Andy Ramey, Ph.D.
Andy Ramey is the Director of the Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center. He leads a team of scientists that develop and apply genomic tools to advance 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.
Andy Ramey currently serves as the Director of the Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center. Scientists working in the Molecular Ecology Lab develop and apply 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 genomics of animal and plant populations, and the distribution of animals and pathogens using environmental DNA. Information is used by 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 (2020–2024)
Member: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Ornithological Society (elected), Wildlife Disease Association
Reviewer: more than 40 journal outlets
Science and Products
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Interspecies transmission and limited persistence of low pathogenic avian influenza genomes among Alaska dabbling ducks Interspecies transmission and limited persistence of low pathogenic avian influenza genomes among Alaska dabbling ducks
The reassortment and geographic distribution of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus genes are well documented, but little is known about the persistence of intact LPAI genomes among species and locations. To examine persistence of entire LPAI genome constellations in Alaska, we calculated the genetic identities among 161 full-genome LPAI viruses isolated across 4 years from five...
Authors
Andrew B. Reeves, John M. Pearce, Andrew M. Ramey, Brandt W. Meixell, Jonathan A. Runstadler
Evidence for limited exchange of avian influenza viruses between seaducks and dabbling ducks at Alaska Peninsula coastal lagoons Evidence for limited exchange of avian influenza viruses between seaducks and dabbling ducks at Alaska Peninsula coastal lagoons
Avian influenza virus (AIV) prevalence and sequence data were analyzed for Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) to assess the role of this species in transporting virus genes between continents and maintaining a regional viral reservoir with sympatric northern pintails (Anas acuta). AIV prevalence was 0.2% at Izembek Lagoon and 3.9% at Nelson Lagoon for Steller's eiders and 11.2% for...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, John M. Pearce, Andrew B. Reeves, J. Christian Franson, Margaret R. Petersen, S. Ip
Interspecific exchange of avian influenza virus genes in Alaska: The influence of trans-hemispheric migratory tendency and breeding ground sympatry Interspecific exchange of avian influenza virus genes in Alaska: The influence of trans-hemispheric migratory tendency and breeding ground sympatry
The movement and transmission of avian influenza viral strains via wild migratory birds may vary by host species as a result of migratory tendency and sympatry with other infected individuals. To examine the roles of host migratory tendency and species sympatry on the movement of Eurasian low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) genes into North America, we characterized migratory patterns...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Andrew B. Reeves, Andrew M. Ramey, Jerry W. Hupp, S. Ip, M. Bertram, M.J. Petrula, B.D. Scotton, K.A. Trust, Brandt W. Meixell, J.A. Runstadler
Variation in spring migration routes and breeding distribution of northern pintails Anas acuta that winter in Japan Variation in spring migration routes and breeding distribution of northern pintails Anas acuta that winter in Japan
In North America, spring migration routes and breeding distribution of northern pintails Anas acuta vary because some individuals opportunistically nest at mid-latitudes in years when ephemeral prairie wetlands are available, whereas others regularly nest in arctic and sub-arctic regions where wetland abundance is more constant. Less was known about migration routes and breeding...
Authors
Jerry W. Hupp, Noriyuki Yamaguchi, Paul L. Flint, John M. Pearce, Ken-ichi Tokita, Tetsuo Shimada, Andrew M. Ramey, Sergei Kharitonov, Hiroyoshi Higuchi
Limited evidence of trans-hemispheric movement of avian influenza viruses among contemporary North American shorebird isolates Limited evidence of trans-hemispheric movement of avian influenza viruses among contemporary North American shorebird isolates
Migratory routes of gulls, terns, and shorebirds (Charadriiformes) are known to cross hemispheric boundaries and intersect with outbreak areas of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Prior assessments of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) among species of this taxonomic order found some evidence for trans-hemispheric movement of virus genes. To specifically clarify the role of...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Andrew M. Ramey, S. Ip, Robert E. Gill
Seabird bycatch in Alaska demersal longline fishery trials: a demographic summary Seabird bycatch in Alaska demersal longline fishery trials: a demographic summary
The seasonal and spatial demographics are summarized for seabirds killed incidentally during gear modification trials for a demersal longline fishery in the Bering Sea. We examined 417 carcasses, including Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis (n = 205), Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens (n = 103), Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris (n = 48), Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus...
Authors
Elizabeth M. Phillips, HannahRose M. Nevins, Scott A. Hatch, Andrew M. Ramey, Melissa A. Miller, James T. Harvey
Intercontinental reassortment and genomic variation of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses isolated from northern pintails (Anas acuta) in Alaska: examining the evidence through space and time Intercontinental reassortment and genomic variation of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses isolated from northern pintails (Anas acuta) in Alaska: examining the evidence through space and time
Migration and population genetic data for northern pintails (Anas acuta) and phylogenetic analysis of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses from this host in Alaska suggest that northern pintails are involved in ongoing intercontinental transmission of avian influenza. Here, we further refine this conclusion through phylogenetic analyses which demonstrate that detection of...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, John M. Pearce, Paul L. Flint, S. Ip, Dirk V. Derksen, J. Christian Franson, Michael J. Petrula, Bradley D. Scotton, Kristine M. Sowl, Michael L. Wege, Kimberly A. Trust
Transmission and reassortment of avian influenza viruses at the Asian-North American interface Transmission and reassortment of avian influenza viruses at the Asian-North American interface
Twenty avian influenza viruses were isolated from seven wild migratory bird species sampled at St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. We tested predictions based on previous phylogenetic analyses of avian influenza viruses that support spatially dependent trans-hemispheric gene flow and frequent interspecies transmission at a location situated at the Asian–North American interface. Through the...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, John M. Pearce, Craig R. Ely, Lisa M. Sheffield Guy, David B. Irons, Dirk V. Derksen, S. Ip
Evidence that pairing with genetically similar mates is maladaptive in a monogamous bird Evidence that pairing with genetically similar mates is maladaptive in a monogamous bird
Background Evidence of multiple genetic criteria of mate choice is accumulating in numerous taxa. In many species, females have been shown to pair with genetically dissimilar mates or with extra-pair partners that are more genetically compatible than their social mates, thereby increasing their offsprings' heterozygosity which often correlates with offspring fitness. While most studies...
Authors
Herve Mulard, E. Danchin, Sandra L. Talbot, Andrew M. Ramey, Scott A. Hatch, J.F. White, F. Helfenstein, R.H. Wagner
Avian influenza at both ends of a migratory flyway: characterizing viral genomic diversity to optimize surveillance plans for North America Avian influenza at both ends of a migratory flyway: characterizing viral genomic diversity to optimize surveillance plans for North America
Although continental populations of avian influenza viruses are genetically distinct, transcontinental reassortment in low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses has been detected in migratory birds. Thus, genomic analyses of LPAI viruses could serve as an approach to prioritize species and regions targeted by North American surveillance activities for foreign origin highly pathogenic...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Andrew M. Ramey, Paul L. Flint, Anson V. Koehler, Joseph P. Fleskes, J. Christian Franson, Jeffrey S. Hall, Dirk V. Derksen, S. Ip
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the Arctic cisco (Coregonus autumnalis) Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the Arctic cisco (Coregonus autumnalis)
Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the Arctic cisco, Coregonus autumnalis. Loci were evaluated in 21 samples from the Colville River subsistence fishery. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 18. Observed heterozygosity of loci varied from 0.10 to 1.00, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.09 to 0.92. All eight microsatellite...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, S.L. Graziano, J.L. Nielsen
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 13
Filter Total Items: 31
No Result Found
Filter Total Items: 119
Interspecies transmission and limited persistence of low pathogenic avian influenza genomes among Alaska dabbling ducks Interspecies transmission and limited persistence of low pathogenic avian influenza genomes among Alaska dabbling ducks
The reassortment and geographic distribution of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus genes are well documented, but little is known about the persistence of intact LPAI genomes among species and locations. To examine persistence of entire LPAI genome constellations in Alaska, we calculated the genetic identities among 161 full-genome LPAI viruses isolated across 4 years from five...
Authors
Andrew B. Reeves, John M. Pearce, Andrew M. Ramey, Brandt W. Meixell, Jonathan A. Runstadler
Evidence for limited exchange of avian influenza viruses between seaducks and dabbling ducks at Alaska Peninsula coastal lagoons Evidence for limited exchange of avian influenza viruses between seaducks and dabbling ducks at Alaska Peninsula coastal lagoons
Avian influenza virus (AIV) prevalence and sequence data were analyzed for Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) to assess the role of this species in transporting virus genes between continents and maintaining a regional viral reservoir with sympatric northern pintails (Anas acuta). AIV prevalence was 0.2% at Izembek Lagoon and 3.9% at Nelson Lagoon for Steller's eiders and 11.2% for...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, John M. Pearce, Andrew B. Reeves, J. Christian Franson, Margaret R. Petersen, S. Ip
Interspecific exchange of avian influenza virus genes in Alaska: The influence of trans-hemispheric migratory tendency and breeding ground sympatry Interspecific exchange of avian influenza virus genes in Alaska: The influence of trans-hemispheric migratory tendency and breeding ground sympatry
The movement and transmission of avian influenza viral strains via wild migratory birds may vary by host species as a result of migratory tendency and sympatry with other infected individuals. To examine the roles of host migratory tendency and species sympatry on the movement of Eurasian low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) genes into North America, we characterized migratory patterns...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Andrew B. Reeves, Andrew M. Ramey, Jerry W. Hupp, S. Ip, M. Bertram, M.J. Petrula, B.D. Scotton, K.A. Trust, Brandt W. Meixell, J.A. Runstadler
Variation in spring migration routes and breeding distribution of northern pintails Anas acuta that winter in Japan Variation in spring migration routes and breeding distribution of northern pintails Anas acuta that winter in Japan
In North America, spring migration routes and breeding distribution of northern pintails Anas acuta vary because some individuals opportunistically nest at mid-latitudes in years when ephemeral prairie wetlands are available, whereas others regularly nest in arctic and sub-arctic regions where wetland abundance is more constant. Less was known about migration routes and breeding...
Authors
Jerry W. Hupp, Noriyuki Yamaguchi, Paul L. Flint, John M. Pearce, Ken-ichi Tokita, Tetsuo Shimada, Andrew M. Ramey, Sergei Kharitonov, Hiroyoshi Higuchi
Limited evidence of trans-hemispheric movement of avian influenza viruses among contemporary North American shorebird isolates Limited evidence of trans-hemispheric movement of avian influenza viruses among contemporary North American shorebird isolates
Migratory routes of gulls, terns, and shorebirds (Charadriiformes) are known to cross hemispheric boundaries and intersect with outbreak areas of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Prior assessments of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) among species of this taxonomic order found some evidence for trans-hemispheric movement of virus genes. To specifically clarify the role of...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Andrew M. Ramey, S. Ip, Robert E. Gill
Seabird bycatch in Alaska demersal longline fishery trials: a demographic summary Seabird bycatch in Alaska demersal longline fishery trials: a demographic summary
The seasonal and spatial demographics are summarized for seabirds killed incidentally during gear modification trials for a demersal longline fishery in the Bering Sea. We examined 417 carcasses, including Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis (n = 205), Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens (n = 103), Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris (n = 48), Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus...
Authors
Elizabeth M. Phillips, HannahRose M. Nevins, Scott A. Hatch, Andrew M. Ramey, Melissa A. Miller, James T. Harvey
Intercontinental reassortment and genomic variation of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses isolated from northern pintails (Anas acuta) in Alaska: examining the evidence through space and time Intercontinental reassortment and genomic variation of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses isolated from northern pintails (Anas acuta) in Alaska: examining the evidence through space and time
Migration and population genetic data for northern pintails (Anas acuta) and phylogenetic analysis of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses from this host in Alaska suggest that northern pintails are involved in ongoing intercontinental transmission of avian influenza. Here, we further refine this conclusion through phylogenetic analyses which demonstrate that detection of...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, John M. Pearce, Paul L. Flint, S. Ip, Dirk V. Derksen, J. Christian Franson, Michael J. Petrula, Bradley D. Scotton, Kristine M. Sowl, Michael L. Wege, Kimberly A. Trust
Transmission and reassortment of avian influenza viruses at the Asian-North American interface Transmission and reassortment of avian influenza viruses at the Asian-North American interface
Twenty avian influenza viruses were isolated from seven wild migratory bird species sampled at St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. We tested predictions based on previous phylogenetic analyses of avian influenza viruses that support spatially dependent trans-hemispheric gene flow and frequent interspecies transmission at a location situated at the Asian–North American interface. Through the...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, John M. Pearce, Craig R. Ely, Lisa M. Sheffield Guy, David B. Irons, Dirk V. Derksen, S. Ip
Evidence that pairing with genetically similar mates is maladaptive in a monogamous bird Evidence that pairing with genetically similar mates is maladaptive in a monogamous bird
Background Evidence of multiple genetic criteria of mate choice is accumulating in numerous taxa. In many species, females have been shown to pair with genetically dissimilar mates or with extra-pair partners that are more genetically compatible than their social mates, thereby increasing their offsprings' heterozygosity which often correlates with offspring fitness. While most studies...
Authors
Herve Mulard, E. Danchin, Sandra L. Talbot, Andrew M. Ramey, Scott A. Hatch, J.F. White, F. Helfenstein, R.H. Wagner
Avian influenza at both ends of a migratory flyway: characterizing viral genomic diversity to optimize surveillance plans for North America Avian influenza at both ends of a migratory flyway: characterizing viral genomic diversity to optimize surveillance plans for North America
Although continental populations of avian influenza viruses are genetically distinct, transcontinental reassortment in low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses has been detected in migratory birds. Thus, genomic analyses of LPAI viruses could serve as an approach to prioritize species and regions targeted by North American surveillance activities for foreign origin highly pathogenic...
Authors
John M. Pearce, Andrew M. Ramey, Paul L. Flint, Anson V. Koehler, Joseph P. Fleskes, J. Christian Franson, Jeffrey S. Hall, Dirk V. Derksen, S. Ip
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the Arctic cisco (Coregonus autumnalis) Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the Arctic cisco (Coregonus autumnalis)
Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the Arctic cisco, Coregonus autumnalis. Loci were evaluated in 21 samples from the Colville River subsistence fishery. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 18. Observed heterozygosity of loci varied from 0.10 to 1.00, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.09 to 0.92. All eight microsatellite...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, S.L. Graziano, J.L. Nielsen
*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