Mandi Finger

Education:

B. S. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of California, Santa Cruz,  2003

Past Research Projects:

• Conservation genetics of refugial Mohave tui chub Populations using microsatellite DNA loci.

• Hybridization of Little Kern golden trout with non-native rainbow trout using microsatellites.

Current Research Projects:

Development of SNP markers for the conservation genetics of the Paiute cutthroat trout

We developed six SNP markers to differentiate between Paiute and Lahontan cutthroat trout and California golden or rainbow trout.  We hope to use these markers to detect rainbow or golden trout introgression with cutthroat trout populations for management and restoration purposes.

Conservation and population genetics of the Owens pupfish

The goal of this project is to use microsatellite markers to determine population structure and genetic diversity of the endangered Owens pupfish, which is currently restricted to five small isolated populations in Inyo county, California.  I will characterize the genetics of the Owens pupfish and write a genetic management plan for the management of current populations and the possible establishment of new populations.

Independence Valley Tui Chub

The Independence Valley tui chub (Gila bicolor isolata) is minnow native to the Independence Valley Warm Springs, Nevada.  It is listed as extinct, but surveys over the last 10 years  indicate the presence of tui chub.  Tissues will be analyzed to confirm or disprove the existence of the Independence Valley tui chub, as well as look at population structure and a comparison with closely related tui chub subspecies.

Walker Lake tui chub

Characterization of several groups of Lahontan tui chub (presumptive Lahontan Lake form, Siphateles bicolor pectinifer, and Lahontan Creek form, S. b. obesa) from Walker Lake, Bridgeport Reservoir, Topaz Reservoir, Pyramid Lake, Lake Tahoe, Spooner Lake, Dixie Valley, Little Soda Lake, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge and other relevant populations.  This project has three goals: 1) determine if tui chub are threatened with decreasing inflow into Walker Lake 2) use genetic information to help establish a conservation hatchery or a refuge/spawning program for the Walker Lake tui chub if necessary and 3) identification of a source of fish for these potential conservation efforts.