Ph.D. Candidate/Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

Use of ancient DNA and genetic variation to characterize population structure, connectivity, and systematic status of Texas desert bighorn sheep

Growing up I was a wild child- running outside barefoot, catching geckos and frogs, fishing at my grandparent’s lake cabin, helping raise ducks and rabbits, and being my dad’s little helper with all things yard-related at our home outside of Dallas.  Not much has changed except now I wear hiking boots when trapping small mammals and live-capturing aoudad, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and pronghorn.  

My dissertation research involves characterizing the genetic variation, population structure, and current connectivity of Texas desert bighorn sheep using mitochondrial DNA and next-generation sequencing techniques, including samples collected in the early 1900s and 2016-2020.  Data from genome-wide analyses using single nucleotide polymorphisms will be used for management and conservation purposes including assessing inbreeding and “genetic health” within populations, optimize translocations, and developing parameters for tracking fitness of genotypes.

Although my dissertation focuses on bighorn sheep, I actively study genetics and disease of aoudad, bats, camels, canids, gophers, mule and white-tailed deer, rodents, and other small mammals.  Under the guidance of Dr. Robert Bradley, I have been afforded opportunities that have made me a better scientist and better person.  After I graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, I hope to continue studying genetics and disease at the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia.