David Ernst

Education

PhD, Biology, University of North Carolina, 2018

BS, Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 2009

Research Interests

I am a marine molecular ecologist broadly interested in elucidating the spatiotemporal and physiological dynamics of meroplankton through the use of innovative molecular technologies.

Through my work, I aim to better understand the effects of climate change on larval ecology, phenology, and physiology, particularly for marine aquaculture and fisheries species in the Gulf of Maine and beyond. My current research integrates various ‘omics approaches to identify and leverage genetic signatures that differentiate life history stages (e.g., larva vs. adult) of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis. I am developing and deploying novel environmental RNA (eRNA)- and eDNA-based tools designed to detect and quantify mussel larvae and consequently permit rapid, accessible, and accurate monitoring of wild seed.