laboratory technician waiting for PCR analysis to be completed on an eDNA sample
Margaret Hunter, Ph.D.
Margaret Hunter is a Research Geneticist at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center.
Margaret Hunter attended the University of Florida where she received a B.Sc. in Microbiology and Cellular Sciences and minored in Chemistry and Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology. Following her bachelor degree, she received a PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences researching Sirenia (manatee and dugong) cytogenetics and conservation genetics. Affiliations: USGS Sirenia Project USGS Genetics and Genomics Research Courtesy Assistant Professor, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences Affiliated faculty member, University of Florida Aquatic Animal Health Program Affiliated faculty member, University of Florida Genetics Institute.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Florida
B.S., Microbiology and Cell Sciences (Minor: Chemistry, Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology), University of Florida
Science and Products
Integration of Environmental DNA (eDNA) Data into the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
Developing inter-agency templates for FAIR genetic data archiving
A Rapid CRISPR-based Field Test for the Non-invasive Detection of the Fungal Causative Agent of White-nose Syndrome
Python Vital Rates
Standardizing, aggregating, analyzing and disseminating global wildlife genetic and genomic data for improved management and advancement of community best practices
eDNA Best Practices- Resource Manager’s eDNA Toolbox
READI-Net: Providing Tools for the Early Detection and Management of Aquatic Invasive Species
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Detection in Cervids Using MicroRNA Biomarkers from Blood
Implementing FAIR practices: Storing and displaying eDNA data in the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database
Establishing standards and integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) data into the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database
Health Effects and Behavioral Response of Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) to Persistent Algal Bloom and Associated Loss of Seagrass Resources in Brevard County, Florida
West Indian Manatee Population Genetics
Data from the development and evaluation of a CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensor for the detection of DNA from Pseudogymnoascus destructans using samples collected from various species of bats across the United States, from 2018 to 2023
Mitochondrial and microsatellite genetic data from Cape Sable seaside sparrow feather samples collected 2011-2018
Fish community assessment using environmental DNA metabarcoding data after an invasive species eradication and native restocking effort in Pinecrest Gardens, FL in 2017-18
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genomic data of moose (Alces alces) from the contiguous United States, 2009-2017
Droplet digital PCR data for environmental DNA surveys of Burmese pythons in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem
Morphological measurements of Antillean manatees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Red Lionfish DNA data collected from Florida, USA and around the invasive distribution from 2007 to 2016
Bullseye snakehead environmental DNA data, and associated attributes, collected from southeast Florida, from 2015-2018
Burmese python environmental DNA data, and environmental covariates, collected from wading bird aggregations and control sites in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, United States, in 2017
Burmese python environmental DNA data, and associated attributes, collected from ARM Loxahatchee NWR and surrounding areas, from 2014-2016
Droplet digital PCR data from method testing to improve eDNA yield and reduce inhibitors from environmental water samples
laboratory technician waiting for PCR analysis to be completed on an eDNA sample
Community for Data Integration 2020 project report
DNA-based studies and genetic diversity indicator assessments are complementary approaches to conserving evolutionary potential
National Aquatic Environmental DNA Strategy
Systematic assessment of long-read RNA-seq methods for transcript identification and quantification
Realizing the potential of eDNA biodiversity monitoring tools in the marine environment with application to offshore renewable energy
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researches the biological diversity and distribution of species to support management, conservation, and resource use decisions. USGS scientists advance detection and monitoring technologies to assess changes in fish and wildlife populations, biodiversity, and the health of ecosystems. The United States is planning to install 30 gigawatts of offshore marine and wi
Best practices for genetic and genomic data archiving
Environmental DNA
Multinational evaluation of genetic diversity indicators for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
A new era of genetic diversity conservation through novel tools and accessible data
Too simple, too complex, or just right? Advantages, challenges, and guidance for indicators of genetic diversity
A pragmatic approach for integrating molecular tools into biodiversity conservation
A minimally invasive, field-applicable CRISPR/Cas biosensor to aid in the detection of Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative fungal agent of white-nose syndrome in bats
Science and Products
Integration of Environmental DNA (eDNA) Data into the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
Developing inter-agency templates for FAIR genetic data archiving
A Rapid CRISPR-based Field Test for the Non-invasive Detection of the Fungal Causative Agent of White-nose Syndrome
Python Vital Rates
Standardizing, aggregating, analyzing and disseminating global wildlife genetic and genomic data for improved management and advancement of community best practices
eDNA Best Practices- Resource Manager’s eDNA Toolbox
READI-Net: Providing Tools for the Early Detection and Management of Aquatic Invasive Species
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Detection in Cervids Using MicroRNA Biomarkers from Blood
Implementing FAIR practices: Storing and displaying eDNA data in the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database
Establishing standards and integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) data into the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database
Health Effects and Behavioral Response of Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) to Persistent Algal Bloom and Associated Loss of Seagrass Resources in Brevard County, Florida
West Indian Manatee Population Genetics
Data from the development and evaluation of a CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensor for the detection of DNA from Pseudogymnoascus destructans using samples collected from various species of bats across the United States, from 2018 to 2023
Mitochondrial and microsatellite genetic data from Cape Sable seaside sparrow feather samples collected 2011-2018
Fish community assessment using environmental DNA metabarcoding data after an invasive species eradication and native restocking effort in Pinecrest Gardens, FL in 2017-18
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genomic data of moose (Alces alces) from the contiguous United States, 2009-2017
Droplet digital PCR data for environmental DNA surveys of Burmese pythons in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem
Morphological measurements of Antillean manatees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Red Lionfish DNA data collected from Florida, USA and around the invasive distribution from 2007 to 2016
Bullseye snakehead environmental DNA data, and associated attributes, collected from southeast Florida, from 2015-2018
Burmese python environmental DNA data, and environmental covariates, collected from wading bird aggregations and control sites in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, United States, in 2017
Burmese python environmental DNA data, and associated attributes, collected from ARM Loxahatchee NWR and surrounding areas, from 2014-2016
Droplet digital PCR data from method testing to improve eDNA yield and reduce inhibitors from environmental water samples
laboratory technician waiting for PCR analysis to be completed on an eDNA sample
laboratory technician waiting for PCR analysis to be completed on an eDNA sample
Community for Data Integration 2020 project report
DNA-based studies and genetic diversity indicator assessments are complementary approaches to conserving evolutionary potential
National Aquatic Environmental DNA Strategy
Systematic assessment of long-read RNA-seq methods for transcript identification and quantification
Realizing the potential of eDNA biodiversity monitoring tools in the marine environment with application to offshore renewable energy
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researches the biological diversity and distribution of species to support management, conservation, and resource use decisions. USGS scientists advance detection and monitoring technologies to assess changes in fish and wildlife populations, biodiversity, and the health of ecosystems. The United States is planning to install 30 gigawatts of offshore marine and wi