Biography

Michael G. Campana specializes in analysis of animal and pathogen genomics using a combination of ancient DNA and computational genomics. At the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's Center for Conservation Genomics (NZCBI), his research focuses on the genomics of lions, elephants, Hawaiian honeycreepers, avian malaria, and canids among others. Another primary research line has been the development of DNA capture assays to analyze variation in animal and pathogen populations over time and space. Campana developed BaitsTools, software for rapidly developing DNA capture assays. The software has now been applied to a variety of research projects including population genomics of Mariana crows, reedwarblers, and canids. The baits developed using the software has facilitated the analysis of DNA from non-ideal sources, such as museum specimens and fecal samples. Campana obtained his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and his Master of Philosophy and doctorate from the University of Cambridge. He conducted post-doctoral research at Harvard University, the University of Zurich, and NZCBI. During his NZCBI post-doctoral research, Campana worked with Robert Fleischer, Jesús Maldonado and Bill McShea on a variety of post-doctoral research projects, including avian malaria, African wild dog and Hawaiian honeycreeper genomics and tick-borne pathogen detection.

Projects

Ancient DNA

By studying ancient DNA, scientists can learn about genetic variation and how certain species have changed over time. Ancient DNA methods have also proved useful in the study of wildlife disease.

Genomics, Transcriptomics and Epigenomics

Center for Conservation Genomics scientists sequence genomes and transcriptomes in large part to develop markers for detailed population studies, and to assess responses to stressors such as pathogens and climate change.

Microbiomes and Metagenomics

Smithsonian scientists are working to uncover the earth's incredible diversity of microorganisms and to understand how they impact plant, animal and ecosystem health.

Pathogens and Parasites

Smithsonian scientists study infectious diseases and their impacts on wildlife, including malaria, invasive chytrid fungus, tick-borne pathogens and more.