Dr. Margaret Hunter directs the Conservation Genetics laboratory at the U.S. Geological Survey in Gainesville, Florida. She is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Aquatic Animal Health Program. Dr. Hunter’s research focuses on conservation genetics and genomics of imperiled and invasive species for conservation and management efforts. She uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to characterize species’ range-boundaries and movement pathways. Her research with the Sirenia Project includes manatee eDNA detection, identifying genetic management units for conservation and assessing manatee health and adaptive potential in changing environmental conditions. She also develops genetics tools to study invasive species, such as the Burmese python and lionfish. Genetic studies of invasive species can determine breeding groups and source populations to target for management actions and removal.