People | zak-ratajczak

Zak Ratajczak

Assistant Professor

I am an ecologist, with most of my experience in community ecology, global change biology, and theoretical ecology. I have a varied background, with a bachelors degree in Biology and Earth Science, a PhD in Biology, and post-doc experience working with mathematicians, social scientists, and forest ecologists. Right now, most of my effort is focused on understanding what types of land management can result in undesirable and potentially irreversible ecological changes, and how climate change and climate extremes fit into this picture. I am also focused on advancing ecological theory to incorporate many of the messier issues we run into real-life situations in the field. I am a strong believer in collaborative, multi-disciplinary research because there is no other way to tackle or increasingly complex environmental issues.

For my CV, see here.

Outside of work I enjoy traveling, running, hiking, and gardening.

Bess Bookout

Masters Student

Hi! I'm Bess and I love prairies! Growing up on a ranch forged my love for nature and livestock and I am interested in coming up with ways for the two work harmoniously together instead of at odds. I believe it is possible for livestock to be used as tools to manage healthy ecosystems while also providing food for the world.

In my free time I enjoy spending time in nature - hiking and taking photos, caring for my animals, and cooking with my fiancé.

Sidney Noble

PhD Student

I am originally from Virginia and was transplanted to the Midwest for my undergraduate career. During my time in undergrad at Valparaiso University, I developed a keen interest in ecology using the Indiana Dunes as my classroom. For my Master’s at Miami University, I examined the role of environmental heterogeneity in structuring plant diversity using the black oak savannas in the Indiana Dunes Region as my study system. My research interests are the resiliency of ecosystems to climate change and extreme events, reversing alternative states with rewilding, and the role of large grazers in oak savannas. My favorite study systems to work in are oak savannas and tallgrass prairie.

Outside ecological research, I like to spend my time running ultramarathons, backpacking, and exploring wild places.

Brynn Ritchey

Masters Student

I'm Brynn and enjoy ecology, but find my true passion where ecology and society meet. I recently graduated from Eastern Michigan University where I received a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Philosophy. My current research is investigating bison defection rates and dung decay in order to determine bison use of areas without tracking them. I am also exploring the impact of woody encroachment across the Great Plains and how this encroachment can lead to an increase in wildfire risk. I plan to assess this risk to better inform local communities across the Great Plains.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, travelling, and reading.

Undergraduate students:

Dylan Darter

My name is Dylan and I am currently an undergraduate technician for the lab. During my tenure at Kansas State I have had the opportunity to assist with research pertaining to wildfires, soil chemistry, and ecological resilience.

I am studying Wildlife Biology and Parks Management here at KSU. I enjoy learning about natural systems of the world around us. Specifically how we can be better stewards for these processes. I’m interested in research that helps lower the likelihood of predation for ranchers in areas with high concentrations of predators. I am also interested in the dynamics of park visitation and the impacts on wildlife when parks can’t control their humans. I hope to be able to continue assisting on important research throughout my time here at Kansas State.

To relax, I enjoy hiking, camping, and road trips with my girlfriend and our cat.

Jaclyn Perry

I’m Jaclyn and I joined the Ratajczak lab in the spring of 2021. I’m a junior in Biology here at KSU. While I’m not sure of my research interests yet, so far I’m most interested in projects relating to habitat restoration, species response to environmental stressors (such as fire or invasive species), and reptiles in general. I’ve really enjoyed doing field research at Konza.

In my free time, I enjoy caring for my various pets, cooking, and reading.

Carter McFadden

(info forthcoming)