local and state governments to identify and address research needs for large mammals.  My research focuses primarily on identifying biological and ecological indicators for monitoring large mammal populations – information that is needed to support harvest and population management.  I also study wildlife interactions with humans in areas of industry, via tourism and recreation, and in local communities to help minimize or avoid negative effects on wildlife and ensure human safety. I work to develop new, less expensive and less invasive methods needed to address information needs. I regularly conduct studies with animals in zoos which is a low-cost approach for developing new research techniques that can be applied to wild populations.