Monika Springer
Areas of expertise
Aquatic Ecology & Entomology, Aquatic Biomonitoring & Conservation
Degrees
- B.S. in Biology, University of Munich, Germany
- M.S. in Biology, University of Munich, Germany
- Ph.D. studies in Aquatic Entomology, University of Munich, Germany
Potential student research areas
- Biology and natural history of aquatic insects
- Ecology of aquatic macroinvertebrates and their response to human impact on aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands, lakes, rivers and streams
- Effect of different anthropogenic activities on aquatic ecosystems and their fauna, such as agriculture, construction of dams, introduction of exotic species, and pollution from different sources
- Application of biological indices in water quality studies
Biography
Monika Springer was born and raised in Bavaria, Germany. In 1990, Monika came to Costa Rica as a graduate student to study tropical biology in the School of Biology at the University of Costa Rica, where she became a professor five years later. She teaches courses in Aquatic Insect Taxonomy, Entomology, Aquatic Ecology, and General Biology. She also teaches courses for foreign students in Tropical Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation, and has worked in the past as a tourist guide, traveling throughout Costa Rica. Her research is primarily in Aquatic Entomology, including basic research on the taxonomy and biology of aquatic insects and their use in biological monitoring. Other research interests include aquatic ecology and biodiversity conservation. Her graduate students, from UCR and foreign universities, have done thesis research in diverse areas of Aquatic Entomology. Over the past years, Monika has advised many ACM students in the spring Field Research program.