Karen E. Hodges
Associate Professor, Biology
3333 University Way
University of British Columbia Okanagan
Kelowna B.C. V1V 1V7, Canada
Tel: 250 807-8763
Fax: 250 807-8005
karen.hodges@ubc.ca
Education and Honours
Bert Brink Canada Research Chair in Conservation Biology
Aldo Leopold Leadership Progam Fellow www.leopoldleadership.org
Ph.D., University of British Columbia, Vancouver (Zoology)
B.A. Summa cum laude, Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts (English and Biology)
Major Research Interests
Human activities are causing species extinctions, extensive loss of habitats, damage to existing wild areas, and global-scale changes in climate that are altering the distribution, abundance, and survival of many species.
As a conservation biologist, my primary research is focused on how range position and habitat configuration affect species interactions and endangerment of at-risk species. I am particularly interested in understanding population dynamics at the periphery of species’ ranges, as these populations may either be more vulnerable to the various threats facing many of the world's species or may contribute to range expansions as species respond to rapid climate change. The majority of my field-based research projects examine terrestrial vertebrates in western montane forests (e.g. Rockies, Cascades, and other mountain chains) and the sage-steppe habitats within the Okanagan region of B.C. Research projects by people in my lab group often require demographic, behavioural, genetic, or GIS tools to examine how species respond to different habitat types and landscape patterns. Other projects address the scientific effectiveness of conservation laws and policies, particularly the critical habitat provisions of the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Canadian Species at Risk Act.
If you are interested in joining my lab group, please explore these pages further. I welcome working with undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers.
- Overview of my research program
- Population dynamics of snowshoe hares in the western U.S.
- Conservation value, demography, and protection strategies for peripheral populations
The lab group 
Teaching
- Biol 203: Introduction to Ecology
- Biol 313: Science Writing
- Biol 422 / 513: Conservation Biology
- Biol 401/512: Spatial Ecology
- Biol 502: The Culture of Science
Other Activities
Some Useful Links
- Species at risk in the Okanagan region of B.C.
- The Species at Risk and Habitat Studies Centre
- Applying for graduate studies at UBC Okanagan
- Biology Graduate Program
All photographs in this website are © Karen E. Hodges
Website last updated: July 2012
Last reviewed 
5/8/2013 8:30:20 PM