Dr. Katherine (Katie) McNamara Manning is a Postdoctoral Research Development Specialist at Kent State University's Environmental Science and Design Research Institute (ESDRI). She holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the Department of Biological Sciences at Kent State University, a BS in Environmental Biology/Zoology from the Department of Integrative Biology at Michigan State University, and is a certified Green Roof Professional.

​

In her current role, Katie manages Institute communications, administers grants, coordinates events, and serves as Coordinator of the ESDRI Fellows Program. 

​

Her research has focused on biodiversity ecology in managed systems, with interests in investigating the effect of frame-of-reference on scientific findings. She is experienced in the research areas in beneficial insects, native bees, insect biodiversity, living architecture, community and urban ecology.

 

While pursuing her doctoral research, Katie also enjoyed taking on roles within the university to advocate for fellow grad students, serving on the university’s Graduate Student Senate and the department’s Biology Graduate Student Council and Graduate Studies Committee. 

​

Prior to joining Kent State, Katie worked as a research technician in several labs at Michigan State University and as a staff entomologist and educator at The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World.