Major
Environmental Science
Anticipated Graduation Year
2026
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) assays are increasingly used for early detection of aquatic invasive species, but require balancing detection sensitivity with specificity. This study focuses on optimizing the limit of detection for a newly developed eDNA assay targeting starry stonewort, an invasive macroalga present in Lake Michigan harbors throughout the Chicago area. Assay development required minimizing cross-amplification of closely related species while maintaining sensitivity. DNA from nontarget species and known concentrations of the target fragment were tested across multiple qPCR cycling protocols to assess sensitivity and specificity. Our results contribute to a reliable detection tool for monitoring starry stonewort invasion.
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Megan Cunnison, Master's Student, School of Environmental Sustainability; Dr. Reuben Keller, Professor, School of Environmental Sustainability
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Identifying the Limit of Detection of an Environmental DNA Assay Designed for Starry Stonewort Detection
Environmental DNA (eDNA) assays are increasingly used for early detection of aquatic invasive species, but require balancing detection sensitivity with specificity. This study focuses on optimizing the limit of detection for a newly developed eDNA assay targeting starry stonewort, an invasive macroalga present in Lake Michigan harbors throughout the Chicago area. Assay development required minimizing cross-amplification of closely related species while maintaining sensitivity. DNA from nontarget species and known concentrations of the target fragment were tested across multiple qPCR cycling protocols to assess sensitivity and specificity. Our results contribute to a reliable detection tool for monitoring starry stonewort invasion.