The research in my lab is focused on the use of genetic science for questions in wildlife population health, biology, conservation, and management. Our work includes conservation genetics of threatened and endangered species, landscape genetics of free-ranging species of management concern (including mountain lions, black bears, wild pigs, sea otters, and others), ecological genetics of raptor and corvid bird species, the study of genomic variation associated with disease susceptibility in wildlife, population genetics. Our work is highly collaborative with state, federal, and non-profit agencies, wildlife rehabilitators, wildlife veterinarians, and other UC Davis labs. Education, particularly through laboratory participation, is very important to us, and with involvement of trainees from undergraduate to post-doctoral levels.
Current Projects in the Lab
For more details, please see our web site: http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/wildlife/
Students are invited to participate in ongoing projects, although participation is dependent on student interest, background, and capabilities. In special circumstances, a student may conduct an original project of special interest to be completed during the Summer session. Please email me hbernest@ucdavis.edu and I would be happy to discuss ideas.