Meet The Team
After a decade of working to help develop eDNA methods and applications, we created the Collaborative to accelerate eDNA research through ongoing original research and by building a network of practitioners. Our small (but mighty) team sits at the University of Washington in the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs.
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Ryan Kelly, PhD, JD
DIRECTOR
Trained as both an ecologist and a lawyer, Ryan has a broad set of interests, focused both on hard scientific data and policymakers’ use of those data. His work often joins genetic and ecological research with real-world implementation in law and policy, particularly with respect to environmental monitoring, resource management, endangered species, and ocean acidification. In general, he is drawn to projects that have significant elements of both scientific and policy relevance as we work towards more sustainable use of marine resources. Dr. Kelly received his Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology from Columbia University, and his JD from University of California, Berkeley, School of Law.
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Eily Andruszkiewicz Allan, PhD
CHIEF SCIENTIST
Eily is interested in all things eDNA - from nuts and bolts type questions to very applied ecological questions. In the past, she has explored whether different types of animals (e.g., fish vs. jellyfish) shed different amounts of eDNA, how long eDNA persists in water and how that varies with things like temperature and sunlight, and how far eDNA can be transported in rivers and oceans. Most of Eily's research focuses on providing bounds of spatial and temporal inferences from genetic data in order to move the field towards wider acceptance and uptake. She is also interested in emerging technologies like using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for sampling water and using field based methods for rapid, on-site eDNA detection. Eily received her PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University.
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Cara Sucher, MS
PROGRAM MANAGER
Cara initially began her career studying paleoclimatology using polar ice core data, but quickly switched to the management and logistics sides of science starting with NSF’s Interagency US Global Change Research Program and NOAA’s Office of Global Programs Carbon Cycle Science initiative. She has many years’ experience managing science research, logistics and planning for the US Antarctic Program at all three permanent US stations and for both USAP-managed research vessels. Cara is very excited to be part of The eDNA Collaborative and helping facilitate this important work. Cara received her MS in Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island.
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Kate Bertko
PROJECT MANAGER
Kate works with both The eDNA Collaborative and on the MMARINeDNA (Marine Mammal Remote detection via Innovative environmental DNA sampling) grant which is investigating the transportation, persistence and distribution of marine mammal DNA at different spatial and temporal scales along the US West Coast. Prior to joining the team, Kate competed and coached rowing at the collegiate and Olympic level. She holds a A.B. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University.
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Shana Lee Hirsch, PhD
NETWORKS and STANDARDS
Shana is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering at UW. She has an interdisciplinary background in sustainability social science and ecological restoration. Her work draws on methods and theories from human centered design and innovation studies to support accessible and usable conservation technologies. Her work with the eDNA Collaborative aims to ensure that diverse people from around the world have access to eDNA technologies.
