Source to Outcome Research Framework that was updated from the 2022 Source to Receptor Research Framework
Deborah D Iwanowicz, PhD
Dr. Deborah D. Iwanowicz is a research fish biologist that utilizes molecular diagnostics for research studies.
Her research principally focuses on targeted amplicon sequencing applied to topics such as: diet evaluation, pollen identification, pathogen identification and microbial community profiling. She is a principle investigator and collaborator on a number of projects that focus on the effects of contaminants on fish health, the significance of disease organisms in invasive species, profiling complex microbial community dynamics, as well as protocol and assay development. Her research includes that of molecular microbiology (parasitology, bacteriology, virology on fishes, amphibians, sea turtles, marine mammals, insects, plants, aquatic and terrestrial gastropods). She leads efforts in the NFHRL for method development on metagenomics analyses of diet from scat, stomach content, or regurgitated cough pellets. This work has been modified to identify plant species found in pollen, diets of mammals, birds, and aquatic animals. She also often focuses her efforts on threatened and endangered species.
Science and Products
Use of next-generation sequencing for the dietary analyses of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) stomach content
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center scientists are collaborating with the PADEP (SMB) to develop and evaluate a genetic assay for fish diets that will allow us to develop a cost-effective monitoring program for determining the diet of wild fish.
Development of Next Generation Techniques of fecal samples collected from nestling cactus wren
Coastal cactus wren populations have declined in southern California over the last three decades. In San Diego County, this decline has been especially noticeable in the Otay area, which in 2014 supported 14 territories on conserved lands. In the past, there were 25-53 active territories reported for this same area, with the highest estimate in 1992. There is also concern the number of active...
Metabarcoding of stomach contents from the Round Goby (Negobius melanostromus) in Pennsylvania
The Round Goby, Neogobius melanostomus , is a small benthic fish native to the Sea of Azov, the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
Improving Forage for Honey Bees on USDA Conservation Lands: A Pilot Study for Testing Sampling Methods and Hypothesis Development
Commercial beekeepers have been bringing their bees to the Northern Great Prairie (NGP) for many decades due to the availability of nectar and pollen-rich plants in abundant grasslands.
Establishing Molecular Methods to Quantitatively Profile Stomach Diet Items of Fish—Application to the Invasive Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
USGS scientists are collaborating with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDDNR) to develop and evaluate a genetic assay for blue catfish fish diets that will allow us to design a cost-effective monitoring program for determining the diet of wild fish.
Developing Novel Amplicon Sequencing Assays From Scat For Diet Analysis of the pacific pocket mouse (perognathus longimembris pacificus)
Developing Novel Amplicon Sequencing Assays From Scat For Diet Analysis of the pacific pocket mouse ( perognathus longimembris pacificus )
Molecular tools and methodologies
Molecular tools and methodologies are used designed and used for diverse applications. These applications can be used to assess questions of threatened and endangered species, population and conservation biology, ecological communities, microbial diversity, molecular epidemiology and genomics of non-model organisms among many others. Successful integration of these tools and technologies greatly...
Giant African Land Snail
Originally from East Africa, the giant African land snail (Achatina fulica), has been established throughout the Indo-Pacific Basin, including the Hawaiian Islands. Since 2011, these snails have been found in Miami, Florida. Although the current range is limited to the southern latitudes of Florida, this snail can withstand freezing and go into hibernation for as much as a year. This allows them...
Source to Outcome Research Framework
Source to Outcome Research Framework that was updated from the 2022 Source to Receptor Research Framework
Car parked near an urban storm drain in Virginia.
Urban stormwater drains are used to channel runoff from precipitation away from roads for treatment and to prevent flooding. Contaminants in water can also be transported through stormwater systems in rain and snowmelt runoff.
Urban stormwater drains are used to channel runoff from precipitation away from roads for treatment and to prevent flooding. Contaminants in water can also be transported through stormwater systems in rain and snowmelt runoff.
Microplastics Sources, Pathways and Fate Conceptual Diagram
Due to multiple reasons including the widespread use of microplastics, their environmental persistence, the global connectedness of aquatic environments, and the long-range transport of microplastics, these particles have been documented in every environmental compartment (e.g., air, water, soils).
Due to multiple reasons including the widespread use of microplastics, their environmental persistence, the global connectedness of aquatic environments, and the long-range transport of microplastics, these particles have been documented in every environmental compartment (e.g., air, water, soils).
One Health Conceptual Diagram.
The USGS One Health approach addresses the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
The USGS One Health approach addresses the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
BioRad Equipment Checks
Bio-Rad Laboratories Engineer checks equipment needed to process samples in order to keep it working in top shape!
Bio-Rad Laboratories Engineer checks equipment needed to process samples in order to keep it working in top shape!
Samples in the Manifold
Luke Iwanowicz putting samples into manifold inside the Biosafety Level-3 lab at the Leetown, WV facility.
Luke Iwanowicz putting samples into manifold inside the Biosafety Level-3 lab at the Leetown, WV facility.
Zymo Columns are Slow
Luke Iwanowicz and Clay Raines patiently watching samples filter through zymo columns inside the Biosafety Level-3 lab at the Leetown, WV facility..
Luke Iwanowicz and Clay Raines patiently watching samples filter through zymo columns inside the Biosafety Level-3 lab at the Leetown, WV facility..
Purification of extracted RNA 2
Purification of extracted RNA via vacuum manifold RNA column filtration in the BSL3 lab.
Purification of extracted RNA via vacuum manifold RNA column filtration in the BSL3 lab.
Purification of extracted RNA 1
Purification of extracted RNA via vacuum manifold RNA column filtration in the BSL3 lab.
Purification of extracted RNA via vacuum manifold RNA column filtration in the BSL3 lab.
Deb in the Lab
Deb Iwanowicz grabs a rare selfie from a plastic-encased phone the BSL3 lab.
Deb Iwanowicz grabs a rare selfie from a plastic-encased phone the BSL3 lab.
Logging Samples
Christine Densmore logging newly arrived samples into the BSL-3 laptop to be verified by the data team
Christine Densmore logging newly arrived samples into the BSL-3 laptop to be verified by the data team
Extra Safe Samples
A picture of (very) well packaged wastewater and temperature sample bottles from one of the facilities.
A picture of (very) well packaged wastewater and temperature sample bottles from one of the facilities.
First Samples Arrive
An early morning FedEx delivery brings great news - the arrival of the first Saturday delivery!
An early morning FedEx delivery brings great news - the arrival of the first Saturday delivery!
Waiting for Boxes
Christopher Ottinger sits outside the Leetown, WV lab, waiting for delayed deliveries
Christopher Ottinger sits outside the Leetown, WV lab, waiting for delayed deliveries
First Boxes Arrive
The first three samples from Utah and Colorado arrive at the Leetown Lab.
The first three samples from Utah and Colorado arrive at the Leetown Lab.
Science and Products
Use of next-generation sequencing for the dietary analyses of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) stomach content
The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center scientists are collaborating with the PADEP (SMB) to develop and evaluate a genetic assay for fish diets that will allow us to develop a cost-effective monitoring program for determining the diet of wild fish.
Development of Next Generation Techniques of fecal samples collected from nestling cactus wren
Coastal cactus wren populations have declined in southern California over the last three decades. In San Diego County, this decline has been especially noticeable in the Otay area, which in 2014 supported 14 territories on conserved lands. In the past, there were 25-53 active territories reported for this same area, with the highest estimate in 1992. There is also concern the number of active...
Metabarcoding of stomach contents from the Round Goby (Negobius melanostromus) in Pennsylvania
The Round Goby, Neogobius melanostomus , is a small benthic fish native to the Sea of Azov, the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
Improving Forage for Honey Bees on USDA Conservation Lands: A Pilot Study for Testing Sampling Methods and Hypothesis Development
Commercial beekeepers have been bringing their bees to the Northern Great Prairie (NGP) for many decades due to the availability of nectar and pollen-rich plants in abundant grasslands.
Establishing Molecular Methods to Quantitatively Profile Stomach Diet Items of Fish—Application to the Invasive Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)
USGS scientists are collaborating with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDDNR) to develop and evaluate a genetic assay for blue catfish fish diets that will allow us to design a cost-effective monitoring program for determining the diet of wild fish.
Developing Novel Amplicon Sequencing Assays From Scat For Diet Analysis of the pacific pocket mouse (perognathus longimembris pacificus)
Developing Novel Amplicon Sequencing Assays From Scat For Diet Analysis of the pacific pocket mouse ( perognathus longimembris pacificus )
Molecular tools and methodologies
Molecular tools and methodologies are used designed and used for diverse applications. These applications can be used to assess questions of threatened and endangered species, population and conservation biology, ecological communities, microbial diversity, molecular epidemiology and genomics of non-model organisms among many others. Successful integration of these tools and technologies greatly...
Giant African Land Snail
Originally from East Africa, the giant African land snail (Achatina fulica), has been established throughout the Indo-Pacific Basin, including the Hawaiian Islands. Since 2011, these snails have been found in Miami, Florida. Although the current range is limited to the southern latitudes of Florida, this snail can withstand freezing and go into hibernation for as much as a year. This allows them...
Source to Outcome Research Framework
Source to Outcome Research Framework that was updated from the 2022 Source to Receptor Research Framework
Source to Outcome Research Framework that was updated from the 2022 Source to Receptor Research Framework
Car parked near an urban storm drain in Virginia.
Urban stormwater drains are used to channel runoff from precipitation away from roads for treatment and to prevent flooding. Contaminants in water can also be transported through stormwater systems in rain and snowmelt runoff.
Urban stormwater drains are used to channel runoff from precipitation away from roads for treatment and to prevent flooding. Contaminants in water can also be transported through stormwater systems in rain and snowmelt runoff.
Microplastics Sources, Pathways and Fate Conceptual Diagram
Due to multiple reasons including the widespread use of microplastics, their environmental persistence, the global connectedness of aquatic environments, and the long-range transport of microplastics, these particles have been documented in every environmental compartment (e.g., air, water, soils).
Due to multiple reasons including the widespread use of microplastics, their environmental persistence, the global connectedness of aquatic environments, and the long-range transport of microplastics, these particles have been documented in every environmental compartment (e.g., air, water, soils).
One Health Conceptual Diagram.
The USGS One Health approach addresses the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
The USGS One Health approach addresses the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
BioRad Equipment Checks
Bio-Rad Laboratories Engineer checks equipment needed to process samples in order to keep it working in top shape!
Bio-Rad Laboratories Engineer checks equipment needed to process samples in order to keep it working in top shape!
Samples in the Manifold
Luke Iwanowicz putting samples into manifold inside the Biosafety Level-3 lab at the Leetown, WV facility.
Luke Iwanowicz putting samples into manifold inside the Biosafety Level-3 lab at the Leetown, WV facility.
Zymo Columns are Slow
Luke Iwanowicz and Clay Raines patiently watching samples filter through zymo columns inside the Biosafety Level-3 lab at the Leetown, WV facility..
Luke Iwanowicz and Clay Raines patiently watching samples filter through zymo columns inside the Biosafety Level-3 lab at the Leetown, WV facility..
Purification of extracted RNA 2
Purification of extracted RNA via vacuum manifold RNA column filtration in the BSL3 lab.
Purification of extracted RNA via vacuum manifold RNA column filtration in the BSL3 lab.
Purification of extracted RNA 1
Purification of extracted RNA via vacuum manifold RNA column filtration in the BSL3 lab.
Purification of extracted RNA via vacuum manifold RNA column filtration in the BSL3 lab.
Deb in the Lab
Deb Iwanowicz grabs a rare selfie from a plastic-encased phone the BSL3 lab.
Deb Iwanowicz grabs a rare selfie from a plastic-encased phone the BSL3 lab.
Logging Samples
Christine Densmore logging newly arrived samples into the BSL-3 laptop to be verified by the data team
Christine Densmore logging newly arrived samples into the BSL-3 laptop to be verified by the data team
Extra Safe Samples
A picture of (very) well packaged wastewater and temperature sample bottles from one of the facilities.
A picture of (very) well packaged wastewater and temperature sample bottles from one of the facilities.
First Samples Arrive
An early morning FedEx delivery brings great news - the arrival of the first Saturday delivery!
An early morning FedEx delivery brings great news - the arrival of the first Saturday delivery!
Waiting for Boxes
Christopher Ottinger sits outside the Leetown, WV lab, waiting for delayed deliveries
Christopher Ottinger sits outside the Leetown, WV lab, waiting for delayed deliveries
First Boxes Arrive
The first three samples from Utah and Colorado arrive at the Leetown Lab.
The first three samples from Utah and Colorado arrive at the Leetown Lab.