Author Archives: nicksard

By Lillian Pavord I had never heard of the concept of genetically monitoring a species’ through environmental DNA (eDNA) assays until I became a teaching assistant for a genetics lab taught by Dr. Sard. I was immediately intrigued. I started learning and reading about population genetics and genetic ‘tools’ used for conservation efforts. I haveContinue reading “Developing genomic resources for Bog turtle conservation”

By Caroline Sheldon Due to excessive trapping in the early 1900s, Martes pennanti (Fisher) populations experienced a significant decline in New York State, but thanks to trapping regulations and reintroduction efforts, populations are now thriving (Baginski et al., 2015). However, in the Northwest United States, Fisher populations are declining due to habitat destruction and fragmentationContinue reading “Developing an environmental DNA assay to detect the Fisher at Rice Creek”

By Sydney Waloven Most people are probably familiar with the cute, small, furry mammals known as otters because captive sea otter populations often serve to educate the public about local coastal habitats and greater conservation issues surrounding these species (Brennan and Houck 1996). For instance, if you’re from California you are probably more familiar withContinue reading “The Ecology of Environmental DNA (eDNA) and its effects on River Otter detections”