News

Howdy Abroad: An Interview with Graduate Student and Fulbright Recipient Melissa Meierhofer

Melissa Meierhofer is a Ph.D. candidate in Wildlife and Fisheries Science at Texas A&M and a research associate at A&M’s Natural Resources Institute. The recipient of a Fulbright Grant for the 2019-2020 academic year, she is currently living and studying in Finland. Her research focuses on a fungus-causing disease in bats called “white-nose syndrome,” which is spreading rapidly in North America. In Finland, she is working with other researchers to create mathematical models of the spread of the disease to assist the U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service as they try to save bat species. OGAPS caught up with Meierhofer for an update on her research and life in Finland.

Researcher's illustrations appear in Field Identification Key and Guide for U.S. Bat ID Project

Research Associate Krysta Demere was asked to illustrate the anatomical drawings for the U.S. Bat ID Project for the Center for Disease Control in late 2017, and now after a year-long process, the official Field Identification Key and Guide for Bats of the United States of America is published!

Research on bats funded by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

News Wise: Multi-year grant focuses on integrated disease management of white-nose syndrome in bats

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and partners announce 2018 Bats for the Future Fund

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the Avangrid Foundation, Southern Company, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service, announced the 2018 round of funding for the Bats for the Future Fund. Four grants totaling $1.1 million were awarded to prevent and slow the spread of white-nose syndrome (WNS), advance management tools and treatments to minimize WNS, promote the survival and recovery of WNS-affected bats, and support innovative research leading to lasting management solutions.

Skype A Scientist program lets NRI research associate connect to new audience

What are bat wings made of? How are bats different from birds? What is the oldest bat in the world?

These were some of the questions Melissa Meierhofer, research associate with Texas A&M AgriLife Research based in College Station, was asked recently by a third-grade class at Wells Elementary School in Wells, Nevada, during her first Skype a Scientist experience.

White-Nose Syndrome Fungus Detected in Central Texas

The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, a deadly disease for bats, has been detected for the first time in central Texas counties. Learn more about the disease and efforts to study it here.

Texas A&M AgriLife helping address disease deadly to bats

COLLEGE STATION – The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in hibernating bats has been detected on three species in the Texas counties of Childress, Collingsworth, Cottle, Hardeman, King and Scurry.

Texas A&M institute sends up ‘bat signal’ for help from Texas landowners

The Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources bat research team is asking Texas residents to help document bat species and populations throughout the state.