Nice To Meet You
Dr. Elizabeth Alter
My research focuses on evolutionary and ecological genetics of aquatic species. We use genomic information to understand how the earth’s biodiversity is created and maintained, particularly in the context of changing climate and other human impacts.
This work examines the genetic vestiges left by past environmental and ecological conditions and is integrative in nature, drawing from evolutionary genetics, phylogenomics, predictive habitat modeling and isotope studies. We conduct research in three specific areas: 1) Evolution and conservation of fishes; 2) Assessing biodiversity in coastal marine ecosystems using metagenomics and environmental DNA; and 3)Population genomics and ancient DNA studies in threatened species, including marine mammals. In all our projects, we seek to to aid ecosystem management and conservation efforts, while providing research opportunities to help undergrad students experience how science is done.
Group photos
- Our team at York College/CUNY
- Our team, fish-face version
2019 Alter Lab
- Nathan MorrisNathan is a fourth year student working on metagenomic analyses of NYC waterways including Jamaica Bay.
- Sam ChinSam is interested in using eDNA methods in marine conservation. His projects include eDNA in the Hudson and Bronx Rivers, and Florida mangroves.
- Ana PerezAna is a Masters student working on population structure in fishes of the lower Congo River.
- Nigel SampsonNigel is a biology major with an Interest in pursuing a PhD in virology. Outside of the classroom, his interests include soccer, international politics, economics and philanthropy in the Afro-Caribbean community.
- Jessica MirandaJessica is a an undergraduate Biology major, awarded a Polgar Fellowship from the Hudson River Foundation for her studies on environmental DNA to detect American eels.
- Laraib TariqLaraib is an undergraduate biology major, now leading the Honors program. She is interested in learning how biodiversity can be understood through using different metagenomic techniques (eDNA). She aims to gain knowledge about the relationship between biodiversity patterns and the environment in marine ecosystems.
- James Keanu CreedJames is an undergraduate Bio major working on morphometrics and genetics in African cichlids.
- Zahra AlkaifiZahra is a Bio major interested in marine ecology and mentoring freshmen students!
- Vimal RamnarainVimal is a senior with hopes of graduating with a BS in Biology. He is interested in the medical field, and in Biology-related research.
- Andria JamesAndria is a junior Bio major working on phylogenetic analysis in African cichlids.
- Davendra RamnarainDavendra is an undergraduate Biology major and is working on a project on metagenomics and environmental DNA.