Nicholas Iacaruso
I am a doctoral candidate in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a graduate researcher in the Collaborative Conservation Genetics Laboratory at the Illinois Natural History Survey. I use modern and innovative genetics tools to study the conservation of ecosystems and species. My specialties include the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for monitoring the distribution of rare species as well as the early detection of aquatic invasive species. While my research pushes the boundaries of the information that eDNA methods can provide, my research also delves into how government agencies and conservation organizations should interpret eDNA results incorporate eDNA methods into their ongoing operations.
I believe in being a well-rounded scientist with a foundation in three areas: scholarship, teaching, and service. I strive to make each of these three, the pillars of my career and actively seek out experience within each category.
Education
2021-Present
Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL, USA
Dissertation: Incorporating Environmental DNA as an Early Detection Method for Aquatic Invasive Species
Advisor: Mark Davis, PhD
GPA: 3.94/4.00
2015-2019
B.S. in Environmental Science
Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, PA, USA
Thesis: An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Physical Stream Restoration in the Loyalhanna Watershed
Advisor: Peter Smyntek, PhD
GPA: 3.98/4.00
Research Experience
2025
Genetic Population Assessment of Texas Brown Tarantulas (Aphonopelma hentzi) in Missouri Glades
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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Developed extraction method for getting DNA from tarantula molts
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Extracted and performed double-digest RADseq (ddRAD) on tarantula molts collected from Missouri glades
2023-2024
A Systematic Review of when, where, and how eDNA methods outperform conventional methods for biodiversity monitoring
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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Organized and led systematic review of studies that directly compare eDNA and conventional sampling methods
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Managed team of undergraduate mentees who assisted in reviewing articles
2023-2024
Evaluating Environmental DNA Metabarcoding For Rapid Detection of Native and Invasive Mollusks in the Illinois River
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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Performed eDNA metabarcoding on water samples collected from the Illinois River and its tributaries
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Evaluated associations of invasive mollusks to the presence/absence of native fish/mollusks and evaluated abiotic and biotic conditions that predispose rivers/streams to mollusk invasion
2021-2024
Incorporating eDNA Metabarcoding into an Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Program
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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Sampled fish community of large river system using electrofishing, larval fish trawls, and fyke nets
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Performed eDNA metabarcoding on water samples and larval fish trawls
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Evaluated biases of each sampling gear and their ability to detect a newly invasive fish species
2021-2024
Environmental DNA Metabarcoding or Monitoring Fish Biodiversity in Remote Lakes
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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Sampled eDNA from remote inland lakes on Isle Royale and performed eDNA metabarcoding
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Examined impact of sampling depth on detection rates of cold-water fish species and provided evidence of the ability of cold-water fish species to survive in small thermally impacted lakes
2021-2024
Design and partial validation of novel eDNA qPCR assays for three common North American tick (Arachnida: Ixodida) species
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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Designed and developed primer-probe qPCR assays to detect DNA from 3 disease-transmitting tick species in Illinois
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Carried out in silico and in vitro validation of primer-probe assays and performed in situ tests on grassland samples
Teaching Experience
Instructor of Record
2024
Sampling eDNA for Conservation
University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
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Designed curriculum for a new, field-based class for undergraduates to learn how to sample eDNA in various environments, process samples in the laboratory, and design qPCR assays
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Sole instructor for the class, gave lectures on eDNA concepts, demonstrated field and laboratory techniques, and created self-guided lessons to introduce students to eDNA assay design
Teaching Assistant
2022-2024
Plants and Ecosystems: Advanced Writing Composition (3 semesters)
University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
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Designed and carried out lectures to graduate and undergraduate students on the intricacies of science writing, graded assignments, and led reviews of writing best practices and strategies of scientific writing
2022
Climate Change and Ecosystems
University of Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
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Graded undergraduate assignments and led reviews of course topics for undergraduate students through office hours
2017-2019
General Biology Teaching Assistant (4 semesters)
Saint Vincent College Department of Biology
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Developed and led a weekly review session for General Biology I and II students, tutored individual students in General Biology and Chemistry courses, mentored undergraduate students, and helped prepare undergraduates for quizzes and exams
2018
Ecology Laboratory Teaching Assistant
Saint Vincent College Department of Biology
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Aided in the re-design of course materials and activities, prepared laboratory materials, demonstrated ecological techniques in the field, and assisted students in carrying out labs