Carly McCall

Research Associate II

Originally from Pennsylvania, Carly McCall is joining GMGI from the Florida Institute of Technology where she spent the last 5 years. While completing her dual bachelor’s degrees in marine biology and genomics and molecular genetics she became fascinated with the ability to use genetics to learn more about difficult to study species. Carly worked on multiple projects using molecular tools to aid in the study and conservation of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) and local fish communities. Carly earned her M.S. in conservation technology studying the phylogenetic history and cryptic diversity of deep-water dogfish sharks (Genus Squalus). She also helped to collect and process environmental DNA to conduct biodiversity assessments and establish baseline data for the restoration of critical habitats in coastal Florida. When not at work, Carly enjoys cooking, watching hockey, and being outdoors.

Email

Phone

(978) 879-4575 ext 118

Research Interests

The inaccessibility and vast size of marine ecosystems make studying the organisms that live there challenging. Genomic tools are incredibly useful for answering a variety of questions but are widely underused in conservation and management. Carly’s research interests involve using genomics to better understand population size, movement, and diversity of traditionally hard to study species. Learning more about marine populations using these molecular tools allows researchers to track changes through time and ensure that species are being managed effectively. During her master’s Carly focused on the phylogenetic history of deep-water dogfish sharks (Genus Squalus). Determining the evolution of these sharks not only helps to explain existing biodiversity but can also indicate how species may react to climate change. Environmental DNA technology makes it possible to collect samples noninvasively without directly interacting with an organism. This technology can reveal what species are present in an area and can demonstrate how the biodiversity of ecosystems changes spatially and temporally. At GMGI Carly will be using advanced molecular techniques to evaluate the sustainability of our fisheries and how anthropogenic activities may impact commercially important species.

Education

2020 – B.S. Marine Biology, Florida Institute of Technology
2020 – B.S. Genomics and Molecular Genetics, Florida Institute of Technology
2021 – M.S. Conservation Technology, Florida Institute of Technology

Prior Positions

2020-2021: Research Professional, Florida Institute of Technology IRL Restoration Project, Melbourne, FL
2020-2021: Aquarist Technician, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
2018-2021: Research Associate, Florida Institute of Technology Shark Conservation Lab, Melbourne, FL

Research Projects

Publications

Phillips, N. M., Devloo-Delva, F., McCall, C., & Daly-Engel, T. S. (2021). Reviewing the genetic evidence for sex-biased dispersal in elasmobranchs. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 31(4), 821-841. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-021-09673-9