Brock Bahlmann

I am interested in the ever changing natural world and the dimension of human and animal interactions. Adaptation to the challenges of climate change I believe is the greatest threat facing our world today and as such I find it imperative to research methods for conservation of species and ecosystems in an ever encroaching human landscape. Changing the way people view the natural world is the first step in getting people to care about the world around them. I believe that this can only happen through social and cultural changes that reflect a more conservation oriented mindset. As such my research is geared toward working with local communities on how best to mitigate habit and biodiversity loss through actions such as stopping the spread of invasive species in our water bodies.  I am currently working on a project that is aimed at influencing anglers in the state of Minnesota to take the time to perform aquatic invasive species prevention methods to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive (AIS). Minnesota has over 1.4 million registered anglers in the state who have been identified as a significant vector for the spread of AIS, therefore it is imperative to reach this community with how impactful their actions are on the local aquatic ecosystems and how through collective action we can stop the spread.