Environmental DNA Lab

Environmental DNA

Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys produce reliable, comprehensive, and cost-effective inventories of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater biodiversity. By taking advantage of the fact that all living organisms constantly shed DNA into the local environment, eDNA removes the need to physically hold or harm species of interest, reduces physical danger for survey personnel, allows surveys within difficult to reach ecosystems, and enables researchers to conduct rapid, large-scale surveys.

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A Fish Out of Water

The Rutgers eDNA Lab has pioneered several approaches to survey for terrestrial animals such as insects, reptiles, and mammals. Other labs have followed suite, collectively extending eDNA surveys well beyond the world of water to include biodiversity surveys that support decision-making for forest health, agriculture, carbon offsets, ecological restoration, and the implementation of nature-based climate solutions.

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New York, New.. Pest?

Working with the New York State Department of Transportation, we are taking advantage of eDNA’s early detection capabilities to find just how far Spotted Lanternfly have spread into New York State. Our survey methods provide a spatially extensive way of locating early establishment sites so eradication and control efforts can be effectively targeted.

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““Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act, and in that action are the seeds of new knowledge.”
– Dr. Albert Einstein

MISSION STATEMENT

At the Rutgers Environmental DNA Lab, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of eDNA. We seek to develop novel eDNA collection methods while helping to establish the standards necessary to support the immense potential for eDNA surveys.

About Us

Terrestrial eDNA

Aquatic eDNA

Species Assays

News

Our tree coring methodology has been published into NeoBiota!

September 27, 2024 | By Christopher Eddy | News,Publication

Our most recent graduate turned researcher has been published once again, and this time in NeoBiota. In our latest manuscript, Dr. Kathleen Kyle et. al. work to develop a new … Read More

Lab Member Spotlight – Shannon Dickey

September 6, 2023 | By Christopher Eddy | Member Spotlight

Shannon Dickey Ecology and Evolution PhD Student Shannon is a PhD student in the eDNA lab going on her second year. Shannon spent much of her first year with … Read More

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