I am broadly interested in understanding ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that generate and maintain genetic and bio-diversity. In an era of unprecedented anthropogenic change, I am motivated by integrative approaches across the fields of evolutionary genomics, disease ecology, and organismal response to novel stressors that link global change and biodiversity conservation. My dissertation work combines genomics, lab experiments, museum collections, and fieldwork to elucidate mechanisms underlying population declines and recoveries.
Conservation genomics of rediscovered species
Atelopus coynei (PC: Alex Achig-Vega)
Amphibians face some of the most severe global declines of any taxonomic group, with some estimates higher than 40% of species under concern for near-future extinction risk. Some common causes of declines include the spread of diseases, climate change, and habitat destruction, among others; However, some species are more affected by these global changes than others.
Harlequin toads (Atelopus) are some of the most emblematic frogs in the global decline narrative, with more than 90% of the genus critically endangered or data deficient. For many species, the narrative describes abrupt and catastrophic declines in the late 1980's with presumed extinction after decades of no signs. However, in recent years, several species have been rediscovered! We are working to understand how some populations have persisted, while others have gone extinct.
For example, recent studies in Harlequin toads in Central America suggest that recovery is not due to pathogen attenuation (i.e., decline or decreased infection success), but rather, evolutionary rescue (i.e., adaptation response to novel stress) within host populations. For part of my dissertation, I am investigating the genomic signatures behind these rapid evolutionary responses in Atelopus spp. in the Ecuadorian Andes
Project media: Funded by National Geographic -- Funded by MSU and Illumina, Inc.
Harlequin toads (Atelopus) are some of the most emblematic frogs in the global decline narrative, with more than 90% of the genus critically endangered or data deficient. For many species, the narrative describes abrupt and catastrophic declines in the late 1980's with presumed extinction after decades of no signs. However, in recent years, several species have been rediscovered! We are working to understand how some populations have persisted, while others have gone extinct.
For example, recent studies in Harlequin toads in Central America suggest that recovery is not due to pathogen attenuation (i.e., decline or decreased infection success), but rather, evolutionary rescue (i.e., adaptation response to novel stress) within host populations. For part of my dissertation, I am investigating the genomic signatures behind these rapid evolutionary responses in Atelopus spp. in the Ecuadorian Andes
Project media: Funded by National Geographic -- Funded by MSU and Illumina, Inc.
Disease ecology of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)
Fog sampling for Bd in Ecuador
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is an emerging infectious disease and fungal pathogen that is causing catastrophic amphibian declines on a global scale. Understanding the ecology and dynamics of Bd transmission is another part of the story that is crucial for predicting the spread of disease and coexistence with hosts.
Despite the impressive collaborative effort of work in the scientific-Bd community, we still lack basic information on Bd ecology and interactions with the host/environment to inform conservation efforts. For example, recent studies have shown that Bd has a free-living infective stage that is environmentally persistent and that organisms such as crayfish, zebrafish, and birds, among others, can carry and transmit Bd to amphibians.
To compliment the host genomics of Atelopus spp. in Ecuador, an additional component of my dissertation is investigating Bd prevalence in rediscovered frog species across Ecuador, and combining field sampling and lab experiments to examine largely un-tested vectors of transmission.
Despite the impressive collaborative effort of work in the scientific-Bd community, we still lack basic information on Bd ecology and interactions with the host/environment to inform conservation efforts. For example, recent studies have shown that Bd has a free-living infective stage that is environmentally persistent and that organisms such as crayfish, zebrafish, and birds, among others, can carry and transmit Bd to amphibians.
To compliment the host genomics of Atelopus spp. in Ecuador, an additional component of my dissertation is investigating Bd prevalence in rediscovered frog species across Ecuador, and combining field sampling and lab experiments to examine largely un-tested vectors of transmission.
My research has been generously funded by a variety of institutions:
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists | Illumina Inc. | Kellogg Biological Station
Michigan State University | National Geographic
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists | Illumina Inc. | Kellogg Biological Station
Michigan State University | National Geographic
Banner photo: Foggy mountain landscape in Northern Ecuador. Photo credit: Morley Read
