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Research Topics

Wildlife Conservation Genetics

Biodiversity Initiative 

 A primary research focus within our lab is conservation genetics of wild populations. This includes such topics as assessments of immunogenetic variation, epigenetic change associated with environmental stress, genetic management of small populations and endangered species, and noninvasive genetics to monitor wildlife. We are particularly excited at contemporary sequencing methods of iDNA (invertebrate DNA), eDNA (environmental DNA), and aDNA (ancient DNA) to monitor and survey wildlife communities.  Populations and species we work with include endangered red wolves, Isle Royal moose and wolves, and passerines from North America and Central Africa.

A large focus of lab research is on the Gulf Coast Canine Project, an initiative started by Dr. Brzeski and collaborators to understand the genetic ancestry of the unique wild canines persisting along the Gulf Coast of the United States. We are studying how variable amounts of red wolf ancestry affects an individual canid’s morphology and behavior. We strive to develop regional pride and interest in our unique Gulf Coast canines through outreach and good stewardship. Please check out our website for more information! 
Biodiversity Initiative is a conservation NGO founded in 2015 by Kristin and her colleagues Dr. Jared Wolfe, Dr. Luke Powell, and Jacob Cooper. As an organization we strive to positively impact biodiversity conservation through education, science, and exploration in Central Africa and beyond. Our primary research and educational outreach has been focused in the small Central African country of Equatorial Guinea, where we have been working since 2013. We have since branched out to Cameroon and the Neotropics.  Currently, Kristin is leading a field camera project throughout the mainland of Equatorial Guinea. We are always looking for new educational and research partners who are interested in BI's mission, please reach out if you’re interested.  For more information, visit: http://biodiversityinitiative.org/. Also, see our group featured in the  July/August 2016 Audubon Magazine.


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