Season 2, Episode 4
Paper Based DNA Kit Identifies Rare and Elusive Species with Natalie Schmitt
In this episode of From the Field, Natalie Schmitt, a conservation genetic scientist and documentary film presenter, discusses her journey of developing a paper based DNA kit which can identify rare and elusive species while out in the field, yielding immediate results. Her revolutionary kit could change the way scientists work in the field and assist in protecting endangered species that succumb to illegal wildlife trade.
You'll Learn
Nat’s inspiration and role models.
Journey from grad school to documentary film industry.
Whale research and studying genetic markers.
How Nat came up with her paper based species detection idea.
Postdoc with McMaster University and developing her device.
How the proof of concept DNA kit could empower remote communities that deal with livestock depredation.
Why snow leopards are so hard to detect.
Nat’s experience with the Himalayan Mountains.
Speaking with locals and their experience with snow leopards and livestock.
How climate change adds to the desperation of animals in search of food.
How illegal wildlife trade impacts the snow leopard and big cat population and how the DNA Kit could help compat illegal trade.
Nat’s belief in interconnectedness between humans and ecosystems.
What we can do to help our planet.
Links From the Episode:
Nat’s DNA Kit Proof of Concept
About Nat
ABOUT DR. NATALIE SCHMITT
Natalie has a passion for genetic science, conservation and documentary film presenting. Throughout her career, she has been involved in presenting pertinant facts to encourage people to see the value in the interconnectedness between man and wild. In order to further this value, Nat is currently working on her postdoc research at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, primarly with a proof of concept DNA testing kit that works similarly to a pregnancy test. With funding, this paper-based testing kit can be developed and used by scientist in identifiying rare and illusive species while out in the field, by locals who must coexist with predators on a daily basis and even protect wildlife against illegal trade. For for information on Natalie’s testing kit please visit WildTechDNA.
