Data Steward for the Molecular Ecology Laboratory ensuring compliance with data reporting requirements.
Professional Experience
2016 - Present Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center Molecular Ecology Laboratory
1997 - 2002 Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center Molecular Ecology Laboratory
1993 - 1997 Research Biologist, LGL Alaska Research Associates
Education and Certifications
B.S. 1993 University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois Agriculture (Animal Science)
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 17
Detection of Multiple Fish Species Using Environmental DNA (eDNA), Alaska 2018
This release provides results of an environmental DNA (eDNA) study of fish identified in seven Alaskan lakes, three streams, and a positive control. Samples included replicates for multiple sampling dates and locations. The reference list and conserved primer sets to identify species present were developed using publicly available data (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/). Highly conserved prim
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) mtDNA and Microsatellite Genetic Data, Alaska, Canada and Russia, 1880-2012
This data set provides sample information, microsatellite genotype, and NCBI accession numbers for mitochondrial DNA sequences of peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) from North America and Russia.
Genetic Data from Wolverine (Gulo gulo) of North America
These data are comprised of two tables, one table containing wolverine (Gulo gulo) sample and genetic information for 20 microsatellite loci (Gg10-1, Gg25, Gg37-2, Gg42-1, Gg192-1, Gg443, Gg452, Gg454, Gg465, Gg471, Gg473, Gg-3-1, Gg-4, Gg-7-1, Ggu_216-1, Lut604, Ma-3-1, Mvis075, Tt-1, and Tt-4) and genetic sex determination results from North America and one Russian wolverine. All samples were ob
Detection of Seagrass Pathogens using Environmental DNA (eDNA), North Pacific, 2016-Present
This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and NCBI BioProject accession numbers for sequence information of this amplicon-based study targeting Labyrinthula, Phytophthora, and Halophytophthora of known pathogenic and non-pathogenic [to eelgrass (Zostera marina)] strains from eDNA samples. eDNA samples included water, sediment, and eelgrass from Notsuke Wan (Cove) Japan, Saf
Sequence Information from the Mitogenome and Four Nuclear Genes from Holarctic Ermine (Mustela spp.)
These data are comprised of two tables, one of primers used for PCR amplifications and the other containing North American (n = 105), Mongolian (n = 1) and Russian (n = 5) ermine (Mustela spp.) sample accessions and NCBI GenBank DNA sequence accessions for mitogenomes and four nuclear genes (agouti signaling protein [ASIP], feline sarcoma [FES], growth hormone receptor [GHR], and serotonin recepto
Genetic Data for Merlin (Falco columbarius) and Cross-Species Microsatellite Amplification in Select Falco Species, North America
This data set contains allele sizes for 8 previously published and 16 novel microsatellite loci, and one microsatellite redesigned for amplification in Merlins (Falco columarius) associated with circadian clock control and polymorphism that has been associated with juvenile dispersal and migratory behavior in some avian species for Merlin (Falco columbarius) from North America (n=21). Allele sizes
Genetic Data from Three Accipiter Species, North America, 1996-2014
This data set provides sample collection information and genetic data used to identify relationships between groups of North American accipiters, including one hybrid. Genetic data includes gender identification, nuclear and mtDNA sequence markers, and microsatellite genotypes derived from 20 autosomal loci (Age1302, Age1303, Age1304, Age1305, Age1306, Age1307, Age1308, Age1309, Age1310, Age1311,
Shrew (Sorex sp.) Gut Contents Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, North America, 1968-2016
This data package contains four tables related to helminths and bacteria identified in the guts of North American shrews (Genus: Sorex). Tables include: two tables of specimen information about each shrew, such as species, museum collection identification, and NCBI accession IDs; one table of NBCI GenBank accession numbers of previously identified DNA sequences used in this study to design the hel
Scoter (Melanitta sp.) ddRAD SNP and Microsatellite Genetic Data, North America and Europe, 1977-2012
This data set contains sampling information, allele sizes of 11 microsatellite loci, and Genbank accession numbers of ddRAD seq results for scoters (Melanitta sp.). Microsatellite data is provided for three North American species of scoter (black scoter, M. americana n = 61; white-winged scoter, M. deglandi, n = 208 ; surf scoter, M. perspicillata, n = 145) and their European congeners (common sco
Genetic Data From Nesting Steller's Eiders (Polysticta stelleri), Near Utqiagvik, Alaska, 1995-2016
This data set is comprised of one table with Steller's Eider sample information and allele sizes for 6 microsatellite loci.
DNA Microsatellite Markers for Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis) and Cross-species Amplification in Select Seabird Species
This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and allele sizes for 69 individual Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) from Chagulak Island, Alaska and Hafnarey Island, Iceland. Fulmar allele sizes are provided for 10 previously published and 26 novel microsatellite loci. Additionally, allele sizes for the 26 microsatellite loci developed in this study are included for Arctic T
Development of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Greater-White Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) for genetic stock identification on wintering grounds, 2019
This data set contains a description of 3 mitochondrial DNA and 93 nuclear DNA Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) loci and sequence information developed through double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) techniques for Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) that winter in California.
Lack of spatial genetic structure among nesting and wintering King Eiders
The King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) has been delineated into two broadly distributed breeding populations in North America (the western and eastern Arctic) on the basis of banding data and their use of widely separated Pacific and Atlantic wintering areas. Little is known about the level of gene flow between these two populations. Also unknown is whether behavioral patterns common among migrato
Phylogeography of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in western North America
Using molecular genetic markers that differ in mode of inheritance and rate of evolution, we examined levels and partitioning of genetic variation for seven nominal subspecies (11 breeding populations) of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in western North America. Gene trees constructed from mtDNA control region sequence data show that subspecies of Canada Geese do not have distinct mtDNA. Large- a
Molecular status of the dusky Canada goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis): A genetic assessment of a translocation effort
Until recently, the dusky Canada goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis) was managedas one breeding population from the CopperRiver Delta (CRD), Alaska. Population numberson the CRD have declined precipitously over thelast three decades, due in part to changes inhabitat. In 1981, a pair of Canada geese,presumably B.c. occidentalis, wasreported nesting on Middleton Island (MID), inthe Gulf of Alaska
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the intertidal sponge Halichondria panicea
GA- and CA-enriched genomic libraries were constructed for the intertidal sponge Halichondria panicea. Unique repeat motifs identified varied from the expected simple dinucleotide repeats to more complex repeat units. All sequences tended to be highly repetitive but did not necessarily contain the targeted motifs. Seven microsatellite loci were evaluated on sponges from the clone source population
Molecular genetic status of Aleutian Canada Geese from Buldir and the Semidi Islands, Alaska
We conducted genetic analyses of Aleutian Canada Geese (Branta canadensis leucopareia) from Buldir Island in the western Aleutians and the Semidi Islands in the eastern portion of their breeding range. We compared data from seven microsatellite DNA loci and 143 base pairs of the control region of mitochondrial DNA from the two populations of Aleutian Canada Geese and another small-bodied subspecie
A genetic evaluation of morphology used to identify harvested Canada geese
Using maximum likelihood estimators (in genetic stock identification), we used genetic markers to evaluate the utility of 2 morphological measures (culmen length and plumage color) to correctly identify groups of hunter-harvested dusky (Branta canadensis occidentalis) and dusky-like Canada geese on the wintering grounds within the Pacific Flyway. Significant levels of genetic differentiation were
Harlequin Duck recovery from the Exxon Valdez oil spill: A population genetics perspective
Concerns about Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) population recovery following the Exxon Valdez oil spill led biologists to ask whether birds located in different molting and wintering areas belong to genetically distinct and, thus, demographically independent populations. Owing to the lack of direct observations of movements among marine areas, three classes of genetic markers that diffe
Dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms in waterfowl (family Anatidae): Characterization of a sex-linked (Z-specific) and 14 autosomal loci
Canada goose (Branta Canadensis) and harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) DNAs were digested with Sau3AI, and size selected (300-700 bp) fragments were ligated into BamHI-digested pBluscriptII KS+. The enrichment protocol of Ostrander et al.1 was followed. The resulting libraries were screened using a [ƴ-32P]ATP end-labelled (CA)20 oligonucleotides as a hybridization probe. Positive clones w
Genetic variation in domestic reindeer and wild caribou in Alaska
Reindeer were introduced into Alaska 100 years ago and have been maintained as semidomestic livestock. They have had contact with wild caribou herds, including deliberate cross-breeding and mixing in the wild. Reindeer have considerable potential as a domestic animal for meat or velvet antler production, and wild caribou are important to subsistence and sport hunters. Our objective was to quantify
Science and Products
- Data
Filter Total Items: 17
Detection of Multiple Fish Species Using Environmental DNA (eDNA), Alaska 2018
This release provides results of an environmental DNA (eDNA) study of fish identified in seven Alaskan lakes, three streams, and a positive control. Samples included replicates for multiple sampling dates and locations. The reference list and conserved primer sets to identify species present were developed using publicly available data (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/). Highly conserved primPeregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) mtDNA and Microsatellite Genetic Data, Alaska, Canada and Russia, 1880-2012
This data set provides sample information, microsatellite genotype, and NCBI accession numbers for mitochondrial DNA sequences of peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) from North America and Russia.Genetic Data from Wolverine (Gulo gulo) of North America
These data are comprised of two tables, one table containing wolverine (Gulo gulo) sample and genetic information for 20 microsatellite loci (Gg10-1, Gg25, Gg37-2, Gg42-1, Gg192-1, Gg443, Gg452, Gg454, Gg465, Gg471, Gg473, Gg-3-1, Gg-4, Gg-7-1, Ggu_216-1, Lut604, Ma-3-1, Mvis075, Tt-1, and Tt-4) and genetic sex determination results from North America and one Russian wolverine. All samples were obDetection of Seagrass Pathogens using Environmental DNA (eDNA), North Pacific, 2016-Present
This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and NCBI BioProject accession numbers for sequence information of this amplicon-based study targeting Labyrinthula, Phytophthora, and Halophytophthora of known pathogenic and non-pathogenic [to eelgrass (Zostera marina)] strains from eDNA samples. eDNA samples included water, sediment, and eelgrass from Notsuke Wan (Cove) Japan, SafSequence Information from the Mitogenome and Four Nuclear Genes from Holarctic Ermine (Mustela spp.)
These data are comprised of two tables, one of primers used for PCR amplifications and the other containing North American (n = 105), Mongolian (n = 1) and Russian (n = 5) ermine (Mustela spp.) sample accessions and NCBI GenBank DNA sequence accessions for mitogenomes and four nuclear genes (agouti signaling protein [ASIP], feline sarcoma [FES], growth hormone receptor [GHR], and serotonin receptoGenetic Data for Merlin (Falco columbarius) and Cross-Species Microsatellite Amplification in Select Falco Species, North America
This data set contains allele sizes for 8 previously published and 16 novel microsatellite loci, and one microsatellite redesigned for amplification in Merlins (Falco columarius) associated with circadian clock control and polymorphism that has been associated with juvenile dispersal and migratory behavior in some avian species for Merlin (Falco columbarius) from North America (n=21). Allele sizesGenetic Data from Three Accipiter Species, North America, 1996-2014
This data set provides sample collection information and genetic data used to identify relationships between groups of North American accipiters, including one hybrid. Genetic data includes gender identification, nuclear and mtDNA sequence markers, and microsatellite genotypes derived from 20 autosomal loci (Age1302, Age1303, Age1304, Age1305, Age1306, Age1307, Age1308, Age1309, Age1310, Age1311,Shrew (Sorex sp.) Gut Contents Identified by DNA Metabarcoding, North America, 1968-2016
This data package contains four tables related to helminths and bacteria identified in the guts of North American shrews (Genus: Sorex). Tables include: two tables of specimen information about each shrew, such as species, museum collection identification, and NCBI accession IDs; one table of NBCI GenBank accession numbers of previously identified DNA sequences used in this study to design the helScoter (Melanitta sp.) ddRAD SNP and Microsatellite Genetic Data, North America and Europe, 1977-2012
This data set contains sampling information, allele sizes of 11 microsatellite loci, and Genbank accession numbers of ddRAD seq results for scoters (Melanitta sp.). Microsatellite data is provided for three North American species of scoter (black scoter, M. americana n = 61; white-winged scoter, M. deglandi, n = 208 ; surf scoter, M. perspicillata, n = 145) and their European congeners (common scoGenetic Data From Nesting Steller's Eiders (Polysticta stelleri), Near Utqiagvik, Alaska, 1995-2016
This data set is comprised of one table with Steller's Eider sample information and allele sizes for 6 microsatellite loci.DNA Microsatellite Markers for Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis) and Cross-species Amplification in Select Seabird Species
This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and allele sizes for 69 individual Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) from Chagulak Island, Alaska and Hafnarey Island, Iceland. Fulmar allele sizes are provided for 10 previously published and 26 novel microsatellite loci. Additionally, allele sizes for the 26 microsatellite loci developed in this study are included for Arctic TDevelopment of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Greater-White Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) for genetic stock identification on wintering grounds, 2019
This data set contains a description of 3 mitochondrial DNA and 93 nuclear DNA Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) loci and sequence information developed through double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) techniques for Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) that winter in California. - Publications
Lack of spatial genetic structure among nesting and wintering King Eiders
The King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) has been delineated into two broadly distributed breeding populations in North America (the western and eastern Arctic) on the basis of banding data and their use of widely separated Pacific and Atlantic wintering areas. Little is known about the level of gene flow between these two populations. Also unknown is whether behavioral patterns common among migratoPhylogeography of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in western North America
Using molecular genetic markers that differ in mode of inheritance and rate of evolution, we examined levels and partitioning of genetic variation for seven nominal subspecies (11 breeding populations) of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in western North America. Gene trees constructed from mtDNA control region sequence data show that subspecies of Canada Geese do not have distinct mtDNA. Large- aMolecular status of the dusky Canada goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis): A genetic assessment of a translocation effort
Until recently, the dusky Canada goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis) was managedas one breeding population from the CopperRiver Delta (CRD), Alaska. Population numberson the CRD have declined precipitously over thelast three decades, due in part to changes inhabitat. In 1981, a pair of Canada geese,presumably B.c. occidentalis, wasreported nesting on Middleton Island (MID), inthe Gulf of AlaskaIsolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the intertidal sponge Halichondria panicea
GA- and CA-enriched genomic libraries were constructed for the intertidal sponge Halichondria panicea. Unique repeat motifs identified varied from the expected simple dinucleotide repeats to more complex repeat units. All sequences tended to be highly repetitive but did not necessarily contain the targeted motifs. Seven microsatellite loci were evaluated on sponges from the clone source populationMolecular genetic status of Aleutian Canada Geese from Buldir and the Semidi Islands, Alaska
We conducted genetic analyses of Aleutian Canada Geese (Branta canadensis leucopareia) from Buldir Island in the western Aleutians and the Semidi Islands in the eastern portion of their breeding range. We compared data from seven microsatellite DNA loci and 143 base pairs of the control region of mitochondrial DNA from the two populations of Aleutian Canada Geese and another small-bodied subspecieA genetic evaluation of morphology used to identify harvested Canada geese
Using maximum likelihood estimators (in genetic stock identification), we used genetic markers to evaluate the utility of 2 morphological measures (culmen length and plumage color) to correctly identify groups of hunter-harvested dusky (Branta canadensis occidentalis) and dusky-like Canada geese on the wintering grounds within the Pacific Flyway. Significant levels of genetic differentiation wereHarlequin Duck recovery from the Exxon Valdez oil spill: A population genetics perspective
Concerns about Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) population recovery following the Exxon Valdez oil spill led biologists to ask whether birds located in different molting and wintering areas belong to genetically distinct and, thus, demographically independent populations. Owing to the lack of direct observations of movements among marine areas, three classes of genetic markers that diffeDinucleotide repeat polymorphisms in waterfowl (family Anatidae): Characterization of a sex-linked (Z-specific) and 14 autosomal loci
Canada goose (Branta Canadensis) and harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) DNAs were digested with Sau3AI, and size selected (300-700 bp) fragments were ligated into BamHI-digested pBluscriptII KS+. The enrichment protocol of Ostrander et al.1 was followed. The resulting libraries were screened using a [ƴ-32P]ATP end-labelled (CA)20 oligonucleotides as a hybridization probe. Positive clones wGenetic variation in domestic reindeer and wild caribou in Alaska
Reindeer were introduced into Alaska 100 years ago and have been maintained as semidomestic livestock. They have had contact with wild caribou herds, including deliberate cross-breeding and mixing in the wild. Reindeer have considerable potential as a domestic animal for meat or velvet antler production, and wild caribou are important to subsistence and sport hunters. Our objective was to quantify