Bernauer Lab
Team
Dr. Olivia Bernauer
I am interested in understanding how global change influences pollinator biology, plant-pollinator interactions, and the pollination services provided by pollinators. To do so, I use a combination of traditional ecological methods and emerging technological tools. Before coming to UW-Eau Claire, I was a postdoctoral researcher at UW-Madison studying how elevated CO2 influences pollen nutrition, how temperature affects bumble bee learning, and how weather influences crop pollination. Previously, Olivia has investigated Australian apple pollination, pollinator floral preferences with citizen scientists, and the effects of fungicides on bees.


Orlean Alam
Project: Eau Claire Bumble Bees
Hello! I’m Orlean, and I’m currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (pre-med pathway) at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. I'm passionate about understanding climate change and exploring the chemistry that can help mitigate its negative impacts. Fun fact: I’m a deep appreciator of ketchup!

Kinsley Bush
Project: Eau Claire Bumble Bees
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology on the Pre-Medicine track. I am currently in the midst of studying for the MCAT, which is both thrilling and unbelievable to me. I am passionate about the chemical effects of climate change and how these changes affect biodiversity and ecosystems. When I have time outside of my science endeavors, I enjoy collecting vinyl, reading, and reality-TV.
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Laura Bertrang
Project: Cranberry pollination
Hello! My name is Laura. I am an undergraduate student at UW-Eau Claire pursuing a degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology. I am passionate about all things nature, so in the lab I get to research the pollination and foraging behavior differences between Honeybees and Bumblebees, which is really neat. Outside of the lab, I like to stay active by being a part of the UWEC track team and hiking whenever I can. I also enjoy reading, hammocking, gardening, and traveling!

Jensen Thieren
Project: Cranberry pollination
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire pursuing a degree in ecology and environmental biology. I love being outdoors and studying all of the weird, beautiful things that live there. In the lab I have been working on characterizing buzz pollination by bumblebees that we observed in a Wisconsin cranberry marsh this summer, which was so much fun! Outside of lab I can be found hiking, swimming, tending to my plants, or reading in a sunny window!

Isabelle Mathias
Project: Putnam Park pollinators
My name is Isabelle, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. My hope is to one day go back to school to get at least my masters, and I would also love to go back to school to get my nursing degree. I hope to work in the medical field, and more specifically, I would love to work in a hospital setting as a nurse. Outside of school, I love to watch movies, go for walks, workout at the gym, hangout with my friends, and eat fun foods.

Madison Russell
Project: Putnam Park pollinators
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, I am Biology major with a minor in pre preprofessional health on the pre medical route. I am passionate about all things medical as well as ways to help innovate and advance our understanding on pretty much anything! I believe that with sustainability and affordability we can improve the quality of so many lives and the quality of our climate. In my freetime I enjoy running, working at my jobs, and watching movies (over and over again).

Gracie Miller
Project: Nectar micronutrients
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire pursuing a degree in Biology with an emphasis on the environment and ecology. I am passionate about the effects of climate change as well as wildlife rehabilitation. Outside of my academics I enjoy spending time outside, thrifting, and working on hobbies like art.

Megan Anderson
Project: Nectar micronutrients
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, pursuing a degree in Biology and Environmental Sciences. My academic interests center on the broad impacts of climate change, with a particular focus on how it influences species distribution, population dynamics, native ranges, and long-term survival. Outside of academics, you can find me hiking, exploring new restaurants, thrifting, and looking after my large collection of houseplants!

Faith Thornton
Project: Nectar micronutrients
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire seeking a degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology. I grew up in a family where conservation has always been important to us. Researching bees and how temperature is affecting them is so important to conservation. Bees play such a larger role in ecosystems and our food systems, so I am enthusiastic about researching bees. In my free time you can find me hiking, camping, snowboarding, or just hanging out in a hammock!
Lab alumni
Mackenzie Miner (2024-2025)
Jasmine Pearson (2025)