Contact Information

Biography

Dr. Jan E. Janecka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Duquesne University and a Research Associate at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Powdermill Nature Reserve. He also serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Heredity and is a member of the USFWS Ocelot Recovery Team.

Dr. Janecka received his B.S. in Biology from Cornell University, his M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from the University of Vermont, and his Ph.D. in Wildlife Sciences from Texas A&M University–Kingsville. His graduate and doctoral research focused on carnivore ecology, dispersal, and conservation genetics, including studies of bobcats and endangered ocelots. Following his Ph.D., he conducted research on mammalian evolution, phylogenetics, and conservation genomics at Texas A&M University.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Janecka has led wildlife research and conservation projects throughout North America and Asia, including Mongolia, China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Oman. His work combines field biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and conservation science to address questions relevant to both wildlife management and biodiversity conservation.

Today, his research focuses on wildlife genomics, conservation genetics, population connectivity, adaptation, and wildlife health. Current projects include black bear population genomics in Pennsylvania, ocelot recovery and reproductive genomics, wildlife disease ecology, and the application of genetic tools to wildlife conservation and management. Through partnerships with state and federal agencies, his laboratory also provides genetic analyses that support wildlife management, wildlife forensic, and species conservation programs.

In addition to research, Dr. Janecka is committed to experiential education and public engagement. He directs the WILDs Community Partnership - Wildlife Integral to Local Development Sustainability, a collaborative program that engages middle and high school students in authentic wildlife research and conservation projects throughout the region. To learn more about WILDs visit projectWILDs.org.

Education

  • Ph.D., Wildlife Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 2006
  • M.S., Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, University of Vermont, 2002
  • B.S., Biology, Cornell University, 1999

Research Interests

  • Conservation Genomics
  • Population Genetics
  • Wildlife Ecology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Wildlife Health
  • Conservation Biology
  • Wildlife Forensics

The Janecka Genomics Laboratory uses genomic and bioinformatic approaches to address fundamental questions in ecology, evolution, and wildlife conservation. Our research integrates genetics, genomics, ecology, physiology, and computational biology to better understand how populations are structured, how species adapt to changing environments, and how genomic variation influences important traits.

A major goal of our work is to apply scientific discoveries to real-world conservation challenges. By partnering with wildlife agencies, zoos, museums, and conservation organizations, we develop and apply genetic tools that inform species recovery, wildlife management, disease surveillance, and forensic investigations.

Current Research Areas

Wildlife Genomics and Conservation Genetics

Our laboratory studies the genetic diversity, population structure, connectivity, and evolutionary history of wildlife populations. Current projects focus on black bears, ocelots, bobcats, snow leopards, and other mammals, with applications ranging from species recovery planning to population monitoring and management.

Conservation Genomics of Endangered Species

We use genomic tools to support conservation and recovery efforts for threatened and endangered species. Ongoing work examines the genetics and reproductive biology of ocelots to inform captive breeding, population augmentation, and long-term recovery strategies.

Wildlife Health and One Health Research

Our research increasingly incorporates wildlife health, disease ecology, and host-pathogen interactions. Current projects investigate the genetic basis of Sarcoptic mange susceptibility and resistance in wildlife populations, as well as examine emerging health challenges affecting conservation of snow leopards.

Wildlife Forensics and Applied Conservation

The laboratory works closely with wildlife management agencies to develop and apply DNA-based tools for species identification, individual assignment, and forensic investigations. These efforts help support wildlife law enforcement, management decisions, and conservation planning.

Wildlife Ecology and Habitat Management

We use wildlife camera trapping and noninvasive sampling to examine how habitat management influences wildlife populations. Current projects investigate the effects of prescribed fire, understory mowing, invasive species removal, and reclaimed surface mines on game and nongame species to inform conservation and management decisions.

Community-Based Conservation and STEM Education

Through the WILDs Community Partnership, we engage students, educators, and community partners in authentic wildlife research. Participants contribute to ongoing studies using wildlife cameras, biodiversity surveys, and ecological monitoring while gaining hands-on experience in scientific research.

School

Publications

Complete list available on Dr. Janecka’s Google Scholar Profile

  1. Lewis, N, R Raut, A Chaudhary, P Manandhar, S Shrestha, R Rajbhandari. S. Nepali, A Sadaula, PT Lama, B Shrestha, JE Janecka, D Karmacharya. (2026) Piloting noninvasive pathogen assessment and perceptions at the snow leopard (Panthera uncia)-domestic animal-human interface in Nepal. The Journal of Wildlife Diseases 1 DOI
  2. Dhendup, T, Robinson* JJ, Sorger* G, Wangdi S, Hacker* S, Yuguang Z, Janecka JE (2025) Population genetic structure of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Bhutan and connectivity with regional populations. Global Ecology and Conservation.62:e03860: 1-13. DOI
  3. Robinson*, JJ, Crichlow* AD, Hacker* CE, Munkhtsog B, Munkhtsog B, Zhang Y, Swanson WF, Lyons LA, Janecka JE (2024) Genetic variation in the Pallas’s Cat (Otocolobus manul) in zoo-managed and wild populations. Diversity. Diversity16(4): 228. DOI
  4. Hacker* C, Atzeni L, Munkhtsog B, Bayaraa M, Galsandorj N, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Buyanaa, Gantulga Bayandonoi C, Ochirjav M, Farrington JD, Jevit* M, Zhang Yu, Wu L, Cong W, Li D, Gavette C, Jackson R, Janecka JE (2023) Genetic diversity and spatial structures of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) reveal proxies of connectivity across Mongolia and northwestern China. Landscape Ecology 38:1013-1031. DOI
  5. Hacker* CE, Cong, Xue WY, Li J, Zhang Y, Wu L, Ji Y, Dai Y, Li Y, Jin L, Li D, Zhang J, Janecka JE, Zhang Y (2022) Dietary diversity and niche partitioning of carnivores across the Qinghai– Tibetan Plateau of China using DNA metabarcoding. Journal of Mammalogy 103(5):1005–1018. DOI
  6. Janecka JE, Davis B, Ghosh‡ S, Paria‡ N, Das PJ, Orlando L, Schubert M, Nielsen M, Stout TAE, Brashear W, Li G, Johnson C, Metz R, AMA Zadjali*, Love CL, Varner DD, Bellott DW, Murphy W, Chowdhary BP, Raudsepp T (2018) Horse Y chromosome assembly displays unique evolutionary features and putative stallion fertility genes. Nature Communications9:2945:1–15.
  7. Janecka JE, Zhang Y, Li D, Munkhtsog B, Bayaraa M, Galsandorj N, Wangchuk TR, Karmacharya D, Li J, Zhi L, Uulu KZ, Gaur A, Kumar S, Hussain S, Muhammad G, Jevit* M, Hacker* C, Burger P, Wultsch C, Janecka MJ, Helgen K, Murphy WJ, Jackson R (2017) Range-wide snow leopard phylogeography supports three subspecies. Journal of Heredity 108:597–607. Journal Cover.
  8. Janecka JE, Tewes ME, Davis‡ IA, Haines A, Caso A, Blankenship T, Honeycutt RL (2016) Genetic differences in the response to landscape fragmentation by a habitat generalist, the bobcat, and a habitat specialist, the ocelot. Conservation Genetics 17:1093–1108.
  9. Janecka JE, Nielsen SSE, Andersen SD, Hoffman FG, Weber RE, Anderson* T, Storz JF, Fago A (2015) Genetically based low oxygen affinities of felid hemoglobins: lack of biochemical adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia in the snow leopard. Journal of Experimental Biology 218:2402–2409.
  10. Janecka JE, Tewes ME, Laack L, Caso A, Grassman LI, Honeycutt RL (2014) Loss of genetic diversity among ocelots in the United States during the 20th century linked to human induced population reductions. Plos One 9:2:e98384:1–10.
  11. Janecka JE, Munkhtsog B, Jackson RM, Mallon DP, Naranbaatar G, Murphy WJ (2011) Comparison of noninvasive genetic and camera-trapping techniques for surveying snow leopards. Journal of Mammalogy 92:771–783.
  12. †Meredith, RW, †Janecka JE (Co-first authors contributed equally), Gatesy J, Ryder OA, Fisher CA, Teeling EC, Alisha Goodbla A, Eizirik E, Simão TLL, Stadler T, Rabosky DL, Honeycutt RL, Flynn JF, Ingram CI, Steiner C, Williams TL, Robinson TJR, Burk-Herrick A, Westerman M, Ayoub NA, Springer MS, Murphy WJ (2011) Impacts of the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution and KPg Extinction on extant mammal diversification. Science 334:521–524. †Co-first authors.
  13. Janecka JE, Jackson R, Zhang Y, Li D, Munkhtsog B, Buckley-Beason V, Murphy WJ (2008) Population monitoring of snow leopards using noninvasive collection of scat samples: A pilot study. Animal Conservation 11:401–411. Journal Cover.
  14. Janecka JE, Miller W, Pringle TH, Wiens F, Zitzmann A, Helgen KM, Springer MS, Murphy WJ (2007) Molecular and genomic data identify the closest living relative of primates. Science 318:792–795.

Courses Currently Taught by Dr. Janecka:

  • BIOL 419/619: Bioinformatics: Analysis of Molecular and Genomic Data, 3 credits (Fall, 2015-Present)
    Bioinformatics is the statistical analysis of biological data. This course covers the theory, approaches, and applications to interpreting DNA, RNA, protein and genomic data. Topics covered include sequence analysis, alignment, phylogenetics, analysis of RNA and proteins, functional genomics, application of next-generation sequencing technology, de novo assembly, read mapping, variant detection, gene annotation, differential expression using RNAseq, genome wide association studies, and statistical analysis and interpretation genomic data. Course provides an immersion in the R environment and teaches numerous computational programs.
  • BIOL 250: Genetics, 3 credits (Spring, 2014-present)
    This course covers major topics in genetics and the theory, methods, approaches, and breakthroughs in this exciting field. A problem solving approach is used to teach fundamental principles. Attention is given to relevant examples that illustrates the applications of genetics to our society, health, conservation, and other important aspects of the world. Topics include classical Mendelian genetics, chromosomal inheritance, disease, population genetics, evolution, and gene expression.
  • BIOL 696: Introduction to Graduate Research II (Spring, 2026-present)
    This course prepares first-year graduate students for success in scientific research by developing essential skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication, and critical evaluation of the literature. Students also learn best practices for conducting rigorous, reproducible, and ethical research.
  • BIOL 494/594/ENVI 594 Environmental Sampling and Analysis, 3 credits (summer, odd years) co-taught with Dr. Beth Dakin
    This is a hands-on 6-week summer course focused on techniques for environmental analysis. Dr. Janecka covers exploring variables that contribute to population declines, biodiversity assessments, wildlife surveys (track stations, small mammal trapping, and camera traps), occupancy modeling, population genetics, and microsatellite analysis.


Courses Previously Taught by Dr. Janecka:

  • BIOL 646: Advanced Topics: Illumina Sequencing and NGS Analysis, 3 credits (Spring 2019)
    This was a hands-on course that taught Nextera DNA Flex library preparation, sequencing on Illumina MiSeq, post-processing of reads, de novo assembly, BLAST, sequence alignment, and phylogenetics. Groups of 3 students were provided an unknown BAC at the beginning of the course which they then sequenced and determined its identity and content.
  • BIOL 646: Advanced Topics: Bioinformatics - Analysis of Genomic Data, 1 credit (Fall 2014)
    This course provided an abridged introduction to analyzing and interpreting next generation sequencing data and using bioinformatics software in Linux. Topics covered included processing sequencing reads, de novo assembly, read mapping, variant detection, gene annotation, differential expression using RNAseq, genome wide association studies, and statistical analysis and interpretation genomic data.
  • BIOL 394: Undergraduate Biology Seminar, 1 credit (Fall 2014, 2015)
    This course applied active learning to give students a solid foundation in developing, writing, and presenting scientific research. Students read and discussed scientific literature, critically assessed methods and results, evaluated hypotheses based on results, and presented their ideas in both written and oral form. During the course they wrote a proposal or manuscript, and developed a PowerPoint presentation. The goal was to produce a proposal/manuscript that could be either be submitted to a funding agency or be the basis for a final report or journal submission. They were encouraged to give their PowerPoint presentations at a scientific conference the following semester.
  • BIOL 490/690: Seminar, 1 credit (Fall 2015)
    Department of Biological Sciences seminar series.
  • BIOL 646: Advanced Topics: Intro to Machine Learning in Biology (Spring 2025)
    This course provides a hands-on introduction to machine learning and its applications in the biological sciences. Students learn to develop and evaluate machine learning models using Python and Jupyter notebooks while applying modern analytical approaches to real-world biological datasets.
Leadership
  • Founding Director, WILDs Community Partnership
Editorial & Research Appointments
  • Associate Editor, Journal of Heredity
  • Research Associate, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Scientific & Conservation Appointments
  • Member, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ocelot Recovery Team
  • Member, Snow Leopard Network
Professional Societies
  • Member, The Wildlife Society, including PA Chapter
  • Member, Ecological Society of America, including Mid-Atlantic Chapter
  • Member, American Society of Parasitologists