Kate Behrens, Ph.D, Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Portrait of Kate Behrens

Advisor: Jessica Jansujwicz – Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology
Co-Advisor: Tora Johnson – GIS Lab & Service Center, University of Maine Machias
Start Date: Fall 2024
B.S. 2011, Psychology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI
M.S.W. 2016, Social Work, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI
kate.behrens@maine.edu

Brief Biography: Originally from Michigan, I began my career as a social worker supporting people navigating challenging situations. I later moved to Hawaii, where I found these skills relevant for mitigating conflicts in natural resource management. This piqued my interest to see how the fields might be bridged. I enjoy rowing and exploring with my dog, Bellaroo.

Current Research: I’m curious about the role of interpersonal dynamics in mitigating conflicts about wildlife. My research explores the application of strategies grounded in social work to repair relationships between and among parties impacted by the entanglement of North Atlantic right whales in lobster fishing gear.