Journal article
Big Data in Conservation Genomics: Boosting Skills, Hedging Bets, and Staying Current in the Field
The Journal of heredity, Vol.112(4), pp.313-327
06/01/2021
PMID: 33860294
Abstract
A current challenge in the fields of evolutionary, ecological, and conservation genomics is balancing production of large-scale datasets with additional training often required to handle such datasets. Thus, there is an increasing need for conservation geneticists to continually learn and train to stay up-to-date through avenues such as symposia, meetings, and workshops. The ConGen meeting is a near-annual workshop that strives to guide participants in understanding population genetics principles, study design, data processing, analysis, interpretation, and applications to real-world conservation issues. Each year of ConGen gathers a diverse set of instructors, students, and resulting lectures, hands-on sessions, and discussions. Here, we summarize key lessons learned from the 2019 meeting and more recent updates to the field with a focus on big data in conservation genomics. First, we highlight classical and contemporary issues in study design that are especially relevant to working with big datasets, including the intricacies of data filtering. We next emphasize the importance of building analytical skills and simulating data, and how these skills have applications within and outside of conservation genetics careers. We also highlight recent technological advances and novel applications to conservation of wild populations. Finally, we provide data and recommendations to support ongoing efforts by ConGen organizers and instructors-and beyond-to increase participation of underrepresented minorities in conservation and eco-evolutionary sciences. The future success of conservation genetics requires both continual training in handling big data and a diverse group of people and approaches to tackle key issues, including the global bio-diversityloss crisis.
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Details
- Title
- Big Data in Conservation Genomics: Boosting Skills, Hedging Bets, and Staying Current in the Field
- Creators
- Rena M. Schweizer - University of MontanaNorah Saarman - Utah State UniversityKristina M. Ramstad - University of South Carolina AikenBrenna R. Forester - Colorado State UniversityJoanna L. Kelley - Washington State University, Biological Sciences, School ofBrian K. Hand - University of MontanaRachel L. Malison - University of MontanaAmanda S. Ackiss - University of Wisconsin–Stevens PointMrinalini Watsa - San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation ResearchThomas C. Nelson - Embark Vet Inc, Boston, MA USAAlbano Beja-Pereira - Universidade do PortoRobin S. Waples - NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Northwest Fisheries Science CenterW. Chris Funk - Colorado State UniversityGordon Luikart - Univ Montana, Div Biol Sci, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812 USA
- Publication Details
- The Journal of heredity, Vol.112(4), pp.313-327
- Academic Unit
- Kelley Lab
- Publisher
- Oxford Univ Press
- Number of pages
- 15
- Grant note
- DOB-1639014 / National Science Foundation Dimensions of Biodiversity Grant; National Science Foundation (NSF); NSF - Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) American Genetic Association IOS-NSF 1755411 / National Science Foundation; National Science Foundation (NSF) 80NSSC19K0185 / National Aeronautics and Space Administration; National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)
- Identifiers
- 99900882931001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article