Environmental Science MS
ENSCI Student Defends Thesis on Modeling California Red-Legged Frog Habitat using Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Charley Abernathy recently defended her thesis research "Modeling Threatened California Red Legged Frog (Rana draytonii) habtiat using environmental DNA presence via quantitative PCR" in front of her committee and a public audience on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
We reached out to Charley following her successful defense to learn more about her thesis research and overall experience as an Environmental Science graduate student. Check out her interview below for more details!
Thesis title: "Modeling Threatened California Red Legged Frog (Rana draytonii) habitat using environmental DNA presence via quantitative PCR"
Faculty advisor: Dr. John Olson
What did your thesis research entail?
First, it required establishing a budget, then creating clear field, laboratory, and analysis protocols. I would teach any helpers the how and why of data gathering. Then, heading out into the field (most of the time bushwhacking!), filtering river or lake water and carefully storing it, gathering environmental data including water quality, and making sure to upload the data with photos and other notes. I would extract the samples in the lab and run the qPCR, then troubleshoot any problematic samples. Interpreting the data via mapping and modeling or statistical analysis was also very fun. Then, storing and writing it up to be helpful for current recommendations, as well as future analyses or studies!
How has your thesis project contributed to your career goals?
The knowledge gained from learning about eDNA, qPCR, and mapping, as well as additional field, laboratory, and analysis techniques are helpful to studying or managing infectious disease or conserving wildlife. Teaching and appreciating those who help (usually by having fun while doing purposeful work, also by buying dinner and making sure they get paid;) has been a skillset I have used in my prior careers and makes it fun!
What is your favorite part of being a graduate student at CSUMB?
Working with others in the field, interpreting and discussing results with my colleagues and advisor, and learning new skills and knowledge!!
Congratulations, Charley!! We look forward to seeing where your professional endeavors take you!