Emma Steigerwald

I am a doctoral candidate at UC Berkeley, co-advised by Dr. Rosemary Gillespie of the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management and Dr. Rasmus Nielsen of the Department of Integrative Biology. I am affiliated with the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and the Sibinacocha Watershed Project team.

Environmental change genetics

The genetics of

climate-driven range shifts

Our rapidly changing climate is driving species to shift their ranges, elevationally and latitudinally. I study how these range shifts shape spatial patterns in genetic diversity, and the consequent implications for the adaptation of affected species.

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Range shifts and

pathogen evolution

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When species' ranges shift, their pathogens may shift with them. I am asking how climate change may reshape disease transmission routes, and how pathogens may adapt to the new environments they are exposed to.

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Using eDNA to study the

impact of invasive species 

Invasive species compose another important dimension of environmental change. I aim to use environmental DNA to examine impacts of invasive aquatic predators on native stream communities. 

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