Rosenberg Institute Seminar Series - Susanna Theroux

Susanna Theroux, Principal Scientist, Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) 

Are we there yet? Advancing DNA methods for informing environmental management and policy 

Abstract: Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods are revolutionizing the way we monitor biodiversity in California. However, the adoption of eDNA methods for informing environmental management decision-making has been slowed by a lack of standardization among researchers and poor communication with user communities. To help expediate the transition from research to implementation, we initiated a series of studies to bring the gap between eDNA researchers and environmental managers. These studies ranged across a diversity of habitats and management concerns, from harmful algal blooms to endangered Southern California steelhead. This presentation will review the myriad of successes and obstacles faced when operationalizing a novel tool for routine applications and will highlight future directions for advancing the adoption of eDNA methods. 

Bio: Susie Theroux is a Principal Scientist at the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) where she leads the environmental DNA (eDNA) research program. Dr. Theroux specializes in developing molecular methods for biomonitoring and bioassessment and leads the California Water Quality Monitoring Council’s Molecular Methods Workgroup. Prior to joining SCCWRP, Dr. Theroux was a postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Energy’s Joint Genome Institute and received her doctorate from Brown University and the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory.