Melanie Culver, PhD
Melanie uses genetic tools and analyses to contribute to management decisions and wildlife conservation. She uses genetic and genomic approaches across a variety of species including evolution, ecology, behavorial ecology, population dynamics, population monitoring, and virology, all which contribute to protecting wildlife and ecosystems.
Melanie is leading a citizen science jaguar and ocelot trail camera monitoring effort in southern Arizona that has detected 3 jaguars and 4 ocelots over the past 10 years. Her recently started projects include conservation genomics of flat-tailed horned lizards in Arizona; emerging viral diseases in at-risk populations of felids and ungulates; and Harris hawks in Baja California Sur.
Research Interests
- Conservation genetics
- New technology development
- Wildlife disease issues
- Climate change
- Genomics
Teaching Interests
- Conservation genetics
- Conservation biology
Professional Experience
Assistant Unit Leader, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 2002-
Education and Certifications
Ph D University of Maryland 1999
BS University of Utah 1984