I am interested in using environmental DNA (eDNA) methods for large-scale community genetic studies. My research currently focuses on connectivity across the North Central Pacific using multiple techniques such as eDNA and oceanographic larval dispersal models.
Current Projects
eDNA as a Population Genetics Tool
North Central Pacific Connectivity
Larval Dispersal Modeling
Past Projects
Marine eDNA Detectability
Unagi Mislabeling
Sea Star Wasting Syndrome
Damselfish Farms
Publications
Ely TD1, Mukai GNM1, Kobayashi DR, Marko PB, Moran AL, Wren JLK. In Process. Characterizing key sensitivities for modeling long-distance dispersal in the North Central Pacific Ocean. NOAA tech report
1 = co-first authors
Ely T, Patten N, Naisbett-Jones LC, Spencer ET, Willette DA, Marko PB. (2023). Molecular identification of critically endangered European eels (Anguilla anguilla) in U.S. retail outlets. PEERJ. Link
Moran AL, Toh M-WA, Lobert GT, Ely T, Marko PB. (2021). Egg masses and larval development of the Antarctic cephalaspidean snail Waegelea antarctica (Cephalaspidea: Antarctophilinidae), with notes on egg masses of the related Antarctophiline alata. Journal of Molluscan Studies. 87(3). Link
Ely T, Barber PH, Man L, Gold Z. (2021). Short-lived detection of an introduced vertebrate eDNA signal in a nearshore rocky reef environment. PLOS ONE 16(6): e0245314. Link
Blanchette A1, Ely T1, Zeko A1, Sura S, Turba R, Fong P. (2019). Damselfish Stegastes nigricans increase algal growth within their territories on shallow coral reefs likely via enhanced nutrient supplies. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology.
1 = co-first authors Link
Ely T, Gold Z, Barber P. (2018). Investigating Temporal Variation in a Marine Environment. UCLA Senior Honors Thesis.
Presentations and Posters
Ely T (2024) “eDNA: a promising tool for population genetics” Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium. Honolulu, HI
Ely T (2023) “Can eDNA be used as a population genetics tool for marine communities?” Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium. Honolulu, HI
Ely T (2022) “Testing eDNA as a fine-scale population genetics tool in marine ecosystems” Albert L. Tester Memorial Symposium. Honolulu, HI
Ely T (2018). “Monitoring Sea Star Wasting in Oregon’s Marine Reserves”. Oregon Sea Grant Final Symposium. Newport, OR
Ely T (2018). “Investigating Temporal Variation of eDNA in a Marine Environment”. UCLA’s Annual Biology Research Symposium. Los Angeles, CA 3rd place Undergraduate Poster award ($100)
Ely T, Blanchette A, Zeko A (2017). “Territorial damselfish enhance nutrient supplies to algal turf in shallow coral reefs”. Marine Biology Quarter Symposium. Los Angeles, CA.
Funding Support
Graduate Research Assistantship under NSF grant # 2049672, 2020 and 2024 ($24,000 stipend)
E. A. Kay award in Zoology, 2023 ($2500)
Edmondson Research Fund, 2020 ($2000)
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, 2019 ($37,000 stipend for 3 years)
UCLA Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program award, 2017 ($5000)
Whitcome Research Undergraduate Summer Fellowship, 2017 ($3000)