Wieteke Holthuijzen
Wieteke Holthuijzen
Simberloff lab
Originally from Boise, Idaho, I have worked across the country assisting on various research projects ranging from long-term effects of timber harvest on avian biodiversity to avian dusk chorus community dynamics to endangered species monitoring. I completed my M.Sc. in Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University, after serving as Midway Atoll NWR’s Invasive Plant Control Specialist through Kupu’s Conservation Leadership Development Program. On the side, I serve as a Board Director with the Friends of Midway Atoll NWR , Communications Committee Co-Coordinator with the Pacific Seabird Group, and create science education videos for Khan Academy.
Research Interest
Invasion ecology, invasive mammals, diet analysis, trophic ecology, restoration ecology, stable isotope ecology, conservation biology, biogeography, seabird islands, island ecology
Faculty Advisor
Degree Pursuing
Education
University of Idaho, B.Sc. Environmental Science, 2014
Northern Illinois University, M.Sc. Biological Sciences, 2021
Research
My research interest lies in the nexus of nature and humans, especially regarding the effects of introduced biota in complex and layered landscapes that are continually shaped by human activities—past and present. Currently, I study the diet of introduced, invasive house mouse (Mus musculus) populations on insular ecosystems. Using a range of techniques, from next-generation sequencing to stable isotopes, I seek to understand how this widespread rodent species impacts island biota and how to maximize insular ecosystem recovery. To reach this goal, I have obtained a B.Sc. degree in Environmental Science and a M.Sc. degree in Biological Sciences. Additionally, I am committed to growing and supporting more inclusive communities through science communication and education; meaningful and effective science requires a diversity of perspectives, opportunities, and engagement.