About Us

Where are they? How many are there? How are they doing? In essence, activities interacting with organisms and biological communities encompass three basic functions:

1) determining if a species of interest is present; 2) about how many target species are present; and 3) are those species doing ok, are they reproducing and are their offspring reproducing? Genidaqs uses the fundamental and ubiquitous nature of DNA to address these essential questions.

Our Mission

Through teamwork, technical excellence, and a commitment to the client, Genidaqs provides cutting edge molecular biology, genetics analysis and information to enable scientists and natural resource managers to efficiently resolve complex environmental problems.

The Team
Gregg Schumer M.B.A.
Gregg Schumer M.B.A.
V.P & Director of Lab Services

Gregg has two decades of experience applying molecular biological techniques in the fields of human pathogens, vaccine production, and more recently in molecular ecology, fisheries genetics, and the detection of cryptic species by environmental DNA (eDNA).

Cheryl Dean B.S.
Cheryl Dean B.S.
Laboratory Manager II

Cheryl has over 21 years of experience applying genetic tools to address natural resource management, protected species recovery, and habitat restoration issues. From salmon, to honey bees, to mountain goats, Cheryl will generate the genetic information to support your needs.

Scott Blankenship Ph.D
Science Director / Sr. Geneticist

Scott has over 18 years of experience applying genetic data to population monitoring and fishery science, including extensive experience combining the newest tools of molecular biology and genetics theory with field observations of fish populations and their habitat.

Dan Bingham, M.S.
Dan Bingham, M.S.
Geneticist

With more than a decade of fisheries experience, Dan’s specialty is applied ecology and population genetics, including environmental DNA applications. Prior to joining CFS, Dan served as the founding partner at Rogue Biological Consulting in Portland, OR, spent several years as a fisheries biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service. Dan has served as External Director of the Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and Vice President of the Northwest Association of Environmental Professionals.

Yekaterina Karpenko B.S.
Yekaterina Karpenko B.S.
Research Associate

Yekaterina plays a key role in processing lab-based data, specializing in collecting eDNA samples in the field, extracting DNA from tissues and eDNA filters, invertebrate identification, and Access database management. Katie’s experience extends into collecting data from salmonid habitat restoration as well.

Hilary Starks M.S.
Hilary Starks M.S.
Research Associate II

Hilary has over 10 years of experience developing and implementing molecular genetic techniques for use in population ecology and management. Her research has focused primarily on salmonid population genetics, and the application of eDNA detection methods to investigate patterns of biodiversity in marine systems.

Michelle Leung, B.S.
Michelle Leung, B.S.
Laboratory Technician

As laboratory technician, Michelle works to collect, extract, and analyze eDNA samples from tissues and filters, write standard operating procedures, and maintain lab equipment. Michelle has worked on marine invertebrates biology, plant biology, microRNAs in honey bees pheromone pathways and human vectored diseases in rodents. Michelle will assist solving challenges in aquatic ecology and fish populations.

Allen Huynh, B.S.
Allen Huynh, B.S.
Laboratory Technician

Meet Allen, a lab technician at CFS with a background in marine biology and an interest in genetics. Allen has honed their skills in collecting and analyzing eDNA samples and has contributed to the identification of macroinvertebrate, invertebrate, and fish species in California. His prior experience as a deckhand brings a unique perspective to their work in the lab. Allen continues to expand their knowledge in the field of genetics, making them an asset to CFS. 

Juan Andres “Andy” Lara, B.S.
Juan Andres “Andy” Lara, B.S.
Pacific Northwest Genetics Technician

With a background in population and community ecology, and freshwater conservation, Andy plays in key role in projects across Washington, Oregon, and California. Andy works directly with clients to manage and implement study projects, as well as provide field sampling support. Andy’s skills in field techniques include backpack electrofishing, seine netting, trapping, eDNA collection, and various tagging techniques such as PIT tagging, and Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE). Andy can assist in facing a variety of questions impacting aquatic ecosystems and populations.

Genidaqs is a Cramer Fish Sciences brand.

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