Jill Jenkins, Ph.D.
Jill Jenkins is a Research Microbiologist at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center.
Jill Jenkins’ efforts emphasize the study of potential impacts of environmental stressors at the cellular and molecular levels. Her major areas of focus include biomarker development, endocrine disruption, genetics, and comparative immunology. Key laboratory biotechnologies she uses are photomicroscopy and flow cytometry. Primary cell types studied are blood and spermatozoa, and assays are tailored to the particular species requirements and hypotheses being addressed.
Jenkins specializes in the development and application of biomarkers; these are measures of variables that respond in quantifiable ways to changes in the environment. The choice of particular biomarkers at specific biological levels of organization (such as genetic, cellular, tissue, hormonal, and organismal levels) depends on the study at hand. Because molecular and biochemical responses of cells are preceded by chemical changes in nuclei, cytoplasm, membranes, and extracellular fluids, these responses can be diagnostic and contribute to an assessment of ecosystem health.
BACKGROUND
1991-1992: Postdoctoral Res.; Reproductive Genetics Labs, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Univ. of TN, with Stephen Wachtel
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Microbiology, Memphis State University, 1991
M.S., Microbiology and Biochemistry, Idaho State University, 1985
B.S., Biology, Rochester Institute of Technology, 1981
Science and Products
Usefulness of hemocytometer as a counting chamber in a computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA)
Reproductive health of yellow perch Perca flavescens in selected tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay
Development of a novel flow cytometric approach to evaluate fish sperm chromatin using fixed samples
Scriptaid and 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine enhanced expression of pluripotent genes and in vitro developmental competence in interspecies Black-footed cat cloned embryos
Reproductive endocrine disruption in smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the Potomac River basin: spatial and temporal comparisons of biological effects
Occurrence and distribution of Asian carps in Louisiana
Sperm quality assessments for endangered razorback suckers Xyrauchen texanus
A geographic information system tool for aquatic resource conservation in the Red and Sabine River Watersheds of the southeast United States
Davis Pond freshwater diversion biomonitoring: Prediversion and postdiversion freshwater fish data
Photographic images captured while sampling for bald eagles near the Davis Pond freshwater diversion structure in Barataria Bay, Louisiana (2009-10)
Review of concepts useful for maintaining quality of male reproductive field samples for laboratory study
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
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Filter Total Items: 69
Usefulness of hemocytometer as a counting chamber in a computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA)
Several methods are used to determine sperm cell concentration, such as the haemocytometer, spectrophotometer, electronic cell counter and computer-assisted semen analysers (CASA). The utility of CASA systems has been limited due to the lack of characterization of individual systems and the absence of standardization among laboratories. The aims of this study were to: 1) validate and establish setAuthorsA. Eljarah, J. Chandler, J.A. Jenkins, J. Chenevert, A. AlcanalReproductive health of yellow perch Perca flavescens in selected tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay
Reduced recruitment of yellow perch has been noted for a number of years in certain urbanized watersheds (South and Severn Rivers) of the Chesapeake Bay. Other rapidly developing watersheds such as Mattawoman Creek are more recently showing evidence of reduced recruitment of anadromous fishes. In this study, we used a battery of biomarkers to better document the reproductive health of adult yellowAuthorsVicki Blazer, Alfred E. Pinkney, Jill A. Jenkins, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Steven Minkkinen, Rassa O. Draugelis-Dale, James H. UphoffDevelopment of a novel flow cytometric approach to evaluate fish sperm chromatin using fixed samples
The integrity of the paternal DNA is essential for the accurate transmission of genetic information, yet fertilization is not inhibited by chromatin breakage. Some methods are available for the sensitive detection of DNA damage and can be applied in studies of environmental toxicology, carcinogenesis, aging, and assisted reproduction techniques in both clinical and experimental settings. Because sAuthorsJill A. JenkinsScriptaid and 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine enhanced expression of pluripotent genes and in vitro developmental competence in interspecies Black-footed cat cloned embryos
Somatic cell nuclear transfer offers the possibility of preserving endangered species including the black-footed cat, which is threatened with extinction. The effectiveness and efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) depends on a variety of factors, but 'inappropriate epigenetic reprogramming of the transplanted nucleus is the primary cause of the developmental failure of cloned embryosAuthorsM. C. Gómez, M.N. Biancardi, J.A. Jenkins, C. Dumas, J. Galiguis, G. Wang, C. Earle PopeReproductive endocrine disruption in smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the Potomac River basin: spatial and temporal comparisons of biological effects
A high prevalence of intersex or testicular oocytes (TO) in male smallmouth bass within the Potomac River drainage has raised concerns as to the health of the river. Studies were conducted to document biomarker responses both temporally and spatially to better understand the influence of normal physiological cycles, as well as water quality and land-use influences. Smallmouth bass were collected oAuthorsVicki Blazer, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Holly Henderson, Patricia M. Mazik, Jill A. Jenkins, David A. Alvarez, John A. YoungOccurrence and distribution of Asian carps in Louisiana
In the 1970s, commercial fishers reported sightings of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella in large rivers and associated backwaters of Louisiana; the first specimen in Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' fishery independent sampling was recorded in 1976. Beginning in the early 1980s, commercial fishers noted increasing populations of bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver cAuthorsR. Glenn Thomas, Jill A. Jenkins, Jody DavidSperm quality assessments for endangered razorback suckers Xyrauchen texanus
Flow cytometry (FCM) and computer-assisted sperm motion analysis (CASA) methods were developed and validated for use with endangered razorback suckers Xyrauchen texanus collected (n=64) during the 2006 spawning season. Sperm motility could be activated within osmolality ranges noted during milt collections (here 167–343 mOsm/kg). We hypothesized that sperm quality of milt collected into isoosmoticAuthorsJill A. Jenkins, Bruce E. Eilts, Amy M. Guitreau, Chester R. Figiel, Rassa O. Draugelis-Dale, Terrence R. TierschA geographic information system tool for aquatic resource conservation in the Red and Sabine River Watersheds of the southeast United States
Our goal was to build a geographic information system (GIS) tool to enhance modeling and hypothesis testing relevant to watersheds and fish fauna of the Red and Sabine Rivers in the southeastern United States. Species of concern were identified from wildlife action plans and Web sites. Spatial distributions of fish species and mercury in fillets were delineated using data from states. Public georeAuthorsJ. A. Jenkins, S. B. Hartley, J. Carter, D. J. Johnson, J. B. AlfordDavis Pond freshwater diversion biomonitoring: Prediversion and postdiversion freshwater fish data
No abstract available.AuthorsJill A. Jenkins, Heather M. Olivier, Rassa Draugelis-Dale, Michael D. KallerPhotographic images captured while sampling for bald eagles near the Davis Pond freshwater diversion structure in Barataria Bay, Louisiana (2009-10)
The implementation of freshwater diversions in large-scale coastal restoration schemes presents several scientific and management considerations. Large-scale environmental restructuring necessitates aquatic biomonitoring, and during such field studies, photographs that document animals and habitat may be captured. Among the biomonitoring studies performed in conjunction with the Davis Pond freshwaAuthorsJill A. Jenkins, Clinton W. Jeske, Larry K. AllainReview of concepts useful for maintaining quality of male reproductive field samples for laboratory study
Investigations into cellular and molecular characteristics of male gametes obtained from fish in natural ecosystems require careful sample handling and shipping in order to minimize artifacts. Maintaining sample integrity engenders confident assessments of ecosystem health, whereby animal condition is often reflected by gamete biomarkers - indicators that respond in measurable ways to changes. A nAuthorsJill A. JenkinsNon-USGS Publications**
Jenkins, J.A. and D.D. Ourth. 1990. Membrane damage to Escherichia coli and bactericidal kinetics by the alternative complement pathway of channel catfish. Comparative Biochemisty and Physiology, 97B:477-481. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2286064**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.