Dr. Beth Dakin teaches Conservation Biology in the Environmental Science and Management Program at Duquesne University. She graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Georgia. Dr. Dakin's research interests combine the areas of conservation genetics, natural history, and molecular ecology. Most of her research involves both a field component (often collecting or surveying stream fishes) and a lab component. Molecular markers such as mitochondrial DNA or microsatellites can be used to evaluate the population structure, evolutionary history, and genetic diversity of threatened or endangered fishes. Additional research areas include water quality monitoring and mathematical modeling of population genetics.