Molecular Ecology Lab
View video about how genetics helps answer questions about wildlife populations, health, and disease
View video about how genetics helps answer questions about wildlife populations, health, and disease
Molecular Ecology Laboratory
Molecular ecology is the study of the earth and its ecosystems through genetic methods. The objectives of our research program are to: Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about species and population diagnosis, biodiversity, and the health of wildlife and their habitats to inform decision making by management agencies and provide molecular science applications and protocols for our partners.
Publications
U.S. Geological Survey science strategy to address highly pathogenic avian influenza and its effects on wildlife health 2025–29 U.S. Geological Survey science strategy to address highly pathogenic avian influenza and its effects on wildlife health 2025–29
Executive SummaryHighly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an ecologically and economically important animal disease that can also directly affect humans (a “zoonotic” disease). HPAI was once limited almost exclusively to domestic poultry but has rapidly adapted to diverse animal hosts. Viruses causing HPAI now appear to be maintained and dispersed by wild birds largely independent of...
Detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in surface water of a subarctic city Detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in surface water of a subarctic city
Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. are globally distributed protozoan parasites that can cause gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. These zoonotic parasites and their ecological relationships have been understudied in Alaska and elsewhere, despite being identified as priority zoonotic pathogens. We aimed to detect and characterize Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. in waterbodies...
Development of a genotyping-in-thousands by sequencing (GT-seq) panel for identifying individuals and estimating relatedness among Alaska black bears (Ursus americanus) Development of a genotyping-in-thousands by sequencing (GT-seq) panel for identifying individuals and estimating relatedness among Alaska black bears (Ursus americanus)
The management and conservation of large mammals, such as black bears (Ursus americanus), have long been informed by genetic estimates of population size and individual dispersal. Amplicon sequencing methods, also known as ‘genotyping-in-thousands-by sequencing’ (GT-seq), now enable the efficient and cost-effective genotyping of hundreds of loci and individuals in the same sequencing run...
Science
Q&A: The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center
The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center provides genetic information on the health and status of biological resources for diverse local, state, and federal partners. Hypothesis-driven research projects are designed to fill data gaps and inform decisions for Department of Interior and other management agencies. The Molecular Ecology Lab research portfolio currently includes...