Andy Ramey, Ph.D.
Through my service at the USGS Alaska Science Center, I support the development and application of genetic and genomic tools to advance molecular ecology research pertaining to wildlife health and disease, population genetics, and environmental DNA. Research in the Molecular Ecology Lab promotes informed decisions regarding the conservation of fish and wildlife resources.
I currently serve as the Director of the Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center. The team of scientists working in the Molecular Ecology Lab develops and applies tools to obtain information on the health, distribution, and genomic characteristics of biological natural resources. This includes collecting and interpreting data on the health and disease status of fish and wildlife, the genetics of animal and plant populations, and the distribution of animals and pathogens using environmental DNA. We use this information to help partners and the public to make informed decisions regarding the conservation of fish and wildlife resources.
Professional Experience
2012 - Present Research Wildlife Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska
2006 - 2012 Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska
2003 - 2006 Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska
2001 - 2002 Biological Science Technician, Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2015 University of Georgia, Athens, GA Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
B.S. 2001 Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO Fishery Biology and Wildlife Biology
Affiliations and Memberships*
Associate Editor: Journal of Wildlife Diseases (2016 - present)
Associate Editor: Ornithology (2020 – present)
Member: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Ornithological Society (elected), Wildlife Disease Association
Reviewer: more than 35 journal outlets
Honors and Awards
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Star Award: 2002
U.S. Geological Survey Star Award: 2003, 2007 - 2009
U.S. Geological Survey performance awards: 2010 - 2022
Science and Products
Assessment of variation in the detection and prevalence of blood parasites among sympatrically breeding geese in western Alaska, USA
Evidence for interannual persistence of infectious influenza A viruses in Alaska wetlands
Negligible evidence for detrimental effects of Leucocytozoon infections among Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
The spatial-temporal relationship of blue-winged teal to domestic poultry: Movement state modeling of a highly mobile avian influenza host
Genomic comparison of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from humans and gulls in Alaska
Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of Avian Orthoavulavirus 16, isolated from Emperor Goose (Anser canagica) feces, Alaska, USA
Evidence for continental-scale dispersal of antimicrobial resistant bacteria by landfill-foraging gulls
Influenza A viruses remain infectious for more than seven months in northern wetlands of North America
Genesis and spread of multiple reassortants during the 2016/2017 H5 avian influenza epidemic in Eurasia
Ecology of influenza A viruses in wild birds and wetlands of Alaska
Gulls as sources of environmental contamination by colistin-resistant bacteria
Waterfowl occurrence and residence time as indicators of H5 and H7 avian influenza in North American Poultry
Science and Products
Assessment of variation in the detection and prevalence of blood parasites among sympatrically breeding geese in western Alaska, USA
Evidence for interannual persistence of infectious influenza A viruses in Alaska wetlands
Negligible evidence for detrimental effects of Leucocytozoon infections among Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
The spatial-temporal relationship of blue-winged teal to domestic poultry: Movement state modeling of a highly mobile avian influenza host
Genomic comparison of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from humans and gulls in Alaska
Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of Avian Orthoavulavirus 16, isolated from Emperor Goose (Anser canagica) feces, Alaska, USA
Evidence for continental-scale dispersal of antimicrobial resistant bacteria by landfill-foraging gulls
Influenza A viruses remain infectious for more than seven months in northern wetlands of North America
Genesis and spread of multiple reassortants during the 2016/2017 H5 avian influenza epidemic in Eurasia
Ecology of influenza A viruses in wild birds and wetlands of Alaska
Gulls as sources of environmental contamination by colistin-resistant bacteria
Waterfowl occurrence and residence time as indicators of H5 and H7 avian influenza in North American Poultry
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government