July 2026 Spotlight (Cole Knaus)
Cole Knaus, Second Year Master’s Student (Starting as Ph.D. Student this fall!)
About me: I’m a Minnesota native who grew up just outside the Twin Cities. From a young age, I was passionate about wildlife, with a particular fascination for insects. In the spring of 2023, I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, with an emphasis in Wildlife. That summer, I worked for the U.S. Geological Survey, surveying rusty-patched bumble bee habitat across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Now a Columbus resident and graduate student at The Ohio State University, I miss the northern Midwest but love Columbus’ food scene, metro parks, and hospitality.
Research: My master’s research focused on species distribution modeling to map climatically suitable habitat for bumble bees. I am particularly interested in using these tools to find potential reintroduction sites for the federally endangered rusty-patched bumble bee. Having recently defended my M.S. thesis, which compared model outputs to quantify species co-occurrence, I am now preparing to publish this work. Looking ahead to my Ph.D. in the same lab, I plan to dive deeper into the local, on-the-ground mechanics of these potential reintroduction sites by analyzing pathogen prevalence, floral resource availability, pesticide usage, and species co-occurrence.
Get to know me!
Where are you happiest?
Growing up, I spent every summer at my family's cabin in northern Minnesota, and I still visit every chance I get. Though a bit rustic, it is my favorite place on earth, one where I could happily spend the rest of my life. Tucked away on one of Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes, this secluded spot holds my fondest memories of fishing, swimming, exploring the woods, and stargazing with family. It’s the place where I am truly happiest.
What is your favorite thing on your desk and why?
While walking across campus in the spring of 2026, I found a dead polyphemus moth on the sidewalk, which I now keep in a petri dish on my desk. One of my favorite hobbies growing up was raising moths and butterflies, including a summer during the Covid pandemic when I raised over 40 polyphemus moths. Having it on my desk is a reminder of those childhood memories and a hobby that I have much less time for now, though I still love to dabble in it whenever the opportunity presents itself.
What is your favorite sports team?
I am a Minnesota sports fan, which carries a heavy emotional cost every single year. For those who don't know, Minnesota has the longest championship drought of any state with teams representing the four major sports leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB). The Twins won the World Series back in 1991, but the state has been cursed ever since. Worst of all, I am a diehard fan of the Minnesota Vikings. They always manage to find the most heartbreaking ways to lose in the postseason, and while they have never won a Super Bowl, I continue to root for them, only to find myself disappointed every January. 2026 is definitely our year though, right?
Congratulations on your upcoming Master's graduation, Cole, and best wishes as you continue your new journey as a Ph.D. student in Dr. Strange's lab at The Ohio State University!
Editor: Dahee Ahn