About
Kurt’s areas of knowledge include identification, ecology, biology and distribution of aquatic invertebrates in Wisconsin and surrounding areas. He has is Ph.D. and M.S. in Entomology with a specialization in Aquatic Entomology. Kurt teaches courses in entomology and aquatic entomology and is a senior scientist with the Lake Superior Research Institute at UW-Superior.
Research Interests
Kurt’s research interest deals with aquatic invertebrate communities that occur in rivers, lakes, and all types of wetlands within the state of Wisconsin and surrounding areas. His main expertise is in the identification, ecology, biology and distribution of aquatic invertebrates. In particular, Kurt has conducted numerous surveys of publically owned properties in Wisconsin, especially properties owned by the Department of Natural Resources. The goals of the surveys include documenting the species and communities that occur within the aquatic resources, and to determine the status and distribution of rare and endangered aquatic species. He also conducts research on determining the effects of pollution and disturbance on the communities of aquatic invertebrates. Over the past 25 years, Kurt and his colleagues have completed research on a variety of subjects, bringing in several million dollars in funding for research, which has helped employ over 450 student assistants on many projects. The research has included:
- Surveys for rare and endangered species in state-owned properties
- Biomonitoring streams, lakes and wetlands
- Examining the effects of contaminants and other chemicals
Awards
- 2017 – Excellence in Scholarship Award, University of Wisconsin-Superior
Education
- 1992 – Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 1984 – Master of Science (M.S.) – Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 1982 – Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – Biology, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh