Science Uncorked: From the Canopy to the Canyonlands: DNA sequencing transforming conservation

Friday, January 30th, 2026 from 6 pm to 8 pm

From the Canopy to the Canyonlands: How DNA sequencing is transforming conservation

Presented by Denita Weeks, Ph. D.

What if you could assess the health of an ecosystem without ever seeing most of its inhabitants?
By analyzing environmental samples, researchers can identify plants and animals through the DNA they leave behind—known as environmental DNA (eDNA). This technique is transforming how scientists document and protect biodiversity and played a keystone role for Team Limelight Rainforest, the Grand Junction-based team that won the $5 million XPRIZE Rainforest competition by developing a rapid, portable solution to document biodiversity in some of the most remote rainforests on Earth. Join us to learn how eDNA was used during the XPRIZE competition and how this same technology continues to shape both local and global biodiversity research.

Denita is an Associate Professor of Biology at Colorado Mesa University, where she teaches microbiology and mentors undergraduate researchers. Her path into conservation began with hands-on field research as a student and expanded into the molecular tools she uses today in amphibian conservation, microbial ecology, and the use of eDNA to study biodiversity at local and global scales. Denita served as the DNA sequencing lead for Team Limelight Rainforest and continues to work in tropical ecosystems. She has also worked extensively to document amphibian biodiversity and develop community science initiatives in western Colorado, including projects that engage students and volunteers in real-world data collection. Through teaching, research, and public outreach, Denita is committed to making science accessible and meaningful for everyone.