Genomically-informed genetic rescue
Genetic rescue, the fitness benefit that comes from augmenting small populations with new individuals, is often successful. Why? I am applying genomic techniques to investigate this question and support management efforts in the critically endangered Mitchell’s Saytr butterfly. This project is the goal of a USGS Climate Action Science Center grant with co-PI’s Sarah Fitzpatrick and Nick Haddad
In the field in Alabama with Nick Haddad, and Sarah Fitzpatrick.
Introduced species as models for range expansion and rapid adaptation
I use cane toads, Rhinella sp., to investigate the consequences of demographic history and environment on population persistence and adaptation.
Mittan et al., “Cryptic Lineages and Standing Genetic Variation Across Independent Cane Toad Introductions.” Mol. Ecol., 2022.
Building partnerships for applied conservation genetics
The importance of genetic diversity, and the use of genomic data are well understood by conservation managers. However, our research shows that managers’ lack of access to facilities and experienced personnel often precludes their use in applied settings (Taft et al. 2020). I am collaborating with other conservation geneticists (via the Society for Conservation Biology’s ConGen working group) and working groups (via the Coalition for Conservation Genetics) to improve communication and coordination between academic researchers, conservation managers, and policy makers to improve management outcomes.
SCB ConGen logo designed by Stephanie Galla.