Christina Ahlstrom, Ph.D.
Christina is a Geneticist for the Alaska Science Center.
My research aims to better understand wildlife and zoonotic diseases in Alaska and adjacent regions. I use molecular tools to investigate the genetic diversity and transmission pathways of pathogens in wildlife populations and the ecosystems they occupy. My main research topics include antimicrobial resistance in wild birds, avian influenza, and Giardia and Cryptosporidium parasites in Arctic Alaska. I strive to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of where pathogens are detected and their genetic relatedness among spatio-temporally diverse populations to help inform management actions aimed to interrupt transmission pathways.
Professional Experience
2017 - Present Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska
2015 - 2017 Consultant Epidemiologist & Data Analyst, Epi-interactive, Wellington, New Zealand
2017 Molecular Epidemiology Consultant, Food and Agriculture Organisation, Rome, Italy
2016 Molecular Epidemiology Consultant, Food and Agriculture Organisation, Rome, Italy
2005 - 2008 Seasonal Research Assistant, Quality Milk Production Services, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2015 University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Veterinary Medical Sciences
M.S. 2011 Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO Animal Science
B.S. 2008 University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY Biology
Science and Products
Gulls as sources of environmental contamination by colistin-resistant bacteria
Antibiotic resistant bacteria in wildlife: Perspectives on trends, acquisitions and dissemination, data gaps, and future directions
Early emergence of mcr-1-positive Enterobacteriaceae in gulls from Spain and Portugal
Repeated detection of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli in gulls inhabiting Alaska, USA
Satellite tracking of gulls and genomic characterization of fecal bacteria reveals environmentally mediated acquisition and dispersal of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Acquisition and dissemination of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli in migratory birds sampled at an Alaska landfill as inferred through genomic analysis
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.
Science and Products
Gulls as sources of environmental contamination by colistin-resistant bacteria
Antibiotic resistant bacteria in wildlife: Perspectives on trends, acquisitions and dissemination, data gaps, and future directions
Early emergence of mcr-1-positive Enterobacteriaceae in gulls from Spain and Portugal
Repeated detection of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli in gulls inhabiting Alaska, USA
Satellite tracking of gulls and genomic characterization of fecal bacteria reveals environmentally mediated acquisition and dispersal of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Acquisition and dissemination of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli in migratory birds sampled at an Alaska landfill as inferred through genomic analysis
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.