Chris M Merkes
I have always been fascinated with DNA. My primary interests are in how DNA sequences can control development or cause disease. I am also excited to be able to use forensic DNA analysis to learn more about the natural environment. Resource managers can then use that information to implement efficient and effective management practices to keep our natural resources healthy.
I began my studies at University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point as a molecular biologist testing ticks for the Lyme disease pathogen Borellia burgdorferi and tracking the movement pattern of the spirochete through a local nature reserve. Simultaneously, I was also working as a water chemist studying the effects of agricultural runoff into streams and testing private well water for human health concerns (for example: fecal coliform bacteria, arsenic, or heavy metal contamination). I then took a job at University of Kansas (KU) as a fruit fly geneticist using recombinant inbred fruit fly lines to map genetic influences on complex traits such as caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol sensitivity. I then joined the graduate program at KU and completed a master’s project examining developmental defects in a zebrafish cancer model. My thesis work used a combination of genetic and biochemical techniques in zebrafish embryos and human cell lines to show that the Ewing’s Sarcoma Breakpoint Region 1 gene (ewsr1) helps control skeletal development by modifying the regulation of Sex Determination Region Y – Box 9 (SOX9) target genes.
I began working for the USGS – UMESC in 2013 where I use my skills in molecular biology to promote healthy ecosystems primarily in developing tools for species-specific controls and monitoring for aquatic invasive species.
Science and Products
Advanced molecular tools for detection and monitoring of invasive carp
Synthetic Biology Tools for Controlling Invasive Carps
Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Genetic control of Grass Carp through RNA interference
READI-Net: Providing Tools for the Early Detection and Management of Aquatic Invasive Species
Environmental DNA (eDNA): Combining Technology and Biology to Detect Aquatic Invasive Species and Pathogens
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Data Management
Developing RNA Interference to Control Zebra Mussels
Correlating seasonal trends and occupancy of bigheaded carp eDNA to land use and stream characteristics
Developing a portable LAMP assay for detecting grass and black carp
Relationship between fish presence and abundance in Arizona standing waters measured through standard techniques and environmental DNA
Assessing the properties of RNA degradation in complex environmental water samples
qPCR Results for An Assessment of Pathogens in National Park Hot Springs
Trial data for Field Effectiveness of florfenicol and oxytetracycline dihydrate in Controlling Mortality in Walleye (Sander vitreus) due to Motile Aeromonad Infections
Development and testing of a qPCR assay for Lampsilis siliquoidea eDNA
Data Release for Validation of portable eDNA detection kit for Asian carps
Developmental Stages of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) eggs in the Sandusky River (ver. 3.0, July 2020)
Envrionmental DNA data for Refinement of eDNA as an early monitoring tool at the landscape-level: Data
Assessment of carbon dioxide piscicide treatments: Data
The MIEM guidelines: Minimum information for reporting of environmental metabarcoding data
Environmental DNA dynamics of three species of unionid freshwater mussels
Summary of data collected during field efficacy trials of florfenicol and oxytetracycline dihydrate in controlling mortality in walleye (Sander vitreus) because of motile Aeromonad infections
Toward invasive mussel genetic biocontrol: Approaches, challenges, and perspectives
When are environmental DNA early detections of invasive species actionable?
Validation of a portable eDNA detection kit for invasive carps
Using structured decision making to evaluate potential management responses to detection of dreissenid mussel (Dreissena spp.) environmental DNA
Assessment of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) diet using DNA metabarcoding of feces
Using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the endangered Spectaclecase Mussel (Margaritifera monodonta)
Robotic environmental DNA bio-surveillance of freshwater health
Reporting the limits of detection and quantification for environmental DNA assays
Refinement of eDNA as an early monitoring tool at the landscape-level: Study design considerations
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Code to assist the USFWS with eDNA field sampling designs for eDNA
Sea lamprey quantitative environmental DNA surveillance
Science and Products
Advanced molecular tools for detection and monitoring of invasive carp
Synthetic Biology Tools for Controlling Invasive Carps
Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Genetic control of Grass Carp through RNA interference
READI-Net: Providing Tools for the Early Detection and Management of Aquatic Invasive Species
Environmental DNA (eDNA): Combining Technology and Biology to Detect Aquatic Invasive Species and Pathogens
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Data Management
Developing RNA Interference to Control Zebra Mussels
Correlating seasonal trends and occupancy of bigheaded carp eDNA to land use and stream characteristics
Developing a portable LAMP assay for detecting grass and black carp
Relationship between fish presence and abundance in Arizona standing waters measured through standard techniques and environmental DNA
Assessing the properties of RNA degradation in complex environmental water samples
qPCR Results for An Assessment of Pathogens in National Park Hot Springs
Trial data for Field Effectiveness of florfenicol and oxytetracycline dihydrate in Controlling Mortality in Walleye (Sander vitreus) due to Motile Aeromonad Infections
Development and testing of a qPCR assay for Lampsilis siliquoidea eDNA
Data Release for Validation of portable eDNA detection kit for Asian carps
Developmental Stages of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) eggs in the Sandusky River (ver. 3.0, July 2020)
Envrionmental DNA data for Refinement of eDNA as an early monitoring tool at the landscape-level: Data
Assessment of carbon dioxide piscicide treatments: Data
The MIEM guidelines: Minimum information for reporting of environmental metabarcoding data
Environmental DNA dynamics of three species of unionid freshwater mussels
Summary of data collected during field efficacy trials of florfenicol and oxytetracycline dihydrate in controlling mortality in walleye (Sander vitreus) because of motile Aeromonad infections
Toward invasive mussel genetic biocontrol: Approaches, challenges, and perspectives
When are environmental DNA early detections of invasive species actionable?
Validation of a portable eDNA detection kit for invasive carps
Using structured decision making to evaluate potential management responses to detection of dreissenid mussel (Dreissena spp.) environmental DNA
Assessment of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) diet using DNA metabarcoding of feces
Using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the endangered Spectaclecase Mussel (Margaritifera monodonta)
Robotic environmental DNA bio-surveillance of freshwater health
Reporting the limits of detection and quantification for environmental DNA assays
Refinement of eDNA as an early monitoring tool at the landscape-level: Study design considerations
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.