Nathan Thompson
Nathan is a Biologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
His focus is environmental DNA (eDNA). He uses qPCR to measure the amount of eDNA of Asian carp in water samples for the purpose of detecting changes between conditions and/or time. Nathan is also involved in a project using eDNA for species detection via metagenomics in Arizona.
Professional Experience
July 2014 - present, Biologist, CERC, Columbia, MO
May 2013 - July 2014, Student services contractor, CERC, Columbia, MO
March 2011 - May 2013, Senior laboratory technician, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
Education and Certifications
B.S. in Biological Science, University of Missouri, 2012
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 22
Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event
Data describe the detection of Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) female and male mitotype environmental DNA (eDNA) during a spawning event. Water samples (approximately 1L) were collected from an outdoor raceway tank containing C. monodonta from March to April 2021 and analyzed for the presence of sex-specific eDNA. Parameters described in this data release include water quality...
Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025) Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025)
This dataset includes eDNA concentrations of water samples from an experimental release of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) slurry used to analyze eDNA transport in the Big Piney River, Missouri. The spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) was also included as a target species due to the proximity of a known spectaclecase population at the slurry release site. The slurry, a frozen block...
Laboratory estimates of eDNA degradation rates for Actinionais ligamentina eDNA Laboratory estimates of eDNA degradation rates for Actinionais ligamentina eDNA
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiment for the estimation of eDNA degradation rates for the mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina) from water samples collected in the laboratory. Samples were collected from experiments performed from November 01, 2019 to November 15, 2019 at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center, Missouri
Development and testing of a qPCR assay for Lampsilis siliquoidea eDNA Development and testing of a qPCR assay for Lampsilis siliquoidea eDNA
Data describe specificity and sensitivity testing for the L.sil2 assay. This assay is used to amplify eDNA from the freshwater mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea.
Development, testing and use of four species-specific qPCR assays for freshwater mussel eDNA detection in the Niobrara River Development, testing and use of four species-specific qPCR assays for freshwater mussel eDNA detection in the Niobrara River
This data consists of information on the specificity and sensitivity of 4 species specific qPCR assays for the detection of eDNA from 4 species of freshwater mussels, specifically Lampsilis cardium, Lampsilis siliquoidea, Pyganodon grandis, and Anodontoides ferussacianus. The data also contain the results of eDNA sampling in Niobrara River at Niobrara National Scenic River and Agate...
Environmental DNA shedding rates in laboratory conditions for Cumberlandia monodonta, Actinonaias ligamentina, and Lampsilis siliquoidea. Environmental DNA shedding rates in laboratory conditions for Cumberlandia monodonta, Actinonaias ligamentina, and Lampsilis siliquoidea.
Data describe designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiments for the estimation of eDNA shedding rates for the spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta), mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina), and fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) from water samples collected in the laboratory under differing laboratory conditions. Shedding rates were tested under variable mussel biomass, diet, and temperature...
Filter Total Items: 13
Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas
Background The fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a model species for toxicological research. A high-quality genome reference sequence is available, and genomic methods are increasingly used in toxicological studies of the species. However, phylogenetic relationships within the genus remain incompletely known and little population-genomic data are available for fathead minnow...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Robert A. Hrabik, Nathan Thompson, Robert S. Cornman
A comparison of eDNA and visual survey methods for detection of longnose darter Percina nasuta in Missouri A comparison of eDNA and visual survey methods for detection of longnose darter Percina nasuta in Missouri
The longnose darter Percina nasuta is a rare and cryptic fish that recently disappeared from much of its historic range. We developed and used an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay for longnose darter paired with visual surveys to better determine the species’ range and compare detection probability between sampling approaches in an occupancy modeling framework. We detected longnose darter...
Authors
Jacob Thomas Westhoff, Leah K. Berkman, Katy E. Klymus, Nathan Thompson, Cathy A. Richter
Metabarcoding assays for the detection of freshwater mussels (Unionida) with environmental DNA Metabarcoding assays for the detection of freshwater mussels (Unionida) with environmental DNA
Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are a widely distributed taxon that are important in maintaining freshwater ecosystems and are also highly imperiled throughout the world. Monitoring of mussel populations with environmental DNA (eDNA) is an attractive alternative to traditional methods because it is noninvasive and requires less labor and taxonomic knowledge from field personnel...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter, Nathan Thompson, Jo Ellen Hinck, Jess W. Jones
Development and testing of species-specific quantitative PCR assays for environmental DNA applications Development and testing of species-specific quantitative PCR assays for environmental DNA applications
New, non-invasive methods for detecting and monitoring species presence are being developed to aid in fisheries and wildlife conservation management. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) samples for detecting macrobiota is one such group of methods that is rapidly becoming popular and being implemented in national management programs. Here we focus on the development of species-specific...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Dannise Vannesa Ruiz-Ramos, Nathan Thompson, Catherine A. Richter
Use of environmental DNA to detect grass carp spawning events Use of environmental DNA to detect grass carp spawning events
The timing and location of spawning events are important data for managers seeking to control invasive grass carp populations. Ichthyoplankton tows for grass carp eggs and larvae can be used to detect spawning events; however, these samples can be highly debris-laden, and are expensive and laborious to process. An alternative method, environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, has proven...
Authors
Cari-Ann Hayer, Michael F. Bayless, Amy E. George, Nathan Thompson, Catherine A. Richter, Duane Chapman
Metabarcoding of environmental DNA samples to explore the use of uranium mine containment ponds as a water source for wildlife Metabarcoding of environmental DNA samples to explore the use of uranium mine containment ponds as a water source for wildlife
Understanding how anthropogenic impacts on the landscape affect wildlife requires a knowledge of community assemblages. Species surveys are the first step in assessing community structure, and recent molecular applications such as metabarcoding and environmental DNA analyses have been proposed as an additional and complementary wildlife survey method. Here, we test eDNA metabarcoding as...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter, Nathan Thompson, Jo Ellen Hinck
Non-USGS Publications**
Murphy, M.A., Thompson, N.L., and Schul, J., 2016, Keeping up with the neighbor: a novel mechanism of call synchrony in Neoconocephalus ensiger katydids: Journal of Comparative Physiology A, v. 202, no. 3, p. 225-234
**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: 22
Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event
Data describe the detection of Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) female and male mitotype environmental DNA (eDNA) during a spawning event. Water samples (approximately 1L) were collected from an outdoor raceway tank containing C. monodonta from March to April 2021 and analyzed for the presence of sex-specific eDNA. Parameters described in this data release include water quality...
Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025) Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025)
This dataset includes eDNA concentrations of water samples from an experimental release of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) slurry used to analyze eDNA transport in the Big Piney River, Missouri. The spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) was also included as a target species due to the proximity of a known spectaclecase population at the slurry release site. The slurry, a frozen block...
Laboratory estimates of eDNA degradation rates for Actinionais ligamentina eDNA Laboratory estimates of eDNA degradation rates for Actinionais ligamentina eDNA
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiment for the estimation of eDNA degradation rates for the mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina) from water samples collected in the laboratory. Samples were collected from experiments performed from November 01, 2019 to November 15, 2019 at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center, Missouri
Development and testing of a qPCR assay for Lampsilis siliquoidea eDNA Development and testing of a qPCR assay for Lampsilis siliquoidea eDNA
Data describe specificity and sensitivity testing for the L.sil2 assay. This assay is used to amplify eDNA from the freshwater mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea.
Development, testing and use of four species-specific qPCR assays for freshwater mussel eDNA detection in the Niobrara River Development, testing and use of four species-specific qPCR assays for freshwater mussel eDNA detection in the Niobrara River
This data consists of information on the specificity and sensitivity of 4 species specific qPCR assays for the detection of eDNA from 4 species of freshwater mussels, specifically Lampsilis cardium, Lampsilis siliquoidea, Pyganodon grandis, and Anodontoides ferussacianus. The data also contain the results of eDNA sampling in Niobrara River at Niobrara National Scenic River and Agate...
Environmental DNA shedding rates in laboratory conditions for Cumberlandia monodonta, Actinonaias ligamentina, and Lampsilis siliquoidea. Environmental DNA shedding rates in laboratory conditions for Cumberlandia monodonta, Actinonaias ligamentina, and Lampsilis siliquoidea.
Data describe designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiments for the estimation of eDNA shedding rates for the spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta), mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina), and fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) from water samples collected in the laboratory under differing laboratory conditions. Shedding rates were tested under variable mussel biomass, diet, and temperature...
Filter Total Items: 13
Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas
Background The fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a model species for toxicological research. A high-quality genome reference sequence is available, and genomic methods are increasingly used in toxicological studies of the species. However, phylogenetic relationships within the genus remain incompletely known and little population-genomic data are available for fathead minnow...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Robert A. Hrabik, Nathan Thompson, Robert S. Cornman
A comparison of eDNA and visual survey methods for detection of longnose darter Percina nasuta in Missouri A comparison of eDNA and visual survey methods for detection of longnose darter Percina nasuta in Missouri
The longnose darter Percina nasuta is a rare and cryptic fish that recently disappeared from much of its historic range. We developed and used an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay for longnose darter paired with visual surveys to better determine the species’ range and compare detection probability between sampling approaches in an occupancy modeling framework. We detected longnose darter...
Authors
Jacob Thomas Westhoff, Leah K. Berkman, Katy E. Klymus, Nathan Thompson, Cathy A. Richter
Metabarcoding assays for the detection of freshwater mussels (Unionida) with environmental DNA Metabarcoding assays for the detection of freshwater mussels (Unionida) with environmental DNA
Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are a widely distributed taxon that are important in maintaining freshwater ecosystems and are also highly imperiled throughout the world. Monitoring of mussel populations with environmental DNA (eDNA) is an attractive alternative to traditional methods because it is noninvasive and requires less labor and taxonomic knowledge from field personnel...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter, Nathan Thompson, Jo Ellen Hinck, Jess W. Jones
Development and testing of species-specific quantitative PCR assays for environmental DNA applications Development and testing of species-specific quantitative PCR assays for environmental DNA applications
New, non-invasive methods for detecting and monitoring species presence are being developed to aid in fisheries and wildlife conservation management. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) samples for detecting macrobiota is one such group of methods that is rapidly becoming popular and being implemented in national management programs. Here we focus on the development of species-specific...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Dannise Vannesa Ruiz-Ramos, Nathan Thompson, Catherine A. Richter
Use of environmental DNA to detect grass carp spawning events Use of environmental DNA to detect grass carp spawning events
The timing and location of spawning events are important data for managers seeking to control invasive grass carp populations. Ichthyoplankton tows for grass carp eggs and larvae can be used to detect spawning events; however, these samples can be highly debris-laden, and are expensive and laborious to process. An alternative method, environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, has proven...
Authors
Cari-Ann Hayer, Michael F. Bayless, Amy E. George, Nathan Thompson, Catherine A. Richter, Duane Chapman
Metabarcoding of environmental DNA samples to explore the use of uranium mine containment ponds as a water source for wildlife Metabarcoding of environmental DNA samples to explore the use of uranium mine containment ponds as a water source for wildlife
Understanding how anthropogenic impacts on the landscape affect wildlife requires a knowledge of community assemblages. Species surveys are the first step in assessing community structure, and recent molecular applications such as metabarcoding and environmental DNA analyses have been proposed as an additional and complementary wildlife survey method. Here, we test eDNA metabarcoding as...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter, Nathan Thompson, Jo Ellen Hinck
Non-USGS Publications**
Murphy, M.A., Thompson, N.L., and Schul, J., 2016, Keeping up with the neighbor: a novel mechanism of call synchrony in Neoconocephalus ensiger katydids: Journal of Comparative Physiology A, v. 202, no. 3, p. 225-234
**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.