Genetics

The Genetics Division develops and utilizes technologies to provide important new insights relevant to the assessment, monitoring, and management of endangered species in zoos and in the wild.

They undertake cell culture and banking of cells, tissues, blood, and DNA in the Frozen Zoo®, chromosome preparation and karyotype analysis, molecular genetic analyses including automated DNA sequencing and other advanced methods for studying genetic variation, sex determination, paternity analysis, and evolutionary changes between populations and species.

Capacity building for and transfer of technology to countries with significant wildlife resources is an integral part of these activities. They collaborate extensively with scientists around the world in studies of wildlife genetics and in the area of small population management.

They provide the broader scientific community with samples from the Frozen Zoo® that contribute to conservation research and a deeper understanding of evolution and biology.

Genetics Staff

• Oliver Ryder, Ph.D., Director of Genetics, Kleberg Chair
• William Modi, Ph.D., Scientist
• Michael Romanov, Ph.D., Scientist
• Anthony Nsubuga, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow
• Cynthia Steiner, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow
• Leona Chemnick, Researcher
• Marlys Houck, Researcher
• Suellen Charter, Research Coordinator
• Heidi Davis, Research Coordinator
• Julie Fronczek, Research Technician
• Andrea Johnson, Research Technician
• Steven Thomas, M.S., Research Technician
• Ben Tambaschi, Administrative Assistant