Julia Sunnarborg

Contact Information

Phone: 952-657-6284

Email: julia.sunnarborg@maine.edu

Lab website: Cammen Lab and Kinnison Lab

Address: 217 Murray Hall, 23 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Advisors: Dr. Kristina Cammen and Dr. Michael Kinnison

Education

Ph.D. Marine Biology, University of Maine, current
B.S. Biology, University of Kansas, 2019

Description

My dissertation research focuses on developing and applying environmental DNA (eDNA) tools for studying river herring and seal ecology as these populations recover due to ongoing protection and restoration efforts. I am particularly interested in validating eDNA against traditional research and monitoring methods to improve sampling capacity, minimize disruption to animals and the environment, and maximize cost-effectiveness. I’m also interested in patterns of fish and mammal community composition, phenology, and trophic relationships, as well as how eDNA can help us monitor and understand changes in these patterns. My research involves the collection of water samples all across the Maine coast, with an additional focus in the Penobscot River Estuary, as well as at seal haul-out sites in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I am fortunate to work with a variety of collaborators at Maine SeaGrant, Maine DMR, NOAA NEFSC, and the Center for Coastal Studies, as well as other researchers and students within the Maine-eDNA program.