Jason Kuhn, Ph.D.

My research areas include marine biochemistry and molecular biology, with a focus on applying environmental DNA techniques to address coastal community health challenges. In particular, I am interested in developing tools to improve the monitoring and molecular understanding of Harmful Algal Bloom species (HABs). HABs relevant to the Gulf of Alaska include Alexandrium, Pseudo-nitzschia, and Dinophysis, which can produce toxins that bioaccumulate within edible shellfish. Exposure to these toxins, which typically occurs when humans or marine animals consume impacted shellfish, can cause various types of Shellfish Poisoning illnesses.  Using molecular methods such as quantitative PCR, digital PCR, and DNA metabarcoding, I study the distribution and bloom dynamics of HABs as well as environmental conditions that promote toxin biosynthesis such as the production of neurotoxic compounds in Alexandrium catenella.