About Us
The Cooperative Research Units Program is a unique collaborative relationship among federal and state agencies, universities, and a non-profit organization.
The tripartite mission of the Cooperative Research Units Program is:
- Train graduate students for professional careers in natural-resource research and management.
- Conduct research that will create new information useful for natural-resource management.
- Provide technical assistance on application and integration of new science.
The Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit embraces the mission of the Cooperative Research Units Program and contributes daily to the overall success of the Cooperative Research Units Program.
Featured Student
Featured Student
Our students are involved in a wide variety of research, including diversity in ecological functions, invasive species, and habitats of various animals.
Megan Cary's project is:
Evaluating the Genetic Implications of Translocation Efforts and Recolonization of River Otters in Nebraska
August 2028
River otters were once common in Nebraska, occupying major rivers throughout the state, though were extirpated by the early-1900s. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) began a reintroduction effort of river otters in 1986 and they have recolonized much of their historical distribution.
Megan Cary
M.S. Candidate, Wildlife
Featured Project
Influence of Environmental Thresholds on Trajectories of Freshwater Assemblages with Implications for Building Climate Resilience Across Prairie Landscapes
September 2029
Climate change will exacerbate these changes and likely lead to further shifts in species composition and biodiversity loss. Conservation and management actions needed to counter shifts in species composition and biodiversity loss depend on identifying environmental thresholds (i.e., tipping points) after which undesirable state shifts occur. Yet, identifying systematic environmental thresholds across freshwater ecosystems remains elusive despite the recognition that reaching thresholds may lead to trajectories with irreversible changes.
Post-Doctoral Researcher: Shannon C.F. Smith
