Seminar Series
Innovations in science and
technology for monitoring,
assessment, and inventory
efforts
Please join us for our fourth seminar
• When: May 1
“Current application of eDNA for aquatic species
and potential future application for terrestrial
species”
By: Michael Schwartz, USFS R&D
• Where: Conference Room: Pinchot (2SE02)
Yates Building
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, D.C
• Time: 10:00am – 11:00am EST
• Webinar:
Michael Schwartz is the Conservation
Genetics Team Leader at the U.S. Forest
Toll free: +1 (888) 844-9904
Service’s Rocky Mountain Research Station
Participant code: 2701759
(RMRS). Dr. Schwartz has spent the past 15
Attendee URL:
years focusing on the fields of population
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biology and landscape genetics for
conservation. His current work is focused on:
Meeting ID: GKG46S
conservation genetics, genetic monitoring,
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landscape genetics, and the ecology of
threatened and endangered species. He seeks
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practical answers to natural resource
tomerID=321
problems, combining field work and lab
work. He received his doctorate in wildlife
biology from the University of Montana's
School of Forestry in 2001, is a Presidential
Early Career Award in Science and
Engineering recipient, and a recipient of the
RMRS Visionary Science Award.
Abstract
Non-invasive genetic sampling uses forensic-style DNA samples, such as hair and scats collected without
ever seeing an animal, to monitor rare and sensitive species. Now, new genomic technologies allow
researchers to use environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect free-floating DNA in soil, water, and air. One of
the most promising uses for eDNA is to detect rare aquatic animals. Environmental DNA has already been
used by RMRS scientists and other research groups to detect amphibians, fishes, exotic aquatic plants,
invasive crustaceans, and even marine mammals. This seminar will discuss how new genomic technologies
(including eDNA) are changing our ability to understand and monitor fish and wildlife populations.
Contact: Katherine Smith
U.S. Forest Service