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.
Andy Ramey, Ph.D.
Through my service at the USGS Alaska Science Center, I support the development and application of genetic and genomic tools to advance molecular ecology research pertaining to wildlife health and disease, population genetics, and environmental DNA. Research in the Molecular Ecology Lab promotes informed decisions regarding the conservation of fish and wildlife resources.
I currently serve as the Director of the Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center. The team of scientists working in the Molecular Ecology Lab develops and applies tools to obtain information on the health, distribution, and genomic characteristics of biological natural resources. This includes collecting and interpreting data on the health and disease status of fish and wildlife, the genetics of animal and plant populations, and the distribution of animals and pathogens using environmental DNA. We use this information to help partners and the public to make informed decisions regarding the conservation of fish and wildlife resources.
Professional Experience
2012 - Present Research Wildlife Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska
2006 - 2012 Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska
2003 - 2006 Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska
2001 - 2002 Biological Science Technician, Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2015 University of Georgia, Athens, GA Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
B.S. 2001 Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO Fishery Biology and Wildlife Biology
Affiliations and Memberships*
Associate Editor: Journal of Wildlife Diseases (2016 - present)
Associate Editor: Ornithology (2020 – present)
Member: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Ornithological Society (elected), Wildlife Disease Association
Reviewer: more than 35 journal outlets
Honors and Awards
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Star Award: 2002
U.S. Geological Survey Star Award: 2003, 2007 - 2009
U.S. Geological Survey performance awards: 2010 - 2022
Science and Products
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds
Q&A: Bird Flu - Ongoing Threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Alaska and North America
Avian Influenza Research
Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska
Q&A: The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Acquired by Wild Birds in Urban Settings and Dispersed via Migration
Molecular Ecology Laboratory
Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.)
Blue-winged Teal and Cross Continental Avian Influenza Transmission
Swan Research
Tracking Data for Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors)
High Priority Species for Avian Influenza in Alaska
Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022
Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons
Molecular Sexing of Birds Using Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of Sex-Linked Genes and Logistic Models
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions
Antimicrobial Resistance Testing and qPCR Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Surface Water and Gull (Larus spp.) Feces on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, 2021
Data measuring avian influenza infection, mercury concentration, and body condition in wild waterfowl
Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in Alaska Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions
Blood Parasite Infection, Body Mass, and Survival Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2006-2016
Blood Parasite Infection Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) and Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1998-2014
Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.)
Data for Continental-Scale Dispersal of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria by Alaska Landfill-Foraging Gulls
Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in North American Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions
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.
Andrew Reeves retrieving samples within Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska as part of USGS research to investigate the persistence of avian influenza viruses in North American wetlands. USGS scientists and colleagues found that influenza A viruses may remain infectious in surface waters of northern wetlands for more than seven months.
Andrew Reeves retrieving samples within Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska as part of USGS research to investigate the persistence of avian influenza viruses in North American wetlands. USGS scientists and colleagues found that influenza A viruses may remain infectious in surface waters of northern wetlands for more than seven months.
A Blue-winged Teal flying over an sampling area in Texas. Researchers were taking genetic samples for the Alaska Science Center.
A Blue-winged Teal flying over an sampling area in Texas. Researchers were taking genetic samples for the Alaska Science Center.
![Blue-winged teal in Texas with an inset that shows the avian influenza virus](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/BWTE_closeup_Andy_Ramey.jpg?itok=Tx6jOYbT)
Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus
Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus
Andy Reeves is holding a Glaucous Gull that was capture, sampled for avian influenza and banded near Barrow, Alaska.
Andy Reeves is holding a Glaucous Gull that was capture, sampled for avian influenza and banded near Barrow, Alaska.
Three caribou standing in the tundra. These caribou are part of the Porcupine caribou herd.
Three caribou standing in the tundra. These caribou are part of the Porcupine caribou herd.
Sero-epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza viruses among wild birds in subarctic intercontinental transition zones
Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models
Environmental DNA as a tool for better understanding the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic and Pacific salmon
Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska
High pathogenicity avian influenza represents an unprecedented conservation challenge for globally declining seabird populations. Response to: Editorial, Protect wildlife from livestock diseases (Thijs Kuiken & Ruth Cromie)
Avian influenza in wild birds
Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks
Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing
Exchange of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 38 intercontinentally and among wild bird, human, and environmental niches
Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration
Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos)
A serological survey of Francisella tularensis exposure in wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska
Science and Products
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Migratory Birds
Q&A: Bird Flu - Ongoing Threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Alaska and North America
Avian Influenza Research
Wildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska
Q&A: The Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Acquired by Wild Birds in Urban Settings and Dispersed via Migration
Molecular Ecology Laboratory
Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.)
Blue-winged Teal and Cross Continental Avian Influenza Transmission
Swan Research
Tracking Data for Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors)
High Priority Species for Avian Influenza in Alaska
Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022
Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons
Molecular Sexing of Birds Using Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of Sex-Linked Genes and Logistic Models
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions
Antimicrobial Resistance Testing and qPCR Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Surface Water and Gull (Larus spp.) Feces on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, 2021
Data measuring avian influenza infection, mercury concentration, and body condition in wild waterfowl
Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in Alaska Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions
Blood Parasite Infection, Body Mass, and Survival Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2006-2016
Blood Parasite Infection Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) and Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1998-2014
Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.)
Data for Continental-Scale Dispersal of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria by Alaska Landfill-Foraging Gulls
Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in North American Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions
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.
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.
Andrew Reeves retrieving samples within Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska as part of USGS research to investigate the persistence of avian influenza viruses in North American wetlands. USGS scientists and colleagues found that influenza A viruses may remain infectious in surface waters of northern wetlands for more than seven months.
Andrew Reeves retrieving samples within Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska as part of USGS research to investigate the persistence of avian influenza viruses in North American wetlands. USGS scientists and colleagues found that influenza A viruses may remain infectious in surface waters of northern wetlands for more than seven months.
A Blue-winged Teal flying over an sampling area in Texas. Researchers were taking genetic samples for the Alaska Science Center.
A Blue-winged Teal flying over an sampling area in Texas. Researchers were taking genetic samples for the Alaska Science Center.
![Blue-winged teal in Texas with an inset that shows the avian influenza virus](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/BWTE_closeup_Andy_Ramey.jpg?itok=Tx6jOYbT)
Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus
Blue-winged teal in Texas. Inset shows avian influenza virus
Andy Reeves is holding a Glaucous Gull that was capture, sampled for avian influenza and banded near Barrow, Alaska.
Andy Reeves is holding a Glaucous Gull that was capture, sampled for avian influenza and banded near Barrow, Alaska.
Three caribou standing in the tundra. These caribou are part of the Porcupine caribou herd.
Three caribou standing in the tundra. These caribou are part of the Porcupine caribou herd.
Sero-epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza viruses among wild birds in subarctic intercontinental transition zones
Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models
Environmental DNA as a tool for better understanding the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic and Pacific salmon
Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska
High pathogenicity avian influenza represents an unprecedented conservation challenge for globally declining seabird populations. Response to: Editorial, Protect wildlife from livestock diseases (Thijs Kuiken & Ruth Cromie)
Avian influenza in wild birds
Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks
Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing
Exchange of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 38 intercontinentally and among wild bird, human, and environmental niches
Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration
Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos)
A serological survey of Francisella tularensis exposure in wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government