Katherine Bockrath, Ph.D.

Dr. Bockrath (Katie) earned a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Georgia (2015) and a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of West Georgia (2009). Katie’s Ph.D. research focused on assessing aquatic biodiversity using genetics, population surveys, and habitat measurements. She joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2016 as a Geneticist with the Whitney Genetics Lab at the Midwest Fisheries Center in Onalaska, Wisconsin, where she and her team used environmental DNA (eDNA) to monitor invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species , specifically invasive Carp. When she was not testing water samples, optimizing lab methods, or experimenting with new methods, Katie attended pragmatic and scientific meetings where she presented research and advancements in the eDNA field. Katie fostered collaborations with multiple state agencies and conservation offices, USGS labs across the Midwest, and with biologists across U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs. In addition to working on eDNA methods and applications, Katie built and managed the next-generation sequencing lab and used high-throughput sequencing methods for early detection of Aquatic Invasive Species and conservation of priority native species. In June of 2021, Katie joined team at the San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center as a Biologist and Research Lead. Katie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and dog, playing board/card games, and working on home improvement projects.