Graduate Certificate in Wildlife Conservation Genetics and Genomics

About this Podcast

HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be speaking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in wildlife conservation genetics and the lead instructor for the Graduate Certificate in Wildlife Conservation Genetics and Genomics. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about this course and what inspired you to create it? GUEST: Thanks for having me! This course equips professionals with the latest tools for biodiversity conservation, focusing on practical applications like population genetics, genomic analyses, and wildlife forensics. I've seen firsthand how these technologies can make a difference in conservation efforts, and I wanted to share that knowledge with others. HOST: That's fascinating. How are molecular markers and bioinformatics changing the way we approach wildlife conservation? GUEST: Molecular markers and bioinformatics have revolutionized the field. They allow us to identify species more accurately, understand genetic diversity, and monitor changes in populations over time. This information is crucial for endangered species management, habitat restoration, and wildlife crime investigation. HOST: Speaking of challenges, what do you find are the biggest hurdles in teaching and learning this subject matter? GUEST: The rapid pace of technological advancements can be challenging. Keeping up with new methods and tools requires continuous learning and adaptation. However, this dynamic nature also makes the field exciting and rewarding. HOST: Where do you see the future of wildlife conservation, particularly in relation to genetics and genomics? GUEST: I believe we'll see even greater integration of genetics and genomics into conservation practice. As technology becomes more accessible, we'll be able to gather and analyze data more efficiently, enabling us to make more informed decisions for wildlife conservation. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. If you're interested in shaping the future of wildlife conservation, I encourage you to explore the Graduate Certificate in Wildlife Conservation Genetics and Genomics. Thanks for joining us, and we look forward to hearing more about your experiences in this exciting field!