Krista Ehlert
Biography
Education
- Ph.D. in ecology and environmental sciences | Montana State University | 2017
- M.S. in land resources and environmental sciences | Montana State University | 2013
- B.A. in biology | St. Olaf College | 2011
Academic and Professional Experience
Academic Interests
In my role, I connect with producers and partners to better understand how to utilize management strategies to improve our natural resources in South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã. I am particularly proud of the work that I do with beginning producers as well as women and youth. I enjoy being part of interdisciplinary teams that tackle research questions through innovative approaches and provide actionable results to beef cattle producers across South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã and the Northern Great Plains.
- Cooperative Extension
- Rangeland ecology
- Plant ecology
- Ecologically-based invasive plant management
Committees and Professional Memberships
- Rangelands Partnership
- Society for Range Management
Extension Responsibilities
I am responsible for SDSU Extension programming and research related to South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã rangelands. This includes developing collaborations with other SDSU faculty, as well as nonprofits, state and federal agencies, such as The Nature Conservancy, South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Game, Fish and Parks, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Bureau of Land Management.
Research and Scholarly Work
Areas of Research
- Range ecology
- Low-cost, low-tech, process-based riparian restoration
- Virtual fencing
à£à£Ö±²¥Ðãs and Honors
- 2023, Nominated – Society for Range Management, Outstanding Young Range Professional
- 2022, South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University Extension Creativity in Service in All South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðãn’s à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã
Grants
- Over $84.4 million funded, including 20 grants funded for a total of $4.4 million and an $80 million Climate Smart grant awarded in 2023
