PhD Defense Announcement: Josie Otto

The Graduate Degree Program in Ecology and the Department of Biology at Colorado State University are pleased to announce the PhD defense of Josie Otto, advised by Dr. Meena Balgopal.

Dissertation Title:
Learning to Reason, Learning to Lead: From Worldviews to Professional Identities in Ecology Education

Date & Time:
Friday, October 24, 2025
2:15 PM MDT

Location:
Natural Resources Building, Room 345
Colorado State University

Remote Access:
Join online via col.st/rm44u
(QR code available on flyer)

Josie Otto’s dissertation explores the intersection of ecological reasoning and leadership development in higher education, focusing on how students’ worldviews shape their professional identities in the field of ecology. Her work contributes to the growing body of research on science education, identity formation, and interdisciplinary learning.

All faculty, students, and members of the CSU academic community are warmly invited to attend and support Josie in this important milestone.