Biography

Mark is currently studying the population genetics of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus) throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. In addition, he is studying the population genetics of the "red" listed moose (Alces alces) populations of mainland Nova Scotia. Key points of interest in his work include:

• Population structuring and how this relates to habitat quality (isolation, metapopulation dynamics)
• Gender-biased dispersal
• Mark-recapture for population estimates

Unique to Mark's genetic research is the use of faecal material as the primary source of DNA for analysis. Mark has augmented faecal extraction techniques and has defined a practical method to characterize target DNA template from faeces providing a source of DNA comparable to traditional sources like blood and tissue. For endangered species like those studied by Mark, this reliable method provides a non-invasive approach for genetic sampling which is extremely cost effective, given the high numbers of animals which can be sampled.

Before arriving at Trent, Mark was an avid parasitologist and research his experience includes:

• He examined the life cycle of Myxobolus parasites infecting American eels (internship with Jason Melendy, MSc).
• He developed new criteria for the species description of Myxozoan parasites, specifically the species Henneguya, infecting fish species of Nova Scotia. (Hons. Thesis).
• He examined the factors affecting the distribution and prevalence of the brainworm parasite Elaphostrongylus rangiferi infecting Woodland caribou of Newfoundland (MSc Thesis, published).
• He examined the applicability of Abomasal Parasite Counts (APC) to determine carrying capacity of woodland caribou in Newfoundland. (MSc Thesis published).
• He examined the potential impacts of clearcutting on parasites of minnows in small boreal lakes. (Published)
• He examined the parasite fauna of aquacultured giant scallops (Placopecten magenellicus) and Bay scallops (Aequipecten irradians) of Atlantic Canada and assessed their implications for the industry on the east coast. (Published).

Publications

Published articles (Refereed papers)

• 2006. Characterization of target nuclear DNA from faeces reduces technical issues associated with the assumptions of low-quality and quantity template (Cons. Gen. submitted). (With Jeff Clark2, Steve Kingston3, Micheline Manseau4, Natasha Morrill3, Stephen Petersen1, Richard Pither4, and Paul Wilson1
• 2006. Complexity and information gaps in recovery planning for moose (alces alces americana) in Nova Scotia, Canada. Accepted in Alces. (With K. Beasley, T. Nettie, S. McBurney, L. Issacman and P. Wilson)
• 2006. Using abomasal parasite counts (APC) to assess the carrying capacity of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus) of Newfoundland, Canada (JWD under revision)
• 2001. Factors affecting the distribution and transmission of Elaphostrongylus rangiferi (Protostrongylidae) in caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) of Newfoundland, Canada. Can. J. Zool. 79:1265-1277. (With M.W. Lankester and S.P. Mahoney)
• 2001. Potential impacts of clearcutting on parasites of minnows in small boreal lakes. Folia Parasitologica. 48: 269-274. (With D.J.,Marcogliese, and M.W Lankester)
• 2001. Scallop parasites, pests and diseases: Implications for aquaculture development in Canada. Bull. Aquacul. Assoc. Can. 101: 13-18. (With S.E. McGladdery)

Thesis' and technical reports

• 2005. Population genetics of Woodland caribou of northwestern Ontario. Endangered species Recovery Fund (Final Report)
• 2005. Population genetics of Woodland Caribou of Northern Manitoba.
• 2004. DNA-based population structure analyses using fecal material of Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) from within and surrounding Ontario Parks. Final report.
• 2003. Genetic Analyses of moose populations inhabiting mainland Nova Scotia. Progress report.
• 2001. Scallop parasites, pests and diseases: Implications for aquaculture development in Canada. DFO/Aquanet Technical Report.
• 2000. Factors affecting the distribution and transmission of Elaphostrongylus rangiferi (Protostrongylidae) in caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) of Newfoundland, Canada. MSc. Thesis. Lakehead University.
• 1999. Elaphostrongylosis infecting woodland caribou of the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland. Progress report. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• 1998. Morphometric analyses of the fish parasite Henneguya sp. (Myxozoa): New criteria for species descriptions. BSc. Honours Thesis. Saint Mary's University.

Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre DNA Building, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, K9J 7B8 Phone: (705) 748-1011 ext. 7126| Fax (705) 748-1132 Email: info@nrdpfc.ca