About Us
Cath Abbott
Donald Baird
Pedro Baja
Hideyuki Doi
Kyoto University, Japan
Dr. Doi works on eDNA method development with a focus on freshwater ecosystems using eDNA metabarcoding and development of on-site methods.
Freshwater Biomonitoring | Ecological Studies
Nicole Fahner
Kelly Goodwin
Mehrdad Hajibabaei
Centre for Biodiversity Genomics @ Biodiversity Institute of Ontario Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, CANADA
Dr. Mehrdad Hajibabaei’s research focuses on the application of genomics information to biodiversity analysis, ranging from the elucidation of deep branches of the tree of life to the development and application of DNA-based tools for species identification (e.g., DNA barcoding, DNA metabarcoding). Mehrdad is one of the pioneers using high-throughput genomics technologies such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for the assessment of biodiversity in samples. These samples vary from bulk environmental water, soil, and sediments. He has played a leadership role in establishing and managing large-scale research projects and collaborative networks such as the Canadian Barcode of Life Network and the International Barcode of Life (iBOL).
Freshwater Biomonitoring
Ryan Kelly
School of Marine and Environmental Affairs University of Washington, USA
Dr. Kelly is the Director of the eDNA Collaborative at the University of Washington and a faculty member in the UW School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. His work with eDNA focuses on quantitative analysis of ecological and management questions, in the service of moving eDNA science into routine practical application around the world.
Marine Biomonitoring | Ecological Studies
Katy Klymus
Ntanganedzeni Mapholi
Michio Kondoh
Tohoku University, Japan
Dr. Kondoh leads ANEMONE, a comprehensive biodiversity monitoring project in Japan that utilizes eDNA metabarcoding. It has conducted over 5,000 surveys at 1,000 sites, identifying and categorizing over 900 fish taxa. Citizen participation, standardized protocols, and a dedicated public-access database are key components. ANEMONE aims to leverage eDNA monitoring data with a consortium for innovative solutions in various fields.
Ecological Studies
Florian Leese
University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
Florian Leese is a Full Professor of Aquatic Ecosystem Research at the Unviersity of Duisburg-Essen. A key expertise of Florian and his group is the development of DNA and eDNA-based methods for biodiversity assessment and biomonitoring. A key expertise is in the upscaling of methods for large-scale monitoring as well as the development of QA/QC to improve reliability and comparability of data. As Chair of COST Action DNAqua-Net, Florian coordinated the development of methods for routine montioring of Europe’s aquatic ecosystems from 2016-2021.
Freshwater Biomonitoring
Kristian Meissner
Toshifumi Minamoto
Kobe University, Japan
Dr. Minamoto is a professor at the Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Japan. He was one of the first in Japan to study eDNA of macroorganisms. He is currently the PI of a laboratory specializing in eDNA analysis and studying all aspects of eDNA. He was responsible for editing the experimental manuals published by The eDNA Society, and the English version of the manual was published in 2019. He is currently the President of The eDNA Society.
Genomic Method Development
Xavier Pochon
University of Auckland
Dr. Pochon is an Associate Professor and marine molecular ecologist at the University of Auckland and the current Team Leader of Molecular Surveillance at the Cawthron Institute, New Zealand. His research expertise focuses on validating eDNA and eRNA diagnostics tools for measuring biodiversity changes associated with natural and human-induced stressors. His applied research is driven towards the implementation of eDNA/eRNA-based monitoring and regulatory uptake by industry and governmental agencies.
Genomic Method Development | Invasive Species | Marine Biomonitoring | Fisheries and Aquaculture | Deep Sea Metabarcoding
Teresita Porter
Centre for Biodiversity Genomics @ Biodiversity Institute of Ontario University of Guelph, CANADA
Dr. Porter uses DNA-based methods to survey complex communities in from environmental samples such as soil, water, and stream-bottom communities. She has experience using and developing new molecular biology and bioinformatic methods such as the MetaWorks multi-marker metabarcode pipeline as well as numerous curated reference sequence sets to facilitate probabilistic taxonomic assignment. Currently working as part of the “Sequencing The Rivers For Environmental Assessment and Monitoring” (STREAM) project at the University of Guelph.
Bioinformatics Method Development | Ecological Studies | Freshwater Biomonitoring
Saara Suominen
Susanna Theroux
Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP), USA
Dr. Theroux is a scientist at the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP). Her research focuses on the development of molecular methods for biomonitoring and bioassessment. She leads the California Molecular Methods Workgroup which develops standardized protocols and guidelines for statewide monitoring programs.
Genomic Method Development | Remediation and Restoration Monitoring
Hiroki Yamanaka
Anastasija Zaiko
Cawthron Institute, New Zealand
Dr. Anastasija Zaiko is a Senior Scientist at the Cawthron Institute, New Zealand and the co-founder of the Sequench Ltd (a professional laboratory, providing molecular analyses of complex environmental samples). Her work is focused on advancing the field of eDNA, designing new assays for molecular surveillance of marine species, developing and optimizing sampling strategies and sample processing approaches. Over the last 10 years, Dr. Zaiko has led multiple research and commercial projects where molecular (eDNA/eRNA) technologies were applied to address various environmental questions across aquatic ecosystems. This resulted in >80 peer-reviewed scientific publications in high-impact journals. Currently, Anastasija co-leads the Marine Biosecurity Toolbox (https://www.biosecurity-toolbox.org.nz/programme) and oversees the DETECT research theme to ensure effective integration of molecular approaches into the developing biosecurity toolbox. She is also involved in the development and validation of eDNA/eRNA-based tools for the routine environmental monitoring in aquatic ecosystems, ecological health indicators and a range of projects focusing on different biosecurity aspects.
Genomic Method Development | Invasive Species | Bioinformatics | Ecosystem health assessment | Blue economy | High-throughput seuqencing | Biosecurity