Guela Vazquez-Meves
Guela has been with USGS for over 8 years—first as the Biosecurity Specialist for the Ecosystems Mission Area, and now as the USGS Animal Welfare Coordinator. She blends both worlds, bringing together biosecurity and animal welfare to guide national science efforts and ensure wildlife research is safe and ethical.
Guela combines expertise in genetics, biotechnology, animal welfare, and biosecurity to lead a program that keeps wildlife research safe, ethical, and innovative. She has helped shape USGS guidelines on animal care and high-containment science, making national requirements more attainable and less burdensome for researchers. Guela actively collaborates with other agencies and institutions to extend these efforts.
Science and Products
eDNA and the Efficacy of Management Actions
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful feedback tool, giving managers fast, clear, and cost-effective evidence to guide decisions and improve conservation outcomes.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory
eDNA for Water-Quality Monitoring and Public Health Protection
By analyzing genetic traces left behind in water, eDNA provides early warning signs of problems—helping managers respond faster, protect public health, and keep freshwater ecosystems resilient.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory
eDNA Science for Species Management, Ecosystem Health, Biodiversity Monitoring, and Habitat Restoration
Using eDNA to track biodiversity, guide restoration, and safeguard ecosystems for the future.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory
Battling Invaders: Invasive Species Detection with eDNA
Early detection equals stronger protection. DNA in the environment is the front line against invasive species.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
USGS Commitment to Animal Welfare in Research
What is animal welfare? Animal welfare in research means we learn while keeping animals safe and treated humanely. At USGS, we avoid disturbing animals whenever possible, use the smallest number needed, and make any necessary handling brief and gentle. Animals under our care have clean, safe conditions with veterinary oversight. Staff are trained and retrained regularly. If conditions aren’t safe...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center
From Water, Soil, and Air: Building USGS Leadership in Environmental DNA (eDNA)
The USGS is a pioneer in environmental DNA (eDNA) science, applying cutting-edge molecular tools to identify, detect, or track species, monitor ecosystems, and safeguard biodiversity.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory
2020 CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27th, 2020, to aid response efforts and ease the economic impact of COVID-19. The Department of the Interior received funds to “prevent, prepare for, and response to coronavirus, domestically or internationally including, “biosurveillance of wildlife and environmental persistence studies.” The USGS...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center
USGS Ecosystems Mission Area: Animal Welfare Assurance
The Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA) provides support for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) at EMA science centers across the nation.
Animal Welfare Training Requirements
Mandatory training for personnel involved in care and use of animals at Ecosystems Mission Area, USGS:
Law, Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
Law, policies, procedures and guidelines for Animal Care and Use applicable to Ecosystems Mission Area, USGS:
Science and Products
eDNA and the Efficacy of Management Actions
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful feedback tool, giving managers fast, clear, and cost-effective evidence to guide decisions and improve conservation outcomes.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory
eDNA for Water-Quality Monitoring and Public Health Protection
By analyzing genetic traces left behind in water, eDNA provides early warning signs of problems—helping managers respond faster, protect public health, and keep freshwater ecosystems resilient.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory
eDNA Science for Species Management, Ecosystem Health, Biodiversity Monitoring, and Habitat Restoration
Using eDNA to track biodiversity, guide restoration, and safeguard ecosystems for the future.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory
Battling Invaders: Invasive Species Detection with eDNA
Early detection equals stronger protection. DNA in the environment is the front line against invasive species.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
USGS Commitment to Animal Welfare in Research
What is animal welfare? Animal welfare in research means we learn while keeping animals safe and treated humanely. At USGS, we avoid disturbing animals whenever possible, use the smallest number needed, and make any necessary handling brief and gentle. Animals under our care have clean, safe conditions with veterinary oversight. Staff are trained and retrained regularly. If conditions aren’t safe...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center
From Water, Soil, and Air: Building USGS Leadership in Environmental DNA (eDNA)
The USGS is a pioneer in environmental DNA (eDNA) science, applying cutting-edge molecular tools to identify, detect, or track species, monitor ecosystems, and safeguard biodiversity.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory
2020 CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27th, 2020, to aid response efforts and ease the economic impact of COVID-19. The Department of the Interior received funds to “prevent, prepare for, and response to coronavirus, domestically or internationally including, “biosurveillance of wildlife and environmental persistence studies.” The USGS...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center
USGS Ecosystems Mission Area: Animal Welfare Assurance
The Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA) provides support for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) at EMA science centers across the nation.
Animal Welfare Training Requirements
Mandatory training for personnel involved in care and use of animals at Ecosystems Mission Area, USGS:
Law, Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
Law, policies, procedures and guidelines for Animal Care and Use applicable to Ecosystems Mission Area, USGS: