Mark Miller
Mark Miller is an RGE-EDGE Senior Scientist with the USGS Office of Science Quality and Integrity (OSQI).
Mark Miller is a broadly trained biologist with a strong background in ecology, genetics, and statistics. He also possesses exceptional computational skills backed by the ability to communicate with both general and technical audiences. Prior to joining OSQI, his research primarily focused on analyses of wildlife and endangered species that are relevant to USGS and other DOI bureaus. Mark has been located in Lakewood, Colorado since 2020.
Education and Certifications
B.S. Auburn University (Zoology)
M.S. Virginia Tech (Biology)
Ph.D. Northern Arizona University (Biology)
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 75
Ancient DNA reveals substantial genetic diversity in the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) prior to a population bottleneck Ancient DNA reveals substantial genetic diversity in the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) prior to a population bottleneck
Critically endangered species that have undergone severe population bottlenecks often have little remaining genetic variation, making it difficult to reconstruct population histories to apply in reintroduction and recovery strategies. By using ancient DNA techniques, it is possible to combine genetic evidence from the historical population with contemporary samples to provide a more...
Authors
Jesse D'Elia, Susan M. Haig, Thomas D. Mullins, Mark P. Miller
Genetic diversity and population structure in the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta) in western Oregon and northwestern California— Implications for future translocations and the establishment of new populations Genetic diversity and population structure in the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta) in western Oregon and northwestern California— Implications for future translocations and the establishment of new populations
Executive Summary We present results of population genetic analyses performed on Oregon silverspot butterflies (OSB; Speyeria zerene hippolyta) in western Oregon and northwestern California. We used DNA sequences from a 561-base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for a dataset comprised of 112 S. z. hippolyta and 32 S. z. gloriosa individuals...
Authors
Mark P. Miller, Thomas D. Mullins, Susan M. Haig
U.S. Geological Survey science strategy for highly pathogenic avian influenza in wildlife and the environment (2016–2020) U.S. Geological Survey science strategy for highly pathogenic avian influenza in wildlife and the environment (2016–2020)
Introduction Through the Science Strategy for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wildlife and the Environment, the USGS will assess avian influenza (AI) dynamics in an ecological context to inform decisions made by resource managers and policymakers from the local to national level. Through collection of unbiased scientific information on the ecology of AI viruses and wildlife...
Authors
M. Camille Harris, John M. Pearce, Diann J. Prosser, C. LeAnn White, A. Keith Miles, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Christopher J. Brand, James P. Cronin, Susan De La Cruz, Christine L. Densmore, Thomas W. Doyle, Robert J. Dusek, Joseph P. Fleskes, Paul L. Flint, Gerald F. Guala, Jeffrey S. Hall, Laura E. Hubbard, Randall J. Hunt, S. Ip, Rachel A. Katz, Kevin W. Laurent, Mark P. Miller, Mark D. Munn, Andrew M. Ramey, Kevin D. Richards, Robin E. Russell, Joel P. Stokdyk, John Y. Takekawa, Daniel P. Walsh
Small-scale barriers mitigate desertification processes and enhance plant recruitment in a degraded semiarid grassland Small-scale barriers mitigate desertification processes and enhance plant recruitment in a degraded semiarid grassland
Anthropogenic desertification is a problem that plagues drylands globally; however, the factors which maintain degraded states are often unclear. In Canyonlands National Park on the Colorado Plateau of southeastern Utah, many degraded grasslands have not recovered structure and function >40 yr after release from livestock grazing pressure, necessitating active restoration. We...
Authors
Stephen E. Fick, Cheryl E. Decker, Michael C. Duniway, Mark E. Miller
Breeding sites and winter site fidelity of Piping Plovers wintering in The Bahamas, a previously unknown major wintering area Breeding sites and winter site fidelity of Piping Plovers wintering in The Bahamas, a previously unknown major wintering area
Most of the known wintering areas of Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) are along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States and into Mexico, and in the Caribbean. However, 1066 threatened/endangered Piping Plovers were recently found wintering in The Bahamas, an area not previously known to be important for the species. Although representing about 27% of the birds counted during...
Authors
Cheri Gratto-Trevor, Susan M. Haig, Mark P. Miller, Thomas D. Mullins, Sidney Maddock, Erin A. Roche, Predensa Moore
The conservation genetics juggling act: Integrating genetics and ecology, science and policy The conservation genetics juggling act: Integrating genetics and ecology, science and policy
The field of conservation genetics, when properly implemented, is a constant juggling act integrating molecular genetics, ecology, and demography with applied aspects concerning managing declining species or implementing conservation laws and policies. This young field has grown substantially since the 1980’s following development of the polymerase chain reaction and now into the...
Authors
Susan M. Haig, Mark P. Miller, Renee Bellinger, Hope M. Draheim, Dacey Mercer, Thomas D. Mullins
Non-USGS Publications**
Safner, T., Miller, M.P., McRae, B.H., Fortin, M., Manel, S., 2011, Comparison of Bayesian clustering andedge detection methods for inferring boundaries in landscape genetics: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, v. 12, p. 865-889.
Fernandes, E., Keyser, C.A., Chong, J.P., Rangel, D., Miller, M.P., Roberts, D.W., 2010, Characterization of Metarhiziumspecies and varieties based on molecular analysis, heat tolerance and cold activity: Journal of Applied Microbiology, v. 108, p. 115-128.
Fernandes, E., Moraes, A.L., Pacheco, R.S., Rangel, D., Miller, M.P., Bittencourt, V., Roberts, D.W., 2009, Genetic diversity among Brazilian isolates of Beauveria bassiana - comparisons with non-Brazilian isolates and other Beauveria species: Journal of Applied Microbiology, v. 107, p. 760-774.
Schultheis, A.S., Booth, J.Y., Vinson, M.R., Miller, M.P., 2008, Genetic evidence for cohort splitting in the merovoltine stonefly Pteronarcys californica (Newport) in Blacksmith Fork, Utah: Aquatic Insects, v. 30, no. 3, p. 187-195.
Miller, M.P., Vincent, R., 2008, Rapid natural selection for resistance to an introduced parasite of rainbow trout: Evolutionary Applications, v. 1, p. 336-341.
Barni, F., Berti, A., Pianese, A., Boccellino, A., Miller, M.P., Caperna, A., Lago, G., 2007, Allele frequencies of 15 autosomal STR loci in the Iraq population with comparisons to other populations from the middle-eastern region: Forensic Science International, v. 167, p. 87-92.
Wagner, E.J., Wilson, C., Arndt, R., Goddard, P., Miller, M.P., Hodgson, A., Vincent, R., Mock, K., 2006, Evaluation of disease resistance of the Fish Lake–DeSmet, Wounded Man, and Harrison Lake strains of rainbow trout exposed to Myxobolus cerebralis: Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, v. 18, p. 128-135.
Miller, M.P., Weigel, D.E., Mock, K., Roth, B., 2006, Evidence for an outcrossing reproductive strategy in the hermaphroditic heterobranch gastropod Valvata utahensis (Valvatidae), with notes on the genetic differentiation of V. utahensis and V. humeralis: Journal of Molluscan Studies, v. 72, p. 397-403.
Miller, M.P., Weigel, D.E., Mock, K., 2006, Patterns of genetic structure in the endangered aquatic gastropod Valvata utahensis (Mollusca - Valvatidae) at small and large spatial scales: Freshwater Biology, v. 51, p. 2362-2375.
Miller, M.P., 2005, Alleles In Space (AIS) - Computer software for the joint analysis of interindividual spatial and genetic information: Journal of Heredity, v. 96, no. 6, p. 722-724.
Mock, K., Miller, M.P., 2005, Patterns of molecular diversity in naturally occurring and refugial populations of the least chub: Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, v. 134, p. 267-278.
Shuster, S.M., Miller, M.P., Lang, B.K., Zorich, N., Huynh, L., Keim, P., 2005, The effects of controlled propagation on an endangered species - genetic differentiation and divergence in body size among native and captive populations of the Socorro Isopod (Crustacea- Flabellifera): Conservation Genetics, v. 6, p. 355-368.
Mock, K., Brim-Box, J.C., Miller, M.P., Downing, M.E., Hoeh, W.R., 2004, Genetic diversity and divergence among freshwater mussel (Anodonta) populations in the Bonneville Basin of Utah: Molecular Ecology, v. 13, p. 1085-1098.
Miller, M.P., Parker, J.D., Kumar, S., 2003, Quantifying the intragenic distribution of human disease mutations: Annals of Human Genetics, v. 67, p. 567-579.
Miller, M.P., Blinn, D.W., Keim, P., 2002, Correlations between observed dispersal capabilities and patterns of genetic differentiation in populations of four aquatic insect species from the Arizona White Mountains, USA: Freshwater Biology, v. 47, p. 1660-1673.
Miller, M.P., Kumar, S., 2001, Understanding human disease mutations through the use of interspecific genetic variation: Human Molecular Genetics, v. 10, no. 21, p. 2319-2328.
Miller, M.P., Stevens, L.E., Busch, J., Sorensen, J.A., Keim, P., 2000, Amplified fragment length polymorphism and mitochondrial sequence data detect genetic differentiation and relationships in endangered southwestern USA ambersnails (Oxyloma spp.): Canadian Journal of Zoology, v. 78, p. 1845-1854.
Busch, J., Miller, M.P., Paxton, E.H., Sogge, M.K., Keim, P., 2000, Genetic variation in the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher: Auk, v. 117, no. 3, p. 586-595.
Miller, M.P., 1999, MANTEL-STRUCT- A program for the detection of population structure via mantel tests: Journal of Heredity, v. 90, no. 1, p. 258-259.
Miller, M.P., Kimberling, D.N., Keim, P., 1999, Re-analysis of genetic structure among populations of Rana pipiens in Arizona and Utah: The Southwest Naturalist, v. 44, no. 4, p. 527-530.
Miller, M.P., Hendricks, A.C., 1996, Zinc resistance in Chironomus riparius - Evidence for physiological and genetic components: Journal of the North American Benthological Society, v. 15, no. 1, p. 106-116.
**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: 75
Ancient DNA reveals substantial genetic diversity in the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) prior to a population bottleneck Ancient DNA reveals substantial genetic diversity in the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) prior to a population bottleneck
Critically endangered species that have undergone severe population bottlenecks often have little remaining genetic variation, making it difficult to reconstruct population histories to apply in reintroduction and recovery strategies. By using ancient DNA techniques, it is possible to combine genetic evidence from the historical population with contemporary samples to provide a more...
Authors
Jesse D'Elia, Susan M. Haig, Thomas D. Mullins, Mark P. Miller
Genetic diversity and population structure in the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta) in western Oregon and northwestern California— Implications for future translocations and the establishment of new populations Genetic diversity and population structure in the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta) in western Oregon and northwestern California— Implications for future translocations and the establishment of new populations
Executive Summary We present results of population genetic analyses performed on Oregon silverspot butterflies (OSB; Speyeria zerene hippolyta) in western Oregon and northwestern California. We used DNA sequences from a 561-base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for a dataset comprised of 112 S. z. hippolyta and 32 S. z. gloriosa individuals...
Authors
Mark P. Miller, Thomas D. Mullins, Susan M. Haig
U.S. Geological Survey science strategy for highly pathogenic avian influenza in wildlife and the environment (2016–2020) U.S. Geological Survey science strategy for highly pathogenic avian influenza in wildlife and the environment (2016–2020)
Introduction Through the Science Strategy for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Wildlife and the Environment, the USGS will assess avian influenza (AI) dynamics in an ecological context to inform decisions made by resource managers and policymakers from the local to national level. Through collection of unbiased scientific information on the ecology of AI viruses and wildlife...
Authors
M. Camille Harris, John M. Pearce, Diann J. Prosser, C. LeAnn White, A. Keith Miles, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Christopher J. Brand, James P. Cronin, Susan De La Cruz, Christine L. Densmore, Thomas W. Doyle, Robert J. Dusek, Joseph P. Fleskes, Paul L. Flint, Gerald F. Guala, Jeffrey S. Hall, Laura E. Hubbard, Randall J. Hunt, S. Ip, Rachel A. Katz, Kevin W. Laurent, Mark P. Miller, Mark D. Munn, Andrew M. Ramey, Kevin D. Richards, Robin E. Russell, Joel P. Stokdyk, John Y. Takekawa, Daniel P. Walsh
Small-scale barriers mitigate desertification processes and enhance plant recruitment in a degraded semiarid grassland Small-scale barriers mitigate desertification processes and enhance plant recruitment in a degraded semiarid grassland
Anthropogenic desertification is a problem that plagues drylands globally; however, the factors which maintain degraded states are often unclear. In Canyonlands National Park on the Colorado Plateau of southeastern Utah, many degraded grasslands have not recovered structure and function >40 yr after release from livestock grazing pressure, necessitating active restoration. We...
Authors
Stephen E. Fick, Cheryl E. Decker, Michael C. Duniway, Mark E. Miller
Breeding sites and winter site fidelity of Piping Plovers wintering in The Bahamas, a previously unknown major wintering area Breeding sites and winter site fidelity of Piping Plovers wintering in The Bahamas, a previously unknown major wintering area
Most of the known wintering areas of Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) are along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States and into Mexico, and in the Caribbean. However, 1066 threatened/endangered Piping Plovers were recently found wintering in The Bahamas, an area not previously known to be important for the species. Although representing about 27% of the birds counted during...
Authors
Cheri Gratto-Trevor, Susan M. Haig, Mark P. Miller, Thomas D. Mullins, Sidney Maddock, Erin A. Roche, Predensa Moore
The conservation genetics juggling act: Integrating genetics and ecology, science and policy The conservation genetics juggling act: Integrating genetics and ecology, science and policy
The field of conservation genetics, when properly implemented, is a constant juggling act integrating molecular genetics, ecology, and demography with applied aspects concerning managing declining species or implementing conservation laws and policies. This young field has grown substantially since the 1980’s following development of the polymerase chain reaction and now into the...
Authors
Susan M. Haig, Mark P. Miller, Renee Bellinger, Hope M. Draheim, Dacey Mercer, Thomas D. Mullins
Non-USGS Publications**
Safner, T., Miller, M.P., McRae, B.H., Fortin, M., Manel, S., 2011, Comparison of Bayesian clustering andedge detection methods for inferring boundaries in landscape genetics: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, v. 12, p. 865-889.
Fernandes, E., Keyser, C.A., Chong, J.P., Rangel, D., Miller, M.P., Roberts, D.W., 2010, Characterization of Metarhiziumspecies and varieties based on molecular analysis, heat tolerance and cold activity: Journal of Applied Microbiology, v. 108, p. 115-128.
Fernandes, E., Moraes, A.L., Pacheco, R.S., Rangel, D., Miller, M.P., Bittencourt, V., Roberts, D.W., 2009, Genetic diversity among Brazilian isolates of Beauveria bassiana - comparisons with non-Brazilian isolates and other Beauveria species: Journal of Applied Microbiology, v. 107, p. 760-774.
Schultheis, A.S., Booth, J.Y., Vinson, M.R., Miller, M.P., 2008, Genetic evidence for cohort splitting in the merovoltine stonefly Pteronarcys californica (Newport) in Blacksmith Fork, Utah: Aquatic Insects, v. 30, no. 3, p. 187-195.
Miller, M.P., Vincent, R., 2008, Rapid natural selection for resistance to an introduced parasite of rainbow trout: Evolutionary Applications, v. 1, p. 336-341.
Barni, F., Berti, A., Pianese, A., Boccellino, A., Miller, M.P., Caperna, A., Lago, G., 2007, Allele frequencies of 15 autosomal STR loci in the Iraq population with comparisons to other populations from the middle-eastern region: Forensic Science International, v. 167, p. 87-92.
Wagner, E.J., Wilson, C., Arndt, R., Goddard, P., Miller, M.P., Hodgson, A., Vincent, R., Mock, K., 2006, Evaluation of disease resistance of the Fish Lake–DeSmet, Wounded Man, and Harrison Lake strains of rainbow trout exposed to Myxobolus cerebralis: Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, v. 18, p. 128-135.
Miller, M.P., Weigel, D.E., Mock, K., Roth, B., 2006, Evidence for an outcrossing reproductive strategy in the hermaphroditic heterobranch gastropod Valvata utahensis (Valvatidae), with notes on the genetic differentiation of V. utahensis and V. humeralis: Journal of Molluscan Studies, v. 72, p. 397-403.
Miller, M.P., Weigel, D.E., Mock, K., 2006, Patterns of genetic structure in the endangered aquatic gastropod Valvata utahensis (Mollusca - Valvatidae) at small and large spatial scales: Freshwater Biology, v. 51, p. 2362-2375.
Miller, M.P., 2005, Alleles In Space (AIS) - Computer software for the joint analysis of interindividual spatial and genetic information: Journal of Heredity, v. 96, no. 6, p. 722-724.
Mock, K., Miller, M.P., 2005, Patterns of molecular diversity in naturally occurring and refugial populations of the least chub: Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, v. 134, p. 267-278.
Shuster, S.M., Miller, M.P., Lang, B.K., Zorich, N., Huynh, L., Keim, P., 2005, The effects of controlled propagation on an endangered species - genetic differentiation and divergence in body size among native and captive populations of the Socorro Isopod (Crustacea- Flabellifera): Conservation Genetics, v. 6, p. 355-368.
Mock, K., Brim-Box, J.C., Miller, M.P., Downing, M.E., Hoeh, W.R., 2004, Genetic diversity and divergence among freshwater mussel (Anodonta) populations in the Bonneville Basin of Utah: Molecular Ecology, v. 13, p. 1085-1098.
Miller, M.P., Parker, J.D., Kumar, S., 2003, Quantifying the intragenic distribution of human disease mutations: Annals of Human Genetics, v. 67, p. 567-579.
Miller, M.P., Blinn, D.W., Keim, P., 2002, Correlations between observed dispersal capabilities and patterns of genetic differentiation in populations of four aquatic insect species from the Arizona White Mountains, USA: Freshwater Biology, v. 47, p. 1660-1673.
Miller, M.P., Kumar, S., 2001, Understanding human disease mutations through the use of interspecific genetic variation: Human Molecular Genetics, v. 10, no. 21, p. 2319-2328.
Miller, M.P., Stevens, L.E., Busch, J., Sorensen, J.A., Keim, P., 2000, Amplified fragment length polymorphism and mitochondrial sequence data detect genetic differentiation and relationships in endangered southwestern USA ambersnails (Oxyloma spp.): Canadian Journal of Zoology, v. 78, p. 1845-1854.
Busch, J., Miller, M.P., Paxton, E.H., Sogge, M.K., Keim, P., 2000, Genetic variation in the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher: Auk, v. 117, no. 3, p. 586-595.
Miller, M.P., 1999, MANTEL-STRUCT- A program for the detection of population structure via mantel tests: Journal of Heredity, v. 90, no. 1, p. 258-259.
Miller, M.P., Kimberling, D.N., Keim, P., 1999, Re-analysis of genetic structure among populations of Rana pipiens in Arizona and Utah: The Southwest Naturalist, v. 44, no. 4, p. 527-530.
Miller, M.P., Hendricks, A.C., 1996, Zinc resistance in Chironomus riparius - Evidence for physiological and genetic components: Journal of the North American Benthological Society, v. 15, no. 1, p. 106-116.
**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.