Using eDNA to Find
Rusty Crayfish

This project was designed to look for the invasive species of crayfish, Orconectes rusticus, in local streams. To do this, environmental DNA has to be collected, filtered, and purified, before being amplified with a qPCR. However, the biggest challenge for this project was identifying a primer that could be used to complement the DNA found in a Rusty Crayfish, so that a match can be made with a sample. This primer work was done over the winter months. Stream research is now starting with this project, as their active season is just now beginning!