David Coltman

David Coltman, University of Alberta, Alberta Ingenuity Scholar
Alberta Prion Research Institute

Advances in molecular genetics are revolutionizing biology, agriculture, and ecology, and are being applied in the fields of molecular ecology and population genetics.

In Canada, both provincial and federal governments have noted increasing concern for threatened and endangered species. David’s work focuses on genetic fingerprinting, the essential tool for evaluating and appropriately planning landscape solutions for species and populations at risk from human development. When patterns of connectivity and genetic linkages are understood, it will be possible to develop efficient and effective conservation programs.

Since coming to Alberta in 2004, David’s team has grown to 12 members, including postdoctoral fellows, PhD and Master’s students and a number of technicians. David has published 40 papers. He hopes his current research will lead to an enhanced risk assessment and prediction method for wildlife epidemics and the spread of invasive species in Alberta, as well as a better understanding of the roles that specific genes play in a species’ adaptation to changing environments.

“Given his outstanding scientific profile for someone still at an early stage of his career, I would certainly rank Dr. Coltman as a top figure in evolutionary biology and conservation genetics in Canada, as well as an established player who is leading the field on the international scene.” Dr. Louis Bernatchez, Canada Research Chair in Genomics and Conservation of Aquatic Resources