Michael is a Biological Science Technician at the Eastern Ecological Science Center in Kearneysville, WV.
Michael (Mike) has routinely conducted molecular research utilizing genetic and genomic techniques, established and novel, to identify biologically-appropriate units of conservation and management among imperiled and invasive species.
Throughout his long career he has developed hundreds of molecular markers for over 20 different animal and plant species. He gained an early mastery of genotyping and Sanger sequencing on capillary driven analyzers. Mike also has substantial experience with genomic library preparation and sequencing, including shotgun, amplicon and bait capture approaches. He has generated High Throughput data sets on many different platforms ranging in output of 2 million sequence reads to 8 billion reads. In addition to time in the lab, he is also proficient in non-invasive DNA tissue sampling of fish, assorted bivalves, amphibians, and plant species. In recent years, Mike has become increasingly involved with environmental DNA studies, including collection of water and soil samples, eDNA extraction, specific gene amplification and metabarcoding. Beyond his contributions to the genetics field, Mike has assisted with backpack electrofishing and analysis of side scan sonar imagery for sturgeon and invasive Carp. Mike has help keep the fires of higher education burning in the lives of many college interns and graduate students while providing sustained support to a program, lab and vision first begun by Dr. Tim King in 1993.
Professional Experience
2002-present-Biological Lab Technician-U.S. Geological Survey-Eastern Ecological Science Center-Kearneysville WV-Kearneysville WV
2000-2002-Biological Lab Technician-Term-U.S. Geological Survey-Leetown Science Center-Kearneysville WV
1999-2000-General Biologist I-JCWS-Leetown Science Center-Kearneysville WV
1994-1999-volunteer-Biological Lab Technician-U.S. Geological Survey-Leetown Science Center-Kearneysville WV
Education and Certifications
Bachelors in Environmental Studies-1994-Shepherd University, Shepherdstown WV
Science and Products
Individual assignments and microsatellite genotypes for Atlantic Sturgeon from 2021
This dataset includes genotypes and individual-based assignment tests for 329 Atlantic Sturgeon selected for assignment by the National Marine Fisheries Service to meet management requirements under the Endangered Species Act.
Population genetic data for three at-risk tiger beetles Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis, H. d. media, and Ellipsoptera puritana
This dataset includes microsatellite genotypes for 16 collections of tiger beetles (Ellipsoptera puritana) distributed in Connecticut and Maryland, United States and 44 collections of Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis and 14 collections of H. d. media distributed from Massachusetts to Florida, United States.
SARS-CoV-2 Data from National Wastewater Surveillance System Surge Capacity Sampling, September 2021
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is used to determine the consumption of, or exposure to, chemicals or pathogens in human populations, and is conducted by collecting representative samples of untreated wastewater (influent) to quantify pathogens shed in the population served by the sampled wastewater system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Health an
Population genetic data for flathead catfish from the Susquehanna and Delaware River basins in Pennsylvania and Maryland, USA
This dataset includes microsatellite genotypes for 137 flathead catfish from the Susquehanna River and Delaware River basins in Pennslyvania and Maryland, USA. Each individual was genotyped at 13 loci. Additional information about sex, capture date, and size are also provided for most individuals.
Genotypes of Atlantic Sturgeon collected from Canada to Georgia used in the development of a genetic baseline
This dataset includes microsatellite genotypes for 2510 Atlantic sturgeon from 18 different populations distributed from Canada to Georgia. Each individual was genotyped at 12 loci. Additional information about sex, capture date, and size are also provided.
Filter Total Items: 18
Genetic population assignments of Atlantic sturgeon provided to National Marine Fisheries Service, 2022
Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus (Atlantic sturgeon) were once abundant and supported large-scale fisheries throughout much of the east coast of the United States. However, historic overharvest and habitat loss resulted in dramatic declines in abundance and eventual listing under the Endangered Species Act of the United States. As part of this listing, Atlantic sturgeon populations were divided int
Authors
Shannon L. White, Robin L. Johnson, Barbara A. Lubinski, Michael S. Eackles, David C. Kazyak
Development of a ddPCR assay for the detection of the Smoky Madtom (Noturus baileyi) from eDNA in stream water samples
The Smoky Madtom Noturus baileyi is a federally endangered species, whose native distribution includes lower Abrams Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) and Citico Creek in nearby Cherokee National Forest. Due to challenges for bio-monitoring posed by its nocturnality and cryptic life history, an environmental DNA (eDNA)-based approach for detection would be useful to complement exi
Authors
Aaron Aunins, Michael S. Eackles, Paul E Super, Matt A. Kulp, Becky J Nichols, Barbara A. Lubinski, Cheryl L. Morrison, Timothy L. King
Evaluating sources of bias in pedigree-based estimates of breeding population size
Applications of genetic-based estimates of population size are expanding, especially for species for which traditional demographic estimation methods are intractable due to the rarity of adult encounters. Estimates of breeding population size (NS) are particularly amenable to genetic-based approaches as the parameter can be estimated using pedigrees reconstructed from genetic data gathered from di
Authors
Shannon L. White, Nicholas M Sard, Harold M Brundage III, Robin L. Johnson, Barbara A. Lubinski, Michael S. Eackles, Ian A Park, Dewayne A. Fox, David C. Kazyak
Population genetics of three at-risk tiger beetles Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis, H. d. media, and Ellipsoptera puritana
Many tiger beetles (Family Cicindelidae) are critically imperiled due to their dependence on small patches of suitable habitat that are frequently threatened by natural and anthropogenic disturbances. In the eastern United States, conservation of three tiger beetles - Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis, H. dorsalis media, and Ellipsoptera puritana - has been inhibited by the absence of population
Authors
David C. Kazyak, Aaron Aunins, Shannon L. White, Michael S. Eackles, C. Barry Knisley
Stock composition of the historical New York Bight Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) intercept fishery revealed through microsatellite analysis of archived spines
A targeted commercial fishery for Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus once operated in the New York Bight, where it was assumed that most harvested Atlantic Sturgeon were natal to the Hudson River population. However, more recent evidence suggests that the fishery may have been targeting a mixed-stock aggregation, in which case harvested Atlantic Sturgeon could have been comprised of
Authors
Shannon L. White, Robin L. Johnson, Barbara A. Lubinski, Michael S. Eackles, David H. Secor, David C. Kazyak
Optimization of a suite of flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) microsatellite markers for understanding the population genetics of introduced populations in the northeast United States
Flathead catfish are rapidly expanding into nonnative waterways throughout the United States. Once established, flathead catfish may cause disruptions to the local ecosystem through consumption and competition with native fishes, including species of conservation concern. Flathead catfish often become a popular sport fish in their introduced range, and so management strategies must frequently bala
Authors
Shannon L. White, Michael S. Eackles, Tyler Wagner, Megan K. Schall, Geoffrey Smith, Julian Avery, David C. Kazyak
Establishment of a microsatellite genetic baseline for North American Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser o. oxyrhinchus) and range-wide analysis of population genetics
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is a long-lived, anadromous species that is broadly distributed along the Atlantic coast of North America. Historic overharvest and habitat degradation resulted in significant declines to Atlantic sturgeon populations and, following decades of limited recovery, the species was listed under the Endangered Species Act of the United States in 2012.
Authors
Shannon L. White, David C. Kazyak, Tanya L Darden, Daniel J Farrae, Barbara A. Lubinski, Robin L. Johnson, Michael S. Eackles, M Balazik, Hal Brundage, Adam G Fox, Dewayne A. Fox, Chris H Hager, Jason E Kahn, Isaac I Wirgin
Stock composition of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) encountered in marine and estuarine environments on the U.S. Atlantic Coast
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is a large, anadromous fish native to the Atlantic Coast of North America. Although this species once supported important fisheries, centuries of exploitation and habitat degradation have resulted in dramatic declines, presumed extirpation in some rivers, and ultimately listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under the ESA, Atlantic
Authors
David C. Kazyak, Shannon L. White, Barbara A. Lubinski, Robin L. Johnson, Michael S. Eackles
Genetic and morphological characterization of the freshwater mussel clubshell species complex (Pleurobema clava and Pleurobema oviforme) to inform conservation planning
The shell morphologies of the freshwater mussel species Pleurobema clava (federally endangered) and Pleurobema oviforme (species of concern) are similar, causing considerable taxonomic confusion between the two species over the last 100 years. While P. clava was historically widespread throughout the Ohio River basin and tributaries to the lower Laurentian Great Lakes, P. oviforme was confined to
Authors
Cheryl Morrison, Nathan A. Johnson, Jess W Jones, Michael S. Eackles, Aaron Aunins, Daniel Bruce Fitzgerald, Eric M. Hallerman, Timothy L. King
Development of microsatellite markers for three at risk tiger beetles Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis, C. d. media, and C. puritana
ObjectiveTiger beetles inhabiting sandy beaches and cliffs along the east coast of the United States are facing increasing habitat loss due to erosion, urbanization, and sea level rise. The northeastern beach tiger beetle Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis and Puritan tiger beetle Cicindela puritana are both listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, while the white beach tiger beetle
Authors
Aaron Aunins, Michael S. Eackles, David C. Kazyak, Michael Drummond, Tim L. King
Using advanced population genomics to better understand the relationship between offshore and spawning habitat use for Atlantic Sturgeon
Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) are a large-bodied anadromous fish that historically supported important fisheries along the east coast of the United States. Following years of overharvest and habitat degradation, populations experienced severe declines. In 2012, the National Marine Fisheries Service listed Atlantic Sturgeon under the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 61 FR 4722). T
Authors
David C. Kazyak, Aaron Aunins, Robin L. Johnson, Barbara A. Lubinski, Michael S. Eackles, Tim L. King
The complete maternal mitochondrial genome sequences of two imperiled North American freshwater mussels: Alasmidonta heterodon and Alasmidonta varicosa (Bivalvia: Unionoida: Unionidae)
The freshwater mussels Alasmidonta heterodon and A. varicosa historically inhabited rivers along the North American Atlantic coast from the Carolinas, U.S.A., to New Brunswick, CA. However, many populations have been extirpated, and A. heterodon is now federally listed in the U.S.A. as endangered, and both A. heterodon and A. varicosa are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. To facilitate ge
Authors
Aaron Aunins, Cheryl L. Morrison, Heather Galbraith, Michael S. Eackles, W. Bane Schill, Tim L. King
Science and Products
- Data
Individual assignments and microsatellite genotypes for Atlantic Sturgeon from 2021
This dataset includes genotypes and individual-based assignment tests for 329 Atlantic Sturgeon selected for assignment by the National Marine Fisheries Service to meet management requirements under the Endangered Species Act.Population genetic data for three at-risk tiger beetles Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis, H. d. media, and Ellipsoptera puritana
This dataset includes microsatellite genotypes for 16 collections of tiger beetles (Ellipsoptera puritana) distributed in Connecticut and Maryland, United States and 44 collections of Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis and 14 collections of H. d. media distributed from Massachusetts to Florida, United States.SARS-CoV-2 Data from National Wastewater Surveillance System Surge Capacity Sampling, September 2021
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is used to determine the consumption of, or exposure to, chemicals or pathogens in human populations, and is conducted by collecting representative samples of untreated wastewater (influent) to quantify pathogens shed in the population served by the sampled wastewater system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Health anPopulation genetic data for flathead catfish from the Susquehanna and Delaware River basins in Pennsylvania and Maryland, USA
This dataset includes microsatellite genotypes for 137 flathead catfish from the Susquehanna River and Delaware River basins in Pennslyvania and Maryland, USA. Each individual was genotyped at 13 loci. Additional information about sex, capture date, and size are also provided for most individuals.Genotypes of Atlantic Sturgeon collected from Canada to Georgia used in the development of a genetic baseline
This dataset includes microsatellite genotypes for 2510 Atlantic sturgeon from 18 different populations distributed from Canada to Georgia. Each individual was genotyped at 12 loci. Additional information about sex, capture date, and size are also provided. - Multimedia
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 18
Genetic population assignments of Atlantic sturgeon provided to National Marine Fisheries Service, 2022
Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus (Atlantic sturgeon) were once abundant and supported large-scale fisheries throughout much of the east coast of the United States. However, historic overharvest and habitat loss resulted in dramatic declines in abundance and eventual listing under the Endangered Species Act of the United States. As part of this listing, Atlantic sturgeon populations were divided intAuthorsShannon L. White, Robin L. Johnson, Barbara A. Lubinski, Michael S. Eackles, David C. KazyakDevelopment of a ddPCR assay for the detection of the Smoky Madtom (Noturus baileyi) from eDNA in stream water samples
The Smoky Madtom Noturus baileyi is a federally endangered species, whose native distribution includes lower Abrams Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) and Citico Creek in nearby Cherokee National Forest. Due to challenges for bio-monitoring posed by its nocturnality and cryptic life history, an environmental DNA (eDNA)-based approach for detection would be useful to complement exiAuthorsAaron Aunins, Michael S. Eackles, Paul E Super, Matt A. Kulp, Becky J Nichols, Barbara A. Lubinski, Cheryl L. Morrison, Timothy L. KingEvaluating sources of bias in pedigree-based estimates of breeding population size
Applications of genetic-based estimates of population size are expanding, especially for species for which traditional demographic estimation methods are intractable due to the rarity of adult encounters. Estimates of breeding population size (NS) are particularly amenable to genetic-based approaches as the parameter can be estimated using pedigrees reconstructed from genetic data gathered from diAuthorsShannon L. White, Nicholas M Sard, Harold M Brundage III, Robin L. Johnson, Barbara A. Lubinski, Michael S. Eackles, Ian A Park, Dewayne A. Fox, David C. KazyakPopulation genetics of three at-risk tiger beetles Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis, H. d. media, and Ellipsoptera puritana
Many tiger beetles (Family Cicindelidae) are critically imperiled due to their dependence on small patches of suitable habitat that are frequently threatened by natural and anthropogenic disturbances. In the eastern United States, conservation of three tiger beetles - Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis, H. dorsalis media, and Ellipsoptera puritana - has been inhibited by the absence of populationAuthorsDavid C. Kazyak, Aaron Aunins, Shannon L. White, Michael S. Eackles, C. Barry KnisleyStock composition of the historical New York Bight Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) intercept fishery revealed through microsatellite analysis of archived spines
A targeted commercial fishery for Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus once operated in the New York Bight, where it was assumed that most harvested Atlantic Sturgeon were natal to the Hudson River population. However, more recent evidence suggests that the fishery may have been targeting a mixed-stock aggregation, in which case harvested Atlantic Sturgeon could have been comprised ofAuthorsShannon L. White, Robin L. Johnson, Barbara A. Lubinski, Michael S. Eackles, David H. Secor, David C. KazyakOptimization of a suite of flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) microsatellite markers for understanding the population genetics of introduced populations in the northeast United States
Flathead catfish are rapidly expanding into nonnative waterways throughout the United States. Once established, flathead catfish may cause disruptions to the local ecosystem through consumption and competition with native fishes, including species of conservation concern. Flathead catfish often become a popular sport fish in their introduced range, and so management strategies must frequently balaAuthorsShannon L. White, Michael S. Eackles, Tyler Wagner, Megan K. Schall, Geoffrey Smith, Julian Avery, David C. KazyakEstablishment of a microsatellite genetic baseline for North American Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser o. oxyrhinchus) and range-wide analysis of population genetics
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is a long-lived, anadromous species that is broadly distributed along the Atlantic coast of North America. Historic overharvest and habitat degradation resulted in significant declines to Atlantic sturgeon populations and, following decades of limited recovery, the species was listed under the Endangered Species Act of the United States in 2012.AuthorsShannon L. White, David C. Kazyak, Tanya L Darden, Daniel J Farrae, Barbara A. Lubinski, Robin L. Johnson, Michael S. Eackles, M Balazik, Hal Brundage, Adam G Fox, Dewayne A. Fox, Chris H Hager, Jason E Kahn, Isaac I WirginStock composition of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) encountered in marine and estuarine environments on the U.S. Atlantic Coast
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is a large, anadromous fish native to the Atlantic Coast of North America. Although this species once supported important fisheries, centuries of exploitation and habitat degradation have resulted in dramatic declines, presumed extirpation in some rivers, and ultimately listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under the ESA, AtlanticAuthorsDavid C. Kazyak, Shannon L. White, Barbara A. Lubinski, Robin L. Johnson, Michael S. EacklesGenetic and morphological characterization of the freshwater mussel clubshell species complex (Pleurobema clava and Pleurobema oviforme) to inform conservation planning
The shell morphologies of the freshwater mussel species Pleurobema clava (federally endangered) and Pleurobema oviforme (species of concern) are similar, causing considerable taxonomic confusion between the two species over the last 100 years. While P. clava was historically widespread throughout the Ohio River basin and tributaries to the lower Laurentian Great Lakes, P. oviforme was confined toAuthorsCheryl Morrison, Nathan A. Johnson, Jess W Jones, Michael S. Eackles, Aaron Aunins, Daniel Bruce Fitzgerald, Eric M. Hallerman, Timothy L. KingDevelopment of microsatellite markers for three at risk tiger beetles Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis, C. d. media, and C. puritana
ObjectiveTiger beetles inhabiting sandy beaches and cliffs along the east coast of the United States are facing increasing habitat loss due to erosion, urbanization, and sea level rise. The northeastern beach tiger beetle Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis and Puritan tiger beetle Cicindela puritana are both listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, while the white beach tiger beetleAuthorsAaron Aunins, Michael S. Eackles, David C. Kazyak, Michael Drummond, Tim L. KingUsing advanced population genomics to better understand the relationship between offshore and spawning habitat use for Atlantic Sturgeon
Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) are a large-bodied anadromous fish that historically supported important fisheries along the east coast of the United States. Following years of overharvest and habitat degradation, populations experienced severe declines. In 2012, the National Marine Fisheries Service listed Atlantic Sturgeon under the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 61 FR 4722). TAuthorsDavid C. Kazyak, Aaron Aunins, Robin L. Johnson, Barbara A. Lubinski, Michael S. Eackles, Tim L. KingThe complete maternal mitochondrial genome sequences of two imperiled North American freshwater mussels: Alasmidonta heterodon and Alasmidonta varicosa (Bivalvia: Unionoida: Unionidae)
The freshwater mussels Alasmidonta heterodon and A. varicosa historically inhabited rivers along the North American Atlantic coast from the Carolinas, U.S.A., to New Brunswick, CA. However, many populations have been extirpated, and A. heterodon is now federally listed in the U.S.A. as endangered, and both A. heterodon and A. varicosa are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. To facilitate geAuthorsAaron Aunins, Cheryl L. Morrison, Heather Galbraith, Michael S. Eackles, W. Bane Schill, Tim L. King