Krause, Austin

Biography

Austin Jena Krause is a Lecturer who teaches courses integrating systems thinking for science, policy, and management. She draws upon her career experiences in both the private and public sectors to guide students through interdisciplinary teamwork to weigh wicked problems. Her courses also include professionalization, writing styles necessary for environmental careers, and enhancing students’ visions for continued career development. She enjoys seeing her former students have continued success with their careers in the private and public sectors.

Regular courses include GEO 105, Physical Geography, ENV 101, Introduction to Sustainability, ENV 310, Environmental Management and Regulations, ENV 360, Water Resources Management, and ENV 400, Environmental Studies Capstone.

Prior to joining Central Michigan University, she was a geomorphologist and hydrologist at a consulting firm in Berkeley, California, and worked for the USGS in Menlo Park, California. She managed projects and performed fieldwork such as channel surveys, streamflow measurements, and water-quality sampling aiding with restoration and adaptive management. Her Master’s research used fieldwork and HEC-RAS modeling to examine what happens when a dam gets removed. Other methods used include quantitative analysis of historical aerial photographs, remote sensing, LiDAR and GIS. Earlier projects in Mexico and Northern California included sediment coring in shallow lakes and marshes, radiocarbon dating, and pollen analysis. She also worked on a team to develop, run, and analyze a technique for radiocarbon dating and tritium analysis of trees.