Dr. Omkar Joshi
Associate Professor
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
Oklahoma State University
omkar.joshi@okstate.edu
RESEARCH
Stakeholder perceptions on Cross-Timbers resource management
​
Morgan Starr leads this project that focuses primarily on how a variety of stakeholders (i.e. government, industry, academic, landowners, non-governmental organizations, etc.) view active management in the Cross-timbers ecoregion. Specifically, why active management is largely absent in the region. Additionally this project also seeks to understand how stakeholders view market opportunities in the region as well.
Economic and ecological impacts of Kudzu invasion under threats of climate change
​
Master student Paulina Harron is leading the study of kudzu impacts in Oklahoma, USA. We are interested in analyzing the short term economic impacts on soybean farming due to the growth and success of kudzu (Pueraria montana), a carrier of both soybean rust and new invasive pest kudzu bug (Megacopta cribraria). Economic impacts will be calculated through the use of IMPLAN data and software. Additionally, we are working on future projections of kudzu growth in Oklahoma and neighboring states under predicted climate scenarios. Current location points and species distribution models, BIOMOD, will be utilized. This information will be helpful in creating strategies to manage and control this invasive species' population in the future.
Quantification and economic impact analysis of eastern redcedar use
​
Through the efforts of master's student Ravneet Kaur, this research focuses on quantifying the marketable volume of Eastern redcedar and identifying industrial hotspots in Oklahoma, providing a new management implication. Additionally, this project also involves calculating job opportunities from industrial utilization of eastern redcedar for a variety of products. To meet these objectives we'll be using data from FIA (Forest Inventory and Analysis) and IMPLAN for input-output modelling. Also, ArcGIS technique will be used for locating the potential industrial hotspots.
Assessing the human dimensions and social carrying capacity of black bear (Ursus americanus) in eastern Oklahoma
​
This project, under the leadership of master student Madeleine Cleary, uses a mail-survey to assess elements of the value-attitude-behavior “cognitive hierarchy model” as well as risk perception and general awareness of Oklahoma residents towards black bears (Ursus americanus). The project will also quantify a black bear population size that residents deem “acceptable”, based on responses to several hypothetical situations representing different levels of human-black bear interaction and conflict. This project builds upon a growing body of conservation research that uses sociological and psychological theories to evaluate stakeholder’s cognitive and behavioral processes regarding wildlife, with the aim of creating more intuitive and equitable wildlife management.
Economic valuation and regional impacts of Canton Lake Fishery
​
Natural resources provide many benefits that aren’t readily quantifiable when making management decisions. Adam Frakes is working on this project which serves to estimate Canton Lake Fisheries hard-to-quantify economic & social impact on the local and regional communities surrounding Canton, Oklahoma. With this information resource managers (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation) will be able to discern whether alternative water use, specifically for Oklahoma City drinking water, is justifiable and how much of an impact it may have on these communities. On-site surveys will be conducted during the recreational season of 2018 to collect angler data.
Preventing the further spread of Kudzu in Oklahoma: A stakeholder perception analysis on best management practices (BMPs)
There is an overwhelming lack of research on the short and long-term impacts of kudzu invasion. Alyssa Whiteman, our undergraduate researcher, is interested in seeking to understand stakeholder's perceptions of the usefulness and detriment of applying best management practices to kudzu populations in Oklahoma. Additionally, she will be working to understand and find ways to overcome the perceived challenges of using best management practices in eradicating kudzu.
