Samantha Brunner

Samantha Brunner serves as an Assistant Professor - Research in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, focusing on population genetics of invasive aquatic species.

Education

• Ph.D. in Zoology, University of British Columbia (2022)
• B.S. in Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (2014)

Research Focus: Dr. Brunner investigates how management interventions alter population structure of invasive sea lamprey, specifically examining effective breeders, sibling group dynamics, and larval spatial distribution in streams. Her work integrates genetic monitoring with ecosystem management within the Great Lakes basin.

Collaborative Framework: She contributes to the multi-agency Supplemental Controls program, partnering with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate experimental sea lamprey management techniques through population genetic analysis.