Our research lab explores applied ecology topics of biological invasions, urban ecological restoration, and combating illegal fishing for more sustainable global fisheries.
The two major themes of our research program are 1) examining the functional and fundamental changes in communities due to invasive species and environmental change; and 2) investigating the biodiversity and connectivity of over-exploited natural resources to help ensure more sustainable use. We use a range of non-model organisms in our investigations including seagrasses, fish, and terrestrial plants; however, the questions we ask are not habitat specific with finding relevant across ecosystems. Applying quantitative field experiments, molecular genetics, and remote sensing tools, our research interests share the common objective of finding balance between utilizing natural resources and conserving the biodiversity and function of ecosystems.
Important to our lab’s approach to research is active public engagement with science. We believe creating opportunities for non-scientists to have hands-on, meaningful experiences with science is the best way to move our research out of the lab and into everyday world. Below are descriptions of research currently underway in our lab, including approaches we’ve developed to engage with the public in the process of biological inquiry
Leveraging actionable science to combat seafood fraud in Los Angeles and illegal fishing in the Pacific region
The Los Angeles Seafood Monitoring Project began as an undergraduate biology DNA barcoding laboratory exercise to identify menu-listed sushi to species name. After four years of co-teaching the course, we published a paper identifying a 47% mislabeling rate in LA’s sushi restaurants. The 2017 publication in Conservation Biology received tremendous media attention, and peaked interest of regulators.
Our lab continues the stewardship of the Los Angeles Seafood Monitoring Project by providing free DNA barcoding of seafood samples sold to sushi restaurants in Los Angeles and communicating these results to restaurant owners so they are empowered to address mislabeling.
Understanding seafood mislabeling can have its origins earlier in the supply chain, our lab continues to develop a rapid, accurate monitoring approach at the seafood processor level and marine fisheries level using environmental DNA (eDNA). With funding from the US Fulbright Program and US National Science Foundation, our lab is working to provide end-to-end processing of passively or actively collected eDNA genomic data at an accelerated runtime to help in the identification, taxonomic assignment, and annotation of targeted species in the supply chain. Our approach has resulted in our lab’s first patent – our unique eDNA collection device – and our highly flexible software for user-friendly bioinformatic processing. Please see our recent publications for more information.
Our lab continues the stewardship of the Los Angeles Seafood Monitoring Project by providing free DNA barcoding of seafood samples sold to sushi restaurants in Los Angeles and communicating these results to restaurant owners so they are empowered to address mislabeling.
Understanding seafood mislabeling can have its origins earlier in the supply chain, our lab continues to develop a rapid, accurate monitoring approach at the seafood processor level and marine fisheries level using environmental DNA (eDNA). With funding from the US Fulbright Program and US National Science Foundation, our lab is working to provide end-to-end processing of passively or actively collected eDNA genomic data at an accelerated runtime to help in the identification, taxonomic assignment, and annotation of targeted species in the supply chain. Our approach has resulted in our lab’s first patent – our unique eDNA collection device – and our highly flexible software for user-friendly bioinformatic processing. Please see our recent publications for more information.
Cultivating collaborative academic-community partnerships for urban park restoration
Seeing an opportunity to bridge science and a community need in our own backyard, our lab conducts a wide range of research projects and community outreach activities at Ascot Hills Park in northeast Los Angeles neighborhood of El Sereno. Ascot Hills Park was established in 2008 and is a 98-acre green space managed by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Our lab partners with a local high school and environmental non-profit organization in on-going quantitative field experiments aimed at optimizing restoration efforts. We work closely with and are guided by the local Park Advisory Board, and in collaboration with local non-profits including North East Trees. In 2023, LMU and the local non-profit Seed to Landscape entered into a MOU in support of the largest microforest project in Los Angeles. Please see our recent publications and News for more information.
Our lab partners with a local high school and environmental non-profit organization in on-going quantitative field experiments aimed at optimizing restoration efforts. We work closely with and are guided by the local Park Advisory Board, and in collaboration with local non-profits including North East Trees. In 2023, LMU and the local non-profit Seed to Landscape entered into a MOU in support of the largest microforest project in Los Angeles. Please see our recent publications and News for more information.
Research in the Willette Lab has been made achievable
by the generous support of:
by the generous support of:
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