About me.
I have been an Associate Professor of Biology at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO since 2016. In addition to teaching and conducting research on the ecology and behavior of American pikas (Ochotona princeps), I am also committed to science communication and to inspiring the next generation of scientists. You can read more about my work as an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador (an initiative to support female STEM role models in the media) here!
Here, you’ll find a summary of my research, education and outreach as well as contact information. I look forward to hearing from you!
Here, you’ll find a summary of my research, education and outreach as well as contact information. I look forward to hearing from you!
News.
“Pika Spotting? There’s an App for That” – multiple outlets
GJ Sentinel: https://www.gjsentinel.com/news/pika-spotting-theres-now-an-app-for-that/article_c62108b2-3f75-11ed-a9c5-47cad225b92e.html
Colorado Public Radio: https://www.cpr.org/2022/09/28/colorado-pika-project-phone-app/
The Denver Post: https://www.denverpost.com/2022/10/15/colorado-rocky-mountains-pika-preservation-project/
“Most Influential Women in STEM” Maverick Magazine, Summer 2022
The Maverick Magazine: https://indd.adobe.com/view/57ea11c3-3231-4037-a875-975cedf3b597
“Meet the Cutest Animal Ever: Pikas!” CBS Television: Mission Unstoppable
CBS Television: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxFPb5E9chA
Colorado Public Radio, Colorado Matters
Colorado Public Radio: https://www.cpr.org/show-segment/a-colorado-biologists-passion-for-spheres-with-ears-or-pikas-
and-what-they-say-about-climate-change/
Oregon Field Guides: “Pika Comeback”
Oregon Public Broadcasting: https://video.rmpbs.org/video/pika-come-back-tw9yan/
#MySciComm: Johanna Varner on the Personal Interactions That Make a Big Difference. I was excited to contribute a piece to the ESA Communication & Engagement Section Blog. https://www.esa.org/communication-engagement/2019/04/03/myscicomm-johanna-varner-on-the-personal-interactions-that-make-a-big-difference/
What can the world's cutest animal teach us about saving ourselves | Hot Mess. PBS Digital Studios' new YouTube show Hot Mess covered some of my research on pikas and moss! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF8ym4g2SCU
“Pikas: Cute Animal, Serious Science.” Tumble Podcast episode about pikas and climate change.
http://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/single-post/2018/04/19/Pikas-Cute-Animal-Serious-Science
Tracking Pikas in Hostile Territory. https://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/5967828-151/tracking-pikas-in-hostile-territory
Early Career Award for Public Engagement in Science. I was honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award from AAAS! https://www.aaas.org/page/early-career-award-public-engagement-science-recipients
Whoops! 12 Tales of Accidental Brilliance in Science. My surprise study on pika survival after a wildfire made the short list for NPR Science's Golden Mole Award for Accidental Brilliance!
http://www.npr.org/2016/02/24/467805055/whoops-twelve-tales-of-accidental-brilliance-in-science
http://skunkbear.tumblr.com/post/139936785619/read-more-about-the-nominees-for-the-golden-mole
Pikas in the Columbia River Gorge were featured on Oregon Field Guides!
http://www.opb.org/television/programs/ofg/episodes/2710/
GJ Sentinel: https://www.gjsentinel.com/news/pika-spotting-theres-now-an-app-for-that/article_c62108b2-3f75-11ed-a9c5-47cad225b92e.html
Colorado Public Radio: https://www.cpr.org/2022/09/28/colorado-pika-project-phone-app/
The Denver Post: https://www.denverpost.com/2022/10/15/colorado-rocky-mountains-pika-preservation-project/
“Most Influential Women in STEM” Maverick Magazine, Summer 2022
The Maverick Magazine: https://indd.adobe.com/view/57ea11c3-3231-4037-a875-975cedf3b597
“Meet the Cutest Animal Ever: Pikas!” CBS Television: Mission Unstoppable
CBS Television: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxFPb5E9chA
Colorado Public Radio, Colorado Matters
Colorado Public Radio: https://www.cpr.org/show-segment/a-colorado-biologists-passion-for-spheres-with-ears-or-pikas-
and-what-they-say-about-climate-change/
Oregon Field Guides: “Pika Comeback”
Oregon Public Broadcasting: https://video.rmpbs.org/video/pika-come-back-tw9yan/
#MySciComm: Johanna Varner on the Personal Interactions That Make a Big Difference. I was excited to contribute a piece to the ESA Communication & Engagement Section Blog. https://www.esa.org/communication-engagement/2019/04/03/myscicomm-johanna-varner-on-the-personal-interactions-that-make-a-big-difference/
What can the world's cutest animal teach us about saving ourselves | Hot Mess. PBS Digital Studios' new YouTube show Hot Mess covered some of my research on pikas and moss! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF8ym4g2SCU
“Pikas: Cute Animal, Serious Science.” Tumble Podcast episode about pikas and climate change.
http://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/single-post/2018/04/19/Pikas-Cute-Animal-Serious-Science
Tracking Pikas in Hostile Territory. https://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/5967828-151/tracking-pikas-in-hostile-territory
Early Career Award for Public Engagement in Science. I was honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award from AAAS! https://www.aaas.org/page/early-career-award-public-engagement-science-recipients
Whoops! 12 Tales of Accidental Brilliance in Science. My surprise study on pika survival after a wildfire made the short list for NPR Science's Golden Mole Award for Accidental Brilliance!
http://www.npr.org/2016/02/24/467805055/whoops-twelve-tales-of-accidental-brilliance-in-science
http://skunkbear.tumblr.com/post/139936785619/read-more-about-the-nominees-for-the-golden-mole
Pikas in the Columbia River Gorge were featured on Oregon Field Guides!
http://www.opb.org/television/programs/ofg/episodes/2710/
