Katy Klymus, PhD
Dr. Katy Klymus is a Research Biologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
Since joining the USGS in 2016, Katy’s research focus has been on using genetic and genomic methods to inform wildlife species management. Currently she is studying environmental DNA methods, how they can be used to assess current levels of and changes in biodiversity, and development of standards for eDNA analyses. Additionally, she has a background in ecology, animal behavior and phylogenetics/ systematics.
Professional Experience
2016 - Present: Research Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center
2014 - 2016: Post-Doctoral Fellow, Lake Erie Center, University of Toledo
2012 - 2014: Post-Doctoral Researcher, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Missouri, 2011
B.S. Zoology, University of Texas, 2000
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 31
Data on the detection of Cumberlandia monodonta using a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey upstream and downstream of known populations in the Big Piney River, Missouri 2020 – 2022 (ver. 2.0, August 2024) Data on the detection of Cumberlandia monodonta using a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey upstream and downstream of known populations in the Big Piney River, Missouri 2020 – 2022 (ver. 2.0, August 2024)
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey for the detection of Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta, also referred to as Margaritifera monodonta) from field collected water samples. Parameters described include the limit of detection and limit of quantification of the assay; a list of freshwater mussel species tissue samples that were used to test specificity of the assay...
Degradation of Cumberlandia monodonta environmental DNA over time in laboratory conditions using the C.monCOI assay Degradation of Cumberlandia monodonta environmental DNA over time in laboratory conditions using the C.monCOI assay
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiment for the estimation of eDNA degradation rates for the spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) from water samples collected in the laboratory. Parameters described include laboratory collected water samples that were tested to estimate concentration of spectaclecase DNA and associated quality assurance data. Samples were collected...
Genomic variation in the genus Pimephales: raw sequence data and single-nucleotide polymorphisms Genomic variation in the genus Pimephales: raw sequence data and single-nucleotide polymorphisms
The fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a key model of vertebrate toxicity. Standardized tests of toxicity in fathead minnow have been developed to support regulatory science, and much is known about the response of the species to various environmental pollutants. However, there is little data on genetic variation within the species, despite the potential influence of genetic...
Longnose darter (Percina nasuta) eDNA survey results from the St. Francis River, Missouri 2018 Longnose darter (Percina nasuta) eDNA survey results from the St. Francis River, Missouri 2018
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey for the detection of longnose darter (Percina nasuta) in field collected water samples. Parameters described include the limit of detection and limit of quantification of the assay; a list of freshwater fish species tissue samples that were used to test specificity of the assay; and field collected water samples that were tested to...
Metabarcoding data from freshwater mussel eDNA collected in Clinch River, Virginia 2017 Metabarcoding data from freshwater mussel eDNA collected in Clinch River, Virginia 2017
Data from metabarcoding assays to detect a suite of mussel species using mitochondrial DNA regions of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit (ND1) genes sequences.
Mucket eDNA detection in Wallen's Bend, Clinch river, Tennessee, September 2019 Mucket eDNA detection in Wallen's Bend, Clinch river, Tennessee, September 2019
The data describe the technical performance of a designed qPCR assay for the detection of mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina) eDNA from field collected water samples. Parameters described include the sequences of the primers and probes used; the limit of detection and limit of quantification for the assay; a list of freshwater mussels species that were used to test specificity of the assay...
eDNA sampling sites in the Grand Canyon region near breccia pipe uranium mines_2015_2016 eDNA sampling sites in the Grand Canyon region near breccia pipe uranium mines_2015_2016
Geospatial locations of eDNA sampling sites in the Grand Canyon region near breccia pipe uranium mines
Filter Total Items: 30
Environmental DNA calibration study interim technical review report December 2014 Environmental DNA calibration study interim technical review report December 2014
The Environmental DNA Calibration Study (ECALS) is a multi-year study to improve the understanding and interpretation of the detection of Asian carp DNA in environmental samples (eDNA) used in early detection monitoring. eDNA surveillance programs seek to detect the presence of genetic material (DNA in cells sloughed off in slime, feces, urine, etc.) extracted from water samples; the...
Authors
Kelly Baerwaldt, Meredith L. Bartron, Kurt Schilling, Debbie Lee, Edmond Russo, Trudy Estes, Richard Fischer, Beth Fleming, Michael P. Guilfoyle, Jack Killgore, Richard Lance, Edward Perkins, Martin Schultz, David Smith, Jon J. Amberg, Duane Chapman, Mark P. Gaikowski, Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter
A reply to Iversen et al.'s comment “Monitoring of animal abundance by environmental DNA - An increasingly obscure perspective” A reply to Iversen et al.'s comment “Monitoring of animal abundance by environmental DNA - An increasingly obscure perspective”
We appreciate the conversation put forward by Iversen et al. (2015) in their response to our article “Quantification of eDNA shedding rates from invasive bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix” in the 2015 environmental DNA special issue of Biological Conservation. We agree with Iversen et al.'s concern about overly optimistic conclusions that...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Cathy A. Richter, Duane Chapman, Craig P. Paukert
Quantification of eDNA shedding rates from invasive bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Quantification of eDNA shedding rates from invasive bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Wildlife managers can more easily mitigate the effects of invasive species if action takes place before a population becomes established. Such early detection requires sensitive survey tools that can detect low numbers of individuals. Due to their high sensitivity, environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys hold promise as an early detection method for aquatic invasive species. Quantification of...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Cathy A. Richter, Duane Chapman, Craig P. Paukert
Environmental DNA calibration study. Interim technical review report Environmental DNA calibration study. Interim technical review report
Invasive aquatic nuisance species pose a major threat to aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Invasive Asian carps, including bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix) have been steadily dispersing upstream through the Mississippi, Illinois, and Des Plaines Rivers since the 1990s. To prevent further movement up the Illinois River into the Chicago Area Waterway...
Authors
K. Baerwaldt, Meredith L. Bartron, K. Schilling, Debbie Lee, Edmond Russo, Trudy Estes, Richard Fischer, Beth Fleming, Michael P. Guilfoyle, K. Jack Kilgore, Richard Lance, Edward Perkins, Martin Schultz, David Smith, Jon J. Amberg, Duane Chapman, Mark P. Gaikowski, Katy E. Klymus, Cathy A. Richter
ECALS: Loading studies interim report October 2013 ECALS: Loading studies interim report October 2013
Here we follow up the loading studies interim report from July 2013 and include results from laboratory studies assessing the effects of diet on eDNA shedding rates by bigheaded carps(silver and bighead carp). In order to understand how eDNA behavesin the environment, we must understand how it enters the system. In our July interim report, we addressed three of our four hypotheses that...
Authors
Katy Klymus, Cathy Richter, Duane Chapman, Craig P. Paukert
ECALS: Loading studies interim report July 2013 ECALS: Loading studies interim report July 2013
Since the initial detection of Asian carp moving up the Mississippi Basin, the potential for invasion of the Great Lakes by Silver Carp and Bighead Carp has been a major concern to stakeholders. To combat this problem, sampling for environmental DNA (eDNA) is used to monitor the waterways near Lake Michigan. This monitoring area includes the Chicago Area Waterways System (CAWS) and the...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Cathy A. Richter, Duane Chapman, Craig P. Paukert
Non-USGS Publications**
Soamiarimampionona, J., Sam, S.S., Dolch, R., Klymus, K., Rabemananjara, F., Robsomanitrandrasana, E., Rakotoarisoa, J.C., and Edmonds, D., 2015, Effects of three diets on development of Mantidactylus betsileanus larvae in captivity: Alytes, v. 32, p. 7-15
Klymus, K.E., and Carl Gerhardt, H., 2012, AFLP markers resolve intra-specific relationships and infer genetic structure among lineages of the canyon treefrog, Hyla arenicolor: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, v. 65, no. 2, p. 654-667
Klymus, K.E., Humfeld, S.C., and Gerhardt, H.C., 2012, Geographical variation in male advertisement calls and female preference of the wide-ranging canyon treefrog, Hyla arenicolor: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, v. 107, no. 1, p. 219-232
Klymus, K.E., Humfeld, S.C., Marshall, V.T., Cannatella, D., and Gerhardt, H.C., 2010, Molecular patterns of differentiation in canyon treefrogs (Hyla arenicolor): evidence for introgressive hybridization with the Arizona treefrog (H. wrightorum) and correlations with advertisement call differences: Journal of Evolutionary Biology, v. 23, no. 7, p. 1425-1435
**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
Filter Total Items: 31
Data on the detection of Cumberlandia monodonta using a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey upstream and downstream of known populations in the Big Piney River, Missouri 2020 – 2022 (ver. 2.0, August 2024) Data on the detection of Cumberlandia monodonta using a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey upstream and downstream of known populations in the Big Piney River, Missouri 2020 – 2022 (ver. 2.0, August 2024)
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey for the detection of Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta, also referred to as Margaritifera monodonta) from field collected water samples. Parameters described include the limit of detection and limit of quantification of the assay; a list of freshwater mussel species tissue samples that were used to test specificity of the assay...
Degradation of Cumberlandia monodonta environmental DNA over time in laboratory conditions using the C.monCOI assay Degradation of Cumberlandia monodonta environmental DNA over time in laboratory conditions using the C.monCOI assay
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiment for the estimation of eDNA degradation rates for the spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) from water samples collected in the laboratory. Parameters described include laboratory collected water samples that were tested to estimate concentration of spectaclecase DNA and associated quality assurance data. Samples were collected...
Genomic variation in the genus Pimephales: raw sequence data and single-nucleotide polymorphisms Genomic variation in the genus Pimephales: raw sequence data and single-nucleotide polymorphisms
The fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a key model of vertebrate toxicity. Standardized tests of toxicity in fathead minnow have been developed to support regulatory science, and much is known about the response of the species to various environmental pollutants. However, there is little data on genetic variation within the species, despite the potential influence of genetic...
Longnose darter (Percina nasuta) eDNA survey results from the St. Francis River, Missouri 2018 Longnose darter (Percina nasuta) eDNA survey results from the St. Francis River, Missouri 2018
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey for the detection of longnose darter (Percina nasuta) in field collected water samples. Parameters described include the limit of detection and limit of quantification of the assay; a list of freshwater fish species tissue samples that were used to test specificity of the assay; and field collected water samples that were tested to...
Metabarcoding data from freshwater mussel eDNA collected in Clinch River, Virginia 2017 Metabarcoding data from freshwater mussel eDNA collected in Clinch River, Virginia 2017
Data from metabarcoding assays to detect a suite of mussel species using mitochondrial DNA regions of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit (ND1) genes sequences.
Mucket eDNA detection in Wallen's Bend, Clinch river, Tennessee, September 2019 Mucket eDNA detection in Wallen's Bend, Clinch river, Tennessee, September 2019
The data describe the technical performance of a designed qPCR assay for the detection of mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina) eDNA from field collected water samples. Parameters described include the sequences of the primers and probes used; the limit of detection and limit of quantification for the assay; a list of freshwater mussels species that were used to test specificity of the assay...
eDNA sampling sites in the Grand Canyon region near breccia pipe uranium mines_2015_2016 eDNA sampling sites in the Grand Canyon region near breccia pipe uranium mines_2015_2016
Geospatial locations of eDNA sampling sites in the Grand Canyon region near breccia pipe uranium mines
Filter Total Items: 30
Environmental DNA calibration study interim technical review report December 2014 Environmental DNA calibration study interim technical review report December 2014
The Environmental DNA Calibration Study (ECALS) is a multi-year study to improve the understanding and interpretation of the detection of Asian carp DNA in environmental samples (eDNA) used in early detection monitoring. eDNA surveillance programs seek to detect the presence of genetic material (DNA in cells sloughed off in slime, feces, urine, etc.) extracted from water samples; the...
Authors
Kelly Baerwaldt, Meredith L. Bartron, Kurt Schilling, Debbie Lee, Edmond Russo, Trudy Estes, Richard Fischer, Beth Fleming, Michael P. Guilfoyle, Jack Killgore, Richard Lance, Edward Perkins, Martin Schultz, David Smith, Jon J. Amberg, Duane Chapman, Mark P. Gaikowski, Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter
A reply to Iversen et al.'s comment “Monitoring of animal abundance by environmental DNA - An increasingly obscure perspective” A reply to Iversen et al.'s comment “Monitoring of animal abundance by environmental DNA - An increasingly obscure perspective”
We appreciate the conversation put forward by Iversen et al. (2015) in their response to our article “Quantification of eDNA shedding rates from invasive bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix” in the 2015 environmental DNA special issue of Biological Conservation. We agree with Iversen et al.'s concern about overly optimistic conclusions that...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Cathy A. Richter, Duane Chapman, Craig P. Paukert
Quantification of eDNA shedding rates from invasive bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Quantification of eDNA shedding rates from invasive bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Wildlife managers can more easily mitigate the effects of invasive species if action takes place before a population becomes established. Such early detection requires sensitive survey tools that can detect low numbers of individuals. Due to their high sensitivity, environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys hold promise as an early detection method for aquatic invasive species. Quantification of...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Cathy A. Richter, Duane Chapman, Craig P. Paukert
Environmental DNA calibration study. Interim technical review report Environmental DNA calibration study. Interim technical review report
Invasive aquatic nuisance species pose a major threat to aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Invasive Asian carps, including bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix) have been steadily dispersing upstream through the Mississippi, Illinois, and Des Plaines Rivers since the 1990s. To prevent further movement up the Illinois River into the Chicago Area Waterway...
Authors
K. Baerwaldt, Meredith L. Bartron, K. Schilling, Debbie Lee, Edmond Russo, Trudy Estes, Richard Fischer, Beth Fleming, Michael P. Guilfoyle, K. Jack Kilgore, Richard Lance, Edward Perkins, Martin Schultz, David Smith, Jon J. Amberg, Duane Chapman, Mark P. Gaikowski, Katy E. Klymus, Cathy A. Richter
ECALS: Loading studies interim report October 2013 ECALS: Loading studies interim report October 2013
Here we follow up the loading studies interim report from July 2013 and include results from laboratory studies assessing the effects of diet on eDNA shedding rates by bigheaded carps(silver and bighead carp). In order to understand how eDNA behavesin the environment, we must understand how it enters the system. In our July interim report, we addressed three of our four hypotheses that...
Authors
Katy Klymus, Cathy Richter, Duane Chapman, Craig P. Paukert
ECALS: Loading studies interim report July 2013 ECALS: Loading studies interim report July 2013
Since the initial detection of Asian carp moving up the Mississippi Basin, the potential for invasion of the Great Lakes by Silver Carp and Bighead Carp has been a major concern to stakeholders. To combat this problem, sampling for environmental DNA (eDNA) is used to monitor the waterways near Lake Michigan. This monitoring area includes the Chicago Area Waterways System (CAWS) and the...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Cathy A. Richter, Duane Chapman, Craig P. Paukert
Non-USGS Publications**
Soamiarimampionona, J., Sam, S.S., Dolch, R., Klymus, K., Rabemananjara, F., Robsomanitrandrasana, E., Rakotoarisoa, J.C., and Edmonds, D., 2015, Effects of three diets on development of Mantidactylus betsileanus larvae in captivity: Alytes, v. 32, p. 7-15
Klymus, K.E., and Carl Gerhardt, H., 2012, AFLP markers resolve intra-specific relationships and infer genetic structure among lineages of the canyon treefrog, Hyla arenicolor: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, v. 65, no. 2, p. 654-667
Klymus, K.E., Humfeld, S.C., and Gerhardt, H.C., 2012, Geographical variation in male advertisement calls and female preference of the wide-ranging canyon treefrog, Hyla arenicolor: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, v. 107, no. 1, p. 219-232
Klymus, K.E., Humfeld, S.C., Marshall, V.T., Cannatella, D., and Gerhardt, H.C., 2010, Molecular patterns of differentiation in canyon treefrogs (Hyla arenicolor): evidence for introgressive hybridization with the Arizona treefrog (H. wrightorum) and correlations with advertisement call differences: Journal of Evolutionary Biology, v. 23, no. 7, p. 1425-1435
**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.