Pamela KittelsonFaculty and Student

Professor in Biology and Environmental Studies, Advisor & Director in Fellowships Office, and Professor in Environment Geography and Earth

My work is driven by a curiosity about the processes and organisms that make life on our planet so unique.  While humans are an amazing species, our interactions with other living beings have a large, negative impact. My research focuses on how habitat fragmentation and loss affect plant populations, specifically how variability can change when population sizes are reduced. My research students and I document changes to genetic diversity, plant traits and functional responses.  We have found that small and/or isolated habitats can erode genetic variability over time, which can result in populations less able to make a living or respond to change. When populations lose variability they also may lose connective threads to the continuum of life.  My lab also has published work that can help land managers understand these patterns and define strategies for maintaining diversity. 

I find joy in sharing my love of biology with students in the classes I teach and via the research I do.  I am fascinated by how plants make a living from light and use it to tell time or if neighbors are nearby, or how they can communicate with other organisms using diverse biochemicals.  Over the years, I have labeled myself as an evolutionary ecologist, a botanist, a population ecologist and a physiological ecologist.  These variable identities are correct and yet incomplete. I enjoy opportunities for experiential education, where we muck about in the field, observe patterns, learn from one another, collect interesting data, wonder, respect and make connections. 

I also advise and support students applying for nationally-competitive scholarships and fellowships such as Fulbright, Truman, Udall, and Goldwater among many others.  I help students develop a narrative that connects their skills, interests and contributions with their future goals. 

Education

B. A. Colorado College; M. A. Humboldt State University; Ph. D. University of California, Davis. First Generation College Graduate



Courses Taught

BIO-202 (Evolutn, Ecol and Behav w/Lab) and IDS-298 (Chal Sem: A Simple Life)

Past
Synonym Title Times Taught Terms Taught
BIO-202 Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior Lab 24 2023/SP, 2022/SP, 2019/SP, 2018/SP, 2017/SP, 2016/SP, 2015/SP, 2013/SP, 2012/SP, 2010/SP, 2009/SP, 2008/SP, 2007/SP, 2005/SP, 2004/SP, 2003/SP, 2002/SP, 2001/SP, and 2000/SP
BIO-202 Evol/Ecol/Behav w/lab ES MJRS 18 2023/SP, 2021/SP, 2019/SP, 2018/SP, 2017/SP, 2016/SP, 2015/SP, 2013/SP, 2012/SP, 2010/SP, 2009/SP, 2008/SP, 2007/SP, 2005/SP, 2004/SP, 2003/SP, 2002/SP, and 2001/SP
BIO-101 Principles of Biology 16 2018/FA, 2017/FA, 2015/FA, 2014/FA, 2011/FA, 2008/FA, 2007/FA, 2001/FA, 2000/FA, and 1999/FA
BIO-370 Ecology Lab 13 2021/SP, 2018/SP, 2017/SP, 2016/SP, 2015/SP, 2013/SP, 2008/SP, 2005/SP, 2004/SP, 2003/SP, 2002/SP, 2001/SP, and 2000/SP
BIO-370 Ecology 13 2021/SP, 2018/SP, 2017/SP, 2016/SP, 2015/SP, 2013/SP, 2008/SP, 2005/SP, 2004/SP, 2003/SP, 2002/SP, 2001/SP, and 2000/SP
BIO-378 Plant Physiology Lab 12 2023/FA, 2021/FA, 2020/FA, 2016/FA, 2014/FA, 2012/FA, 2010/FA, 2008/FA, 2006/FA, 2003/FA, 2001/FA, and 2000/FA
BIO-378 Plant Physiology 12 2023/FA, 2021/FA, 2020/FA, 2016/FA, 2014/FA, 2012/FA, 2010/FA, 2008/FA, 2006/FA, 2003/FA, 2001/FA, and 2000/FA
BIO-101 Principles Lab 12 2021/FA, 2018/FA, 2017/FA, 2014/FA, 2011/FA, 2008/FA, 2007/FA, 2001/FA, 2000/FA, and 1999/FA
BIO-392 Biology Research 5 2021/FA, 2020/FA, 2019/SP, 2017/FA, and 2004/JN
BIO-100 Biodiversity Lab 5 2006/FA, 2004/FA, and 2003/FA
BIO-126 Horticulture 4 2012/JN, 2009/JN, 2007/JN, and 2004/JN
BIO-100 Biodiversity 3 2006/FA, 2004/FA, and 2003/FA
BIO-123 Natural History of California 3 2003/JN, 2002/JN, and 2001/JN
BIO-344 ST:Disturb/Resilience 2 2020/FA and 2012/SP
BIO-377 Systematics Lab 2 2011/SP
IDS-228 A Simple Life 1 2022/FA
BIO-397 Honors Thesis 1 2018/FA
FTS-100 FTS:Explorer Naturlst 1 2016/FA
CUR-399 Senior Seminar 1 2012/FA
IDS-245 India Religion, Culture, and Society 1 2009/FA
IDS-243 Environment, Ecology, and Livelihood 1 2009/FA
IDS-246 Global Development 1 2009/FA
IDS-247 Liberation Movements 1 2009/FA
BIO-396 Directed Research: Plant Ecology 1 2004/FA
BIO-268 Career Exploration 1 2002/JN
Courses prior to Spring semester 1999 are not displayed.