Jessica R. Zehnpfennig is an Ocean DNA Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Benthic Ecology Laboratory at the Smithsonian Marine Station. Her research aims utilize the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) to carry out Ocean DNA objectives using sequence-based approaches to identify and fill biodiversity knowledge gaps to help enhance research, monitoring and restoration. Her goal is to develop and utilize environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to conduct research on spatial and temporal changes in invertebrate biodiversity to enhance monitoring efforts and improve benthic condition assessments through eDNA sampling.
Education
Ph.D. Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Central Michigan University
